If you love soft, sweet and buttery cornbread, this Cracker Barrel Cornbread Recipe is perfect.
It tastes just like the cornbread served at the famous restaurant. The texture is moist, light and slightly sweet, making it ideal for pairing with soups, stews or fried chicken.
Making this cornbread at home is easier than you think. With simple ingredients and a few steps, you can enjoy restaurant-style cornbread anytime.
In this post, I will show you how to make Cracker Barrel Cornbread step by step. You will also learn helpful tips, serving suggestions and storage advice for the best results.
My Experience With This Recipe
I tried this Cracker Barrel Cornbread Recipe on a weekend evening, and it was a hit. The cornbread baked perfectly golden on top and stayed soft inside.
My family loved the sweet, buttery flavor and asked for seconds. I served it with a bowl of chili and it complemented the dish beautifully. The recipe is forgiving and easy to follow, even for beginners.
Now, I make it regularly for dinners, holidays and special occasions. This cornbread is moist, flavorful and always a crowd-pleaser.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Cracker Barrel Cornbread
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 220 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- 8×8 inch baking pan or skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven mitts
- Cooling rack
Ingredients You Need for Cracker Barrel Cornbread
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for extra sweetness)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or skillet with butter. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir until evenly mixed. - Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, eggs and honey until smooth and well blended. - Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix to keep cornbread light. - Pour Batter into Pan
Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread evenly with a spatula for uniform baking. - Bake the Cornbread
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. Top should be golden brown and firm to touch. - Check for Doneness
Insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean. If not, bake 2–3 minutes more. - Cool Slightly
Let the cornbread cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes. This helps it set and makes slicing easier. - Slice and Serve
Cut the cornbread into squares or wedges. Serve warm with butter, honey or jam.
Recipe Tips
- Do not overmix the batter; it keeps the cornbread soft and tender.
- Use fresh cornmeal for better flavor.
- Add a little honey for extra sweetness if desired.
- You can bake in a cast-iron skillet for a slightly crispier crust.
- Serve immediately for the best texture, but it reheats well.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
Serving Suggestions
This Cracker Barrel Cornbread is perfect as a side dish with soups, stews or chili. It also pairs beautifully with fried chicken or barbecued meats.
You can drizzle it with honey or spread butter on top for extra flavor. Cornbread works well for breakfast or snack too. Its sweet, buttery taste makes it a favorite for all ages.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Chili or beef stew
- Fried chicken or grilled meats
- Creamy soups like broccoli cheddar
- Mashed potatoes or collard greens
- Honey or butter for spreading
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap cornbread in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes. Microwave for 30–60 seconds for quick reheating.
Cracker Barrel Cornbread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon honey optional for extra sweetness
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or skillet with butter.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
Combine Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, eggs, and honey until smooth and well blended.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix to keep cornbread light.
Pour Batter into Pan
- Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread evenly with a spatula for uniform baking.
Bake the Cornbread
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. Top should be golden brown and firm to touch.
Check for Doneness
- Insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean. If not, bake 2–3 minutes more.
Cool Slightly
- Let the cornbread cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Slice and Serve
- Cut the cornbread into squares or wedges. Serve warm with butter, honey, or jam.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter; it keeps the cornbread soft and tender.
- Use fresh cornmeal for better flavor.
- Add a little honey for extra sweetness if desired.
- You can bake in a cast-iron skillet for a slightly crispier crust.
- Serve immediately for the best texture, but it reheats well.
FAQs about Cracker Barrel Cornbread
1. Can I make this cornbread gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Cornbread will be slightly denser but still delicious.
2. Can I make it vegan?
Yes, replace eggs with flax eggs and milk with plant-based milk. Use vegan butter or oil instead of butter.
3. How can I make cornbread sweeter?
Add extra honey or increase sugar by 1–2 tablespoons. Cornbread will be slightly sweeter without affecting texture.
4. Can I use a cast-iron skillet?
Yes, it gives a crispy golden crust. Preheat the skillet before pouring in the batter for best results.
5. Can I add corn kernels?
Yes, fold in 1/2 cup of fresh or canned corn kernels for extra texture and flavor.
Conclusion
The Cracker Barrel Cornbread Recipe is soft, sweet and perfect for any meal. Its golden crust and tender inside make it a crowd-pleaser.
Following this guide, you now know how to make Cracker Barrel Cornbread at home easily. Serve it with soups, stews or fried chicken for a comforting meal.
With simple ingredients and easy steps, this cornbread is ideal for family dinners, holidays or any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy restaurant-style cornbread in your kitchen!
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
