Gluten-Free Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe - This Is How I Cook (2024)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·3.5 from 2 reviews

This naturally gluten-free buttermilk cornbread recipe comes from an old Southern cookbook that my mother in law gave me years ago. Easy to make and full of lots of corn flavor, this classic cornbread is flavorful and yummy!

this …

My Cooking in the South cookbook has no less than 12 recipes for cornbread, so the hardest part was deciding which one to try.

All contain just a few simple ingredients, but knowing that many folks have issues with gluten, I thought I’d try this one with its very short ingredient list.

Usually I bake the standard cornmeal recipe on the back of the Quaker yellow cornmeal box, but with buttermilk in the fridge, I thought I’d see if a recipe could be found for a sweet cornbread that contains it.

This buttermilk cornbread recipe didn’t contain sugar which meant adding 1/4 c sugar, because I like a sweeter cornbread.

There is no need to add sugar, so I’ll leave it to you to decide on the amount of sugar you may or may not want to use, to make this moist cornbread.

This very corn flavored cornbread contains eggs, buttermilk, corn meal and some melted butter, vegetable oil or bacon drippings. The choice is yours.

Gluten-Free Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe - This Is How I Cook (2)

Is cornmeal gluten-free?

Cornmeal is naturally gluten free. Just keep in mind that cornbread mixes are not. Use only cornmeal marked gluten free!

This gluten free buttermilk cornbread uses just cornmeal.

No flour. Just some salt, baking soda and baking powder.

Nope, no xanthan gum or special flour blends either!

Do these corn muffins get nice rounded tops?

Well, not here in Denver, at least in my oven…but they do taste great and are still light with a tender crumb that is made for honey butter!

But it’s the crispy golden edges that I love, that come from baking these at 475 degrees.

Even if you don’t have a cast-iron skillet; I used a well greased muffin tin, this could be the best cornbread I’ve made.

However let’s be honest here-I love all cornbread!

Though this great recipe is gluten free, I find an added bonus in that sometimes I have been known to run out of flour, which makes this a very handy recipe to have on hand.

Gluten-Free Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe - This Is How I Cook (3)

How Do You Make this Easy Gluten Free Cornbread Recipe with Buttermilk?

Decide whether you want to use an 8″cast iron skillet, cast iron pan, or a muffin tin. (This recipe makes 12 – 18 regular sized muffins.)

No muffin liners required, just grease well!

Personally I used a muffin tin because I knew there would be leftovers and it is easy to freeze muffins for just the two of us.

Grease either very well and set aside.

When you are ready to preheat the oven, if using a cast iron skillet or mold, preheat the skillet along with the oven.

Your wet ingredients are just two room temperature eggs combined with buttermilk. Mix these up in a large bowl.

Don’t have buttermilk?

Just add 1 T of lemon juice or vinegar per cup of milk, stir it in and let it sit until it thickens which happens in just a few minutes.

Forgot to take the eggs out? Just place them in a small bowl with warm to hot water for a few minutes. This should do the trick.

Gluten-Free Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe - This Is How I Cook (4)

Why do recipes always say that eggs should be at room temperature?

Cold eggs don’t mix into other ingredients as well. Cold eggs make for lumpy batters and batters that don’t rise as well.

Now in a large measuring cup measure your dry ingredients, which is just the cornmeal, salt, baking soda and powder.

Stir this into the wet ingredients and then add the melted butter, vegetable oil, olive oil, coconut oil or bacon grease drippings.

Spoon into the muffin tins or pour into the skillet.

Bake time is a little longer with the skillet, but either way you will have homemade cornbread in less than 25 minutes.

This easy recipe can be adapted in many ways. Want to add some cheddar cheese or drained corn kernels or green chiles to make a more savory cornbread? No problemo.

Cornbread goes great with soup and I don’t know about you, but if I’m having soup, the bread on the side is as important to me as the bowl of soup!

These gluten free cornbread muffins are a great side dish to most any main course.

Gluten-Free Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe - This Is How I Cook (5)

Leftover cornbread?

I use it to make tamale stuffing, to make cornbread croutons, and even cornbread bread pudding.

So if you are one of those gluten-free folks and even if you aren’t, this classic cornbread recipe is the best gluten-free cornbread recipe I know.

Try it. Those crispy, golden edges are so worth it!

More Cornbread/Cornmeal Ideas:

Cornbread Tomato Salad

Gluten-Free Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe - This Is How I Cook (6)

Blackberry Cornmeal Cake

Gluten-Free Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe - This Is How I Cook (7)

Cornmeal Olive Oil Cake

Gluten-Free Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe - This Is How I Cook (8)

I’d Love it if You’d Follow Me and Pin and Share:

Gluten-Free Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe - This Is How I Cook (9)

Print

Gluten-Free Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe - This Is How I Cook (10)

Gluten Free Cornbread Recipe with Buttermilk

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star3.5 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Abbe Odenwalder
  • Prep Time: 15 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 Minutes
  • Total Time: 40 Minutes
  • Yield: 1 9" pan or 18 muffins 1x
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This gluten-free cornbread requires no special ingredients. Made with cornbread and buttermilk, this is a classic Southern recipe!

Ingredients

UnitsScale

2 room temperature eggs

2 c buttermilk

2 c cornmeal

1 t salt

1 t baking soda

2 t baking powder

1/4 c sugar is optional or use to taste

2 T melted bacon grease, OR vegetable, olive or coconut oil, OR melted butter

Instructions

Preheat oven to 475. Use a 8-9″ cast iron skillet or muffin tin pan for about 18 muffins. Grease well.

In a large measuring cup, beat room temperature eggs. Add buttermilk and mix well.

In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients and sugar if using.

Stir egg/buttermilk mixture into dry ingredients.

Stir in liquid fat of choice.

