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!

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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.

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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.

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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

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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 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.

Why do you put buttermilk in cornbread? ›

Buttermilk is a key ingredient

The reaction of the acid in the buttermilk on the rising agents makes for a lighter rise. This prevents the dense texture cornbread may sometimes have. I'm going to take a moment here, to tell you that you ought to have some buttermilk on hand pretty much all the time.

Can you substitute sour cream for milk when making cornbread? ›

Sour Cream can be substituted for milk in cornbread but will need to be thinned. I recommend using 75% sour cream and 25% water. Sour Cream will also change the taste of the cornbread and will add a slight tangy flavor which can be counteracted by using a small amount of vanilla extract.

Can I substitute corn flour for gluten-free flour? ›

Although it doesn't add much nutritional value to your food, corn flour is an excellent versatile ingredient that can be used for cooking, baking and frying, especially for those who follow a gluten-free diet.

Can I use gluten-free flour instead of corn flour? ›

Substitute ratio: 1:1

Glutinous rice flour can be used as a replacement for cornflour in many recipes, and it's gluten-free - despite its name.

Can you use almond milk instead of milk in cornbread? ›

Almond milk – For moisture. If you don't keep almond milk on hand, feel free to substitute a different type of milk. My homemade oat milk or regular cow's milk would work here too. An egg – It adds richness and helps the cornbread puff up in the oven.

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.

Can I use heavy cream instead of milk in Jiffy cornbread? ›

1 box jiffy cornbread mix. 1 egg 1/3 cup heavy cream (replaces the milk called for on the box) 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup marshmallow fluff Whisk together as box requires. Bake @ 400 degrees for 18-20 mins.

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.

Why do bakers love buttermilk? ›

Buttermilk is made up of a variety of acids – the results of the fermentation process, which give baked goods a couple of benefits. First, the acidity provides tangy flavor to balance all kinds of sweet baked treats. Second, it activates baking soda, producing the gas that makes dough or batter rise.

What is cornbread and buttermilk called? ›

Also referred to as “crumble-in,” this hearty snack of cornbread doused in milk is beloved among communities in the Southern United States, stretching from Appalachian West Virginia to the heart of Texas.

When making jiffy cornbread without milk? ›

Water: Water can be used as a substitute for milk in Jiffy cornbread. It may result in a slightly drier and less rich texture, but it will still work. Buttermilk: Buttermilk is a good substitute for milk in Jiffy cornbread. It will add a tangy flavor and a moist texture.

What can I use to make Jiffy cornbread if I don t have 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.

What to sub for buttermilk in cornbread? ›

Here are several dairy-based buttermilk substitutes.
  1. Milk and vinegar. Adding vinegar to milk gives it an acidity similar to that of buttermilk. ...
  2. Milk and lemon juice. ...
  3. Milk and cream of tartar. ...
  4. Lactose-free milk and acid. ...
  5. Sour cream and water or milk. ...
  6. Plain yogurt and water or milk. ...
  7. Plain kefir. ...
  8. Buttermilk powder and water.

Is gluten free cornmeal the same as cornmeal? ›

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.

What is gluten free cornbread made of? ›

Cornmeal -- Make sure the cornmeal is gluten free! Sugar -- some people think sugar doesn't belong in cornbread, but I say they don't know what they're talking about. Baking Powder -- this will help the bread rise. Vegetable Oil -- the oil in this bread makes it the most incredibly moist cornbread you'll ever have.

What cornbread mix is gluten free? ›

Gluten Free Cornbread Mix :: Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods.

Is corn gluten meal the same as corn? ›

Corn meal is the whole meal unlike corn gluten which is only part of the corn meal. Corn as a grain is a mix of proteins, sugars and other carbohydrates that varies greatly depending on the cultivar and the quality of soil it was grown on.

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