17 Cornbread Recipes from Sweet to Savory

Cornbread has a way of showing up in all kinds of forms, from crispy-edged skillet slices to cake-like versions topped with sweet or savory extras. This list dives into a variety of styles, with additions like candied bacon, chestnuts, and even sweet potato. Some are baked in cast iron, others whipped up in an air fryer, and a few lean into creative combinations with chili or banana. No matter how it’s made, each one brings something different to the table.

Air Fryer Cornbread Cake with Candied Bacon and Honey Buttercream

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This one is part cake, part cornbread, layered with a honey buttercream that adds a rich sweetness. The candied bacon gives it a crispy, salty edge that balances the sugar. Air frying keeps it moist with golden edges. It works well as a unique dessert or a bold side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornbread Cake with Candied Bacon and Honey Buttercream

Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins

Pile of cornbread muffins on a white plate. — Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Quick to make and even quicker to disappear, these muffins are light and slightly crisp around the edges. They’re sized for easy serving and come out golden in under 15 minutes. The air fryer gives them a fluffy inside without drying them out. Great with soup or served solo with butter.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins

Banana Cornbread

Slices of cornbread stacked on a white plate with bananas in the background. — Banana Cornbread. Photo credit: Mama’s On A Budget.

Mashed banana gives this version a soft texture and a subtle natural sweetness. It’s a cross between banana bread and classic cornbread. Ideal for breakfast or brunch, especially with a spread of butter. It keeps well and gets even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Banana Cornbread

Beans and Cornbread

A classic pairing that holds up for good reason, this dish combines rich, seasoned beans with soft, crumbly cornbread. The flavors soak into each other when served hot. It’s a filling combo that’s hearty and satisfying. Best served in a bowl with plenty of broth.
Get the Recipe: Beans and Cornbread

Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread

An overhead image of a hand holding a cast iron skillet with cornbread. — Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This version has a deeply browned crust from the hot skillet, with a dense, buttery crumb inside. The texture is just firm enough to slice cleanly. Baking it in cast iron gives it a rustic finish and added depth. It’s the kind people tend to argue over for the corner piece.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread

Cheddar Iron Skillet Cornbread

Iron skillet cornbread filled with vegetables and cheese. — Cheddar Iron Skillet Cornbread. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Cheddar brings a sharp, salty bite to each slice of this skillet cornbread. The cheese melts slightly into the batter and crisps up on top. It’s great served warm, especially next to a bowl of chili. This one has both crunch and chew in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Iron Skillet Cornbread

Cornbread Casserole

Creamy and soft, this casserole version leans toward spoonbread with its rich texture. It includes corn kernels and often a bit of sour cream for smoothness. A go-to for feeding a crowd, it’s easy to assemble ahead. Serve it warm right from the dish.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Casserole

Cornbread Chestnut Stuffing

Chestnuts bring a nutty depth and a bit of texture to this twist on stuffing. The cornbread base soaks up broth while holding its shape. It’s earthy and flavorful, with bits of celery and herbs throughout. Works well at holiday dinners or alongside roast meats.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Chestnut Stuffing

Grandma’s Cornbread

Overhead shot of cornbread in a cast iron skillet with a single slice cut out. — Grandma’s Cornbread. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This one keeps it simple, with basic ingredients and no frills. It’s the kind baked in a big dish and cut into thick squares. Golden on top and slightly sweet, it’s soft enough for crumbling but firm enough to dip. It tastes like something passed down through generations.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Cornbread

Old Fashioned Berry Cornbread Cake

Berries add pops of juice and tartness to this cake-like version. The batter is slightly sweet and holds the fruit without sinking. It bakes up tall with a soft, tender crumb. Best served warm with a bit of butter or even a drizzle of cream.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Berry Cornbread Cake

Easy Sweet Potato Cornbread

Mashed sweet potato makes this version moist and rich with a hint of sweetness. The batter comes together quickly and bakes evenly. It’s a nice shift from standard cornbread with a touch of fall flavor. Great with butter or honey on top.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sweet Potato Cornbread

Sweet Potato Cornbread

This version has a denser crumb with noticeable sweet potato flavor in every bite. It’s slightly darker in color and full of warmth. Often paired with spicy dishes to balance heat. Holds together well for slicing and stacking.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread

Sweet Southern Buttermilk Cornbread

A slice of cornbread with a pat of butter on top sits on a pan, next to a bowl of honey with a honey dipper. — Sweet Southern Buttermilk Cornbread. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This classic has a tang from the buttermilk and just a touch of sweetness. It bakes up with crisp edges and a soft middle. Southern-style means it’s buttery, golden, and ideal for dunking. Great on its own or with pinto beans.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Southern Buttermilk Cornbread

Buttermilk Cornbread

Close-up of honey being drizzled onto a slice of Southern cornbread with a wooden honey dipper. The cornbread, boasting a moist center and golden crust, sits on parchment paper, accompanied by green leaves. The softly blurred background highlights its inviting texture. — Buttermilk Cornbread. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

The buttermilk gives it a slight tang and keeps the texture moist. It’s simple, reliable, and golden from edge to center. Easy to mix in one bowl and bake fast. This one never lasts long at the table.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Cornbread

Vegan Cornbread

No eggs or dairy here, but still soft with a slight crumble. Often made with almond milk or another non-dairy alternative. It bakes up with golden tops and a tender middle. A great option when serving mixed dietary preferences.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cornbread

Vegan Gluten-Free Cornbread

Vegan and gluten-free cornbread on a wooden cutting board. — Vegan Gluten-Free Cornbread. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Made without flour or dairy, but still full of flavor and texture. Cornmeal gives it a sturdy base while other ingredients keep it light. Holds together well and doesn’t dry out. Good for slicing and reheating without crumbling.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Gluten-Free Cornbread

Chili Cornbread Casserole Recipe

This two-in-one dish layers spiced chili underneath a cornbread top. It bakes up like a pie with savory filling and golden crust. The cornbread soaks in some of the chili flavor while staying fluffy. Makes a full meal in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Chili Cornbread Casserole Recipe