Gluten-Free Cornbread Recipe

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

40 mins

Total Time:

50 mins

Servings:

8

Made with just seven ingredients and mixed up in under 10 minutes, this gluten-free cornbread is just as tender and delicious as its traditional counterparts. Gluten-free cornmeal makes this cornbread conveniently gluten-free; just make sure that the cornmeal you are using is certified gluten-free and not processed in a plant that also processes wheat.

With buttermilk for a tender crumb, butter for richness, and a pinch of sugar for sweetness, this cornbread is everything you want it to be, and more. It's baked in a preheated skillet coated in butter for a crisp, browned edge that contrasts the cornbread's fluffy crumb. Up the ante by stirring shredded cheese, crisp bacon, fresh chives, and more into the batter before baking.

Learn how to make gluten-free cornbread, and offer up wedges at your next soup night.

Is Cornmeal a Gluten-Free Flour?

Cornmeal is made from ground corn, and is naturally gluten-free. That being said, some processing facilities also process wheat and wheat-based products, so there may be cross-contamination that occurs along the way. Check the label of the cornmeal you're using to ensure that it's certified gluten-free before using.

Ingredients for Gluten-Free Cornbread

Seven ingredients are all that's needed to make this deliciously tender cornbread, and you probably have most (or all) of them stocked in your pantry:

Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tanginess.
Large eggs: Binds the batter.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor.
Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor.
Baking powder: Lifts the cornbread for a cakey, fluffy crumb.
Baking soda: Reacts with the buttermilk to help lift the cornbread.
Granulated sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness.
Gluten-free cornmeal: Check the label for a certified gluten-free cornmeal.

ingredients for gluten-free cornbread — Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

How To Make Gluten-Free Cornbread

Ten minutes of prep time, and your gluten-free cornbread will be ready to bake. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

Step 1. Prepare oven and skillet: Preheat oven to 400°F with a 10-inch cast-iron skillet inside.
Step 2. Make cornbread batter: Whisk together buttermilk, eggs, 5 Tbsp. melted butter, and salt. Stir in baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and cornmeal.
Step 3. Ready skillet for batter: Pour remaining 2 Tbsp. melted butter into hot skillet, swirling to coat.
Step 4. Bake cornbread: Pour in batter and bake until golden brown, 38 to 40 minutes.

Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Cornbread

For the best gluten-free cornbread, keep these tips in mind:

Use buttermilk: For a subtle tanginess and moist texture, buttermilk is a crucial element in making great cornbread.
Choose the right cornmeal: A high-quality, finely-ground cornmeal will provide the most tender, consistent results.
Preheat the skillet: Make sure you take the time to preheat the skillet with butter for an irresistibly crisp, golden edge.
Bake until golden: Check the center with a wooden pick along the way to prevent overbaking.

Variations for Gluten-Free Cornbread

This cornbread is easy to customize. Feel free to stir crisp bacon, fresh chives, green onions, chopped jalapeño peppers, shredded cheese, herbs, or fresh corn kernels into the batter before baking.

What To Serve with Gluten-Free Cornbread

Serve this cornbread slathered with butter, or paired with any of your favorite dishes, including eggs and bacon, soups, stews, salads, barbecue, and more.

Extra cornbread? Use it up in this gluten-free cornbread dressing.

How To Store Gluten-Free Cornbread

Store gluten-free cornbread well-wrapped at room temperature for up to two days. You can also refrigerate for up to five days or freeze for up to three months. Bring to room temperature or warm in the oven before serving.

More Gluten-Free Recipes You'll Love

If you're looking for delicious, gluten-free baked goods, give these recipes a try:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

gluten-free cornbread wedges on plates - southern living — Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

Ingredients

3 cups buttermilk
2 large eggs
7 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and divided
2 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
4 1/2 cups gluten-free cornmeal (such as Quaker)

Directions

Prepare oven and skillet:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven to preheat with the oven.
Make cornbread batter:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, 5 Tbsp. melted butter, and salt.

Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

Stir in baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and cornmeal until fully incorporated. The batter should be loose but without any lumps.

Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
Melt butter in skillet:

Remove cast-iron skillet from the oven and pour in the remaining 2 Tbsp. melted butter, carefully swirling the skillet to coat it in butter.

Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
Add batter to skillet:

Pour batter into skillet, and bake until golden brown and until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cornbread comes out clean, 38 to 40 minutes.

Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

Frequently Asked Questions

Can people with celiac disease eat cornbread?

While cornbread made with certified gluten-free cornmeal is gluten-free, your kitchen may contain traces of flour that would be an issue for those with celiac disease.
What's the best gluten-free cornmeal?

Quaker, Bob's Red Mill, and Arrowhead Mills all sell high-quality gluten-free cornmeal. Feel free to opt for a brand you love.
What's the difference between Southern cornbread and other types of cornbread?

Southern cornbread is unique in that it typically contains buttermilk, is often made with only cornmeal (no other types of flour), and without sugar. It's often baked in a preheated skillet for a crisp, browned edge.