Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Cornbread
Chili-Honey Butter
Method
Cornbread
- 1
Preheat and prepare pan
Position an oven rack in the center and preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a 9-inch cast-iron skillet (or an equivalent ovenproof skillet) in the oven while it heats. This will create a hot pan for a crisp exterior. If using a baking pan, lightly butter and set aside; still preheat oven to 425°F.
- 2
Combine dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
- 3
Mix wet ingredients
In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk the milk (or buttermilk), egg, and the 4 tablespoons melted butter until smooth.
- 4
Make the batter
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are fine. The batter should be pourable but slightly thick—if it's too thick, stir in up to 1–2 tablespoons additional milk.
- 5
Heat fat in skillet
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven using oven mitts. Add 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and swirl to coat the bottom. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering (about 30 seconds).
- 6
- 7
Rest
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the cornbread rest for 5–10 minutes to set. Run a knife around the edge if needed and transfer to a cutting board, or slice and serve directly from the skillet.
Chili-Honey Butter
- 8
Combine components
While the cornbread bakes, place the softened butter in a small bowl. Add the honey, hot sauce (or sambal), smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and the optional lemon juice. Use a fork or small spatula to mash and blend until smooth and fully combined. Taste and adjust: add more honey for sweetness, more hot sauce for heat, or more salt to taste.
- 9