Pour or spoon into a well greased skillet or muffin tin.

Bake about 25 minutes if using skillet or about 15 – 20 minutes if baking muffins.

To test for doneness, insert a toothpick. Only a few crumbs should be clinging to it. Also the edges of the cornbread should be pulling away from the pan.

Notes

Feel free to add drained kernels of corn or green chilies. You may also choose to add 1 cup of your favorite shredded cheese.

Butter milk can be made with 1 T of lemon juice or vinegar combined with 1 c of milk.

Gluten-Free Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe - This Is How I Cook (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to use buttermilk or milk in cornbread? ›

I recommend using buttermilk in this cornbread recipe for the best texture; it helps keep it soft and moist. If you use just regular milk for this recipe, your cornbread will come out drier than I personally care for, but since cornbread is classically crumbly, you might be able to get away with it.

Is gluten free cornbread the same as regular cornbread? ›

Traditional cornbread is made with a mix of cornmeal and wheat flour, so it is not a gluten-free bread that is safe for people with Celiac disease. However, you can buy gluten-free cornbread mix from brands like Bob's Red Mill, King Arthur, and Krusteaz. (Just look out for the gluten-free label on the package.)

What happens if you use water instead of milk in cornbread? ›

Can I substitute water for milk in cornbread mix? Yes, you can, but it may result in a less rich flavor. If you're out of milk, try using cream or half-and-half, evaporated or powdered milk, or even plain yogurt. If you have dietary restrictions, try soy milk or oat milk.

Can I substitute heavy cream for milk in cornbread mix? ›

You can substitute heavy cream for 1/2 cup milk plus 1/2 cup sour cream, combined. You can also substitute the cream for milk. Use 3/4 cup plus 2 Tablespoons of milk plus 2 Tablespoons melted butter to the batter. The cornbread will have a close texture.

Can I use heavy whipping cream instead of buttermilk for cornbread? ›

They're not completely interchangeable. Yes, you can swap them in a recipe, but it's not as simple as switching buttermilk for heavy cream/heavy cream for buttermilk. For example, if you're replacing buttermilk with heavy cream you'll probably need to switch out your baking soda for baking powder.

Can I substitute half-and-half for buttermilk in cornbread? ›

Yes! Technically you can use any type, but we recommend skipping the skim milk. For the best results, use anything from 2% to half-and-half. What is the best buttermilk substitute?

Why is cornmeal not gluten-free? ›

Cornmeal is also gluten-free. Cornmeal is a coarse flour made from maize, (i.e. corn). Just like cornflour, it's important to look for labeled gluten-free cornmeal whenever possible, as cross-contact can easily occur during manufacturing. Hominy is a product of corn and is gluten-free.

Can gluten intolerant people eat cornbread? ›

While corn is gluten free, most cornbread recipes also include regular, all-purpose flour which makes them not gluten free.

Can you use mayonnaise instead of milk in cornbread? ›

As shocking as it may seem, mayonnaise is a perfect substitute for milk when making cornbread for the lactose intolerant.

What can I use in Jiffy cornbread instead of milk? ›

You can just use water instead which is what most cornbread mixes ask for in the first. I've used both before and it normally turns out good either way. If you don't want to use water though some other milk substitutes are usually other dairy products like yogurt, sour cream, or half and half.

Can I use buttermilk instead of milk? ›

when it comes to baking. The reason why so many recipes use buttermilk. is because it adds acidity, and that acidity interacts with things like baking soda, which ends up activating it even more. and helping it to rise. So if you just swap your buttermilk for milk, it's gonna change your recipe.

Can I use half-and-half in cornbread mix? ›

Thoroughly grease a 9 x 9-inch baking dish. Sift together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. Combine the half-and-half, eggs, butter (or shortening), and sugar (if using). Add half-and-half mixture to the flour mixture and combine just until the flour is moistened, no more than 10 to 15 seconds.

Is Jiffy cornbread good for diabetics? ›

Cornbread is delicious and a great accompaniment to any meal. However, it is not a good idea if you are a diabetic. The high starch and cornmeal contents are carbohydrates which are broken down into sugar in the body. Sugar is extremely dangerous for people with diabetes, so it is best to avoid it.

Why use buttermilk instead of milk? ›

The acid affects the casein proteins' ability to come together by lowering the pH of the milk, and that's what produces the thick texture of buttermilk. Buttermilk is used primarily for its pleasant tangy flavor, but it can also help tenderize and leaven certain baked goods.

What is the best substitute for milk in cornbread? ›

As shocking as it may seem, mayonnaise is a perfect substitute for milk when making cornbread for the lactose intolerant. You won't really notice the difference in taste in the cornbread; it's mainly for holding your cornbread together so it doesn't crumble apart.

Should I substitute buttermilk for milk? ›

Yes, you can replace milk with an equal amount of buttermilk, but it will affect the flavor and acidity. The flavor won't be bad, just sharper. Take the difference between buttermilk and regular pancakes, for example.

Is using buttermilk better than whole milk? ›

Buttermilk has more acid than regular milk, which will reduce the carbon dioxide released and thwart the leavening process important to these recipes. To achieve the desired result when using buttermilk instead of milk, be sure to substitute baking soda for some or all for of the baking powder.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ms. Lucile Johns

Last Updated:

Views: 6371

Rating: 4 / 5 (61 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ms. Lucile Johns

Birthday: 1999-11-16

Address: Suite 237 56046 Walsh Coves, West Enid, VT 46557

Phone: +59115435987187

Job: Education Supervisor

Hobby: Genealogy, Stone skipping, Skydiving, Nordic skating, Couponing, Coloring, Gardening

Introduction: My name is Ms. Lucile Johns, I am a successful, friendly, friendly, homely, adventurous, handsome, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.