Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsLaura Lee'sHouse Cornbread Recipe

House Cornbread Recipe

Inspired by Laura Lee's
Time45m
Serves6

whipped honey butter

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Ingredients

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Cornbread

Method

Cornbread

  1. 1

    Preheat and prepare pan

    Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or an 8x8-inch square baking pan in the oven while it preheats so it gets hot. If using a baking pan, grease it lightly with 1 teaspoon of butter or oil and set aside.

  2. 2

    Mix dry ingredients

    In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal (1 cup), all-purpose flour (1 cup), granulated sugar (2 tbsp), baking powder (2 tsp), baking soda (1/2 tsp) and salt (3/4 tsp) until evenly distributed.

  3. 3

    Combine wet ingredients

    In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk (1 cup) with the eggs (2) until blended. Whisk in the melted butter (4 tbsp) and vegetable oil (1 tbsp).

  4. 4

    Make the batter

    Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon just until combined and no large dry streaks remain; small lumps are fine. Do not overmix.

  5. 5

    Bake

    Carefully remove the preheated skillet from the oven and add 1 teaspoon of butter to coat the bottom and sides (if using a skillet). Pour the batter into the hot skillet or prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

  6. 6

    Cool and slice

    Remove the cornbread from the oven and let it cool in the pan or skillet for 10 minutes. If using cast iron, run a spatula around the edge and transfer to a cutting board or slice directly in the skillet. Serve warm with the whipped honey butter.

Whipped Honey Butter

  1. 7

    Soften and combine

    Ensure the butter (1/2 cup) is soft but not melted. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk for 30–60 seconds until light and slightly fluffy.

  2. 8

    Add honey and seasonings

    Add the honey (2 tbsp), powdered sugar (1 tbsp, optional), and salt (1/8 tsp). If using, add the lemon zest (1/2 tsp). Continue to whip on medium-high speed 1–2 minutes until the mixture is pale, smooth and spreadable. Taste and adjust salt or honey to preference.

  3. 9

    Chill briefly (optional)

    For a firmer but still spreadable texture, chill the whipped butter in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes before serving. Serve a generous dollop alongside warm cornbread.

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