Homestyle Brown Butter Skillet Cornbread Recipe by Ina Garten

Warm, golden cornbread with Ina Garten’s skillet magic sparks comfort in every bite.

The cast-iron pan creates a crispy exterior that crackles with deliciousness.

butter browns slowly, developing rich, nutty flavors that dance through the tender crumb.

Southern traditions meet culinary expertise in this simple yet stunning recipe.

Each slice promises a delectable experience that connects you to classic home cooking.

The aroma will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to savor this irresistible side dish.

Let’s dive into a cornbread recipe that turns an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Follow These Steps to Make Ina’s Cornbread Perfectly

• Buttery Preparation Cast-Iron Warmth

Grab your trusty skillet and get ready for a golden cornbread adventure. The magic starts with preheating the oven to a cozy 350°F, setting the stage for a delectable treat.

• Golden Butter Transformation

Watch the butter dance and transform in the skillet, turning a rich amber color. Carefully pour the brown liquid gold into a bowl, capturing every delicious nutty bit. The skillet becomes your secret weapon for crispy edges.

• Wet and Dry Harmony

Blend milk into the browned butter, then gently introduce eggs. In another bowl, whisk together dry ingredients, creating a fluffy landscape of flour, cornmeal, and sugar. Create a little well in the center like a culinary playground.

• Batter Resting and Mixing

Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring with a gentle touch. Let the batter relax and settle for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to mingle and develop depth.

• Skillet Magic and Baking

Transfer the batter back to the same skillet, smoothing the top. Sprinkle a generous pinch of flaky sea salt for a flavor burst. Slide into the oven and bake until a toothpick comes out clean, about 25-30 minutes. The top might crack slightly, showing its rustic charm.

Spice It Up: Tips for Ina Garten’s Cornbread

• Master the art of browning butter by watching its color change from pale yellow to a rich, nutty golden-brown, releasing a delightful toasty aroma that elevates the cornbread's flavor profile.
• Experiment with mix-ins like crispy bacon bits, jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, or fresh corn kernels to create a personalized twist on this classic southern-style recipe.
• Choose a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for the best crispy edges and even heat distribution, which ensures a perfectly golden-brown exterior and tender, moist interior.
• Store leftover cornbread wrapped in foil at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for up to a month. Warm slightly before serving to restore its fresh-baked texture and bring out the rich butter flavor.
• Prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately the night before, then combine and let rest in the morning for a quick and delicious breakfast or side dish that requires minimal morning prep time.

How to Slice & Serve Cornbread by Ina Garten

• Serve Warm and Comforting: Cut thick slices of the golden brown cornbread while it's still steaming hot, perfect for soaking up hearty soups or chili.
• Create a Rustic Appetizer Platter: Arrange cornbread wedges alongside creamy butter, tangy honey, or spicy jalapeño jam for a delightful sharing experience.
• Pair with Southern-Inspired Meals: Complement barbecue pulled pork, roasted chicken, or classic beef stew with this rich, buttery cornbread for a complete comfort food feast.
• Transform into Breakfast Delight: Toast leftover cornbread slices and top with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a drizzle of maple syrup for a decadent morning treat.

Storage Know-How for Ina Garten’s Cornbread

• Maximize Freshness: Store cornbread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping its delightful texture and flavor intact.
• Freeze for Later: Slice cornbread into individual portions, wrap securely in freezer-safe bags, and store up to 2 months for quick, satisfying bread anytime.
• Revive Leftover Slices: Warm gently in a toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds, bringing back the fresh-baked warmth and softness with minimal effort.
• Serve Smart: Enjoy best when served slightly warm, paired with butter or honey, and consume within 24 hours for optimal taste and moisture balance.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 8

Ina Garten’s Brown Butter Skillet Cornbread: Ingredient List

• Brown Butter: Adds nutty, rich depth and transforms ordinary cornbread into a luxurious treat; choose high-quality unsalted butter for best flavor.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a tender crumb; whole milk works best for richness.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to the cornbread's structure; use room temperature eggs for smooth mixing.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates foundational structure and texture; opt for unbleached flour for better taste.
• Cornmeal: Delivers authentic corn flavor and rustic texture; stone-ground cornmeal offers superior taste and authenticity.
• Sugar: Balances savory notes and enhances golden-brown color; use granulated white sugar for consistent sweetness.
• Baking Powder: Ensures perfect rise and lightness; check expiration date for maximum effectiveness.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile; select coarse-grain for better distribution.

• Flaked Sea Salt: Provides delightful crunch and intense flavor burst; choose high-quality sea salt for elegant finishing touch.

Cookware for Ina Garten’s Skillet Cornbread

• Cast-iron skillet: Heavy-duty, 12-inch pan essential for browning butter and baking cornbread with crispy edges.
• Large mixing bowls: Needed for combining wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients without overmixing.
• Rubber spatula: Helps fold batter gently and scrape sides of bowls.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Toothpick: Checks cornbread doneness by testing center.
• Medium bowl: Used for mixing butter and wet ingredients.

Rustic Brown Butter Skillet Cornbread Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s brown butter skillet cornbread elevates a classic Southern comfort dish with rich, nutty flavors. Warm cast-iron skillets and golden-brown edges promise a delectable experience that will make readers crave this comforting side dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (750 mL) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (250 mL) yellow cornmeal, Quaker
• ½ pound (226 g) unsalted butter
• 2¼ cups (540 mL) whole milk
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar
• 2 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tbsps baking powder
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• Flaked sea salt, Maldon, for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F with rack centered for uniform baking.
2. Brown Butter Transformation: Melt butter in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat, developing rich golden-brown color with aromatic nutty specks. Transfer caramelized butter and sediment to a mixing bowl.
3. Liquid Integration: Blend milk into browned butter, then whisk eggs carefully to prevent curdling. Maintain smooth temperature transition for optimal mixture consistency.
4. Dry Ingredient Assembly: Combine flour, sugar, cornmeal, baking powder, and kosher salt in a large bowl. Create a central well to receive liquid ingredients.
5. Batter Development: Pour butter-milk mixture into dry ingredient crater. Fold gently with rubber spatula, maintaining rustic lumpy texture. Allow 15-minute resting period for ingredient hydration and flavor melding.
6. Skillet Preparation: Restir batter, then pour into original skillet. Smooth surface evenly and garnish with delicate sea salt flakes for enhanced flavor profile.
7. Baking Finale: Bake 25-30 minutes until toothpick emerges clean and surface displays golden crackled finish. Rest briefly after removing from oven to stabilize cornbread structure before serving.

Notes

• Butter Browning Technique: Carefully brown butter to develop deep, nutty flavors without burning, watching for golden-brown specks that indicate perfect caramelization.
• Egg Tempering Trick: Slowly mix milk into browned butter before adding eggs to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, silky batter texture.
• Resting Batter Magic: Allow cornbread mixture to rest for 15 minutes, enabling dry ingredients to fully hydrate and flavors to meld for a more complex taste profile.
• Skillet Seasoning Hack: Use the same cast-iron skillet for browning butter and baking, which enhances natural seasoning and adds extra depth to the cornbread’s flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg