Homemade Cracker Barrel Cornbread: A Must-Try for Bread Lovers

Few things capture the comforting essence of Southern cooking quite like a warm slice of cornbread.

If you’ve ever dined at Cracker Barrel, you know their cornbread is something special—golden, slightly sweet, and perfectly moist with a tender crumb.

Now, you can recreate that same irresistible flavor right in your own kitchen.

This Cracker Barrel Cornbread Recipe is easy to make with simple pantry staples, and it delivers the perfect balance of crisp edges and soft, buttery insides.

Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty bowl of chili, a plate of barbecue, or just enjoying it on its own with a slather of honey butter, this homemade version will bring that classic, down-home taste to your table.

Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special and why you’ll love it!

Why You’ll Love This Cracker Barrel Cornbread Recipe

Authentic Restaurant-Style Taste

This recipe captures the signature flavor and texture of Cracker Barrel’s famous cornbread—mildly sweet, buttery, and golden brown on the outside with a soft and fluffy interior.

Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients

No fancy ingredients required! You likely already have everything you need in your kitchen.

With just a few basic pantry staples, you can whip up this delicious cornbread in no time.

Perfectly Balanced Texture

Unlike some cornbreads that are too dry or overly cakey, this version strikes the perfect balance—moist yet firm enough to hold together, making it ideal for dipping into stews or crumbling over dishes.

Great for Any Occasion

Whether you’re preparing a casual weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this cornbread is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals.

Serve it with fried chicken, collard greens, or a big bowl of homemade soup for the ultimate Southern comfort experience.

Customizable to Your Taste

Want to add a twist? This cornbread is a great base for mix-ins like shredded cheese, jalapeños, or even crispy bacon bits.

You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences while keeping that classic Cracker Barrel flavor intact.

Now that you know why this recipe is a must-try, let’s take a look at the simple ingredients you’ll need!

Ingredients Needed for Homemade Cracker Barrel Cornbread

Creating this Cracker Barrel-style cornbread at home is simple and requires just a handful of pantry staples.

Each ingredient plays a key role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and moisture.

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal – The star ingredient that gives cornbread its signature texture and flavor.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – Helps provide structure and softness.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness, just like Cracker Barrel’s version.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Ensures a light and fluffy texture.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Works with buttermilk to help the cornbread rise.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor.

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs – Helps bind the ingredients and add richness.
• 1 cup buttermilk – Essential for moisture and a slight tangy flavor.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted) – Adds that classic buttery taste and keeps the cornbread soft.

Optional Add-Ins:

• 2 tablespoons honey – For extra sweetness and depth of flavor.
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – A savory twist for cheese lovers.
• 1 finely chopped jalapeño – Adds a mild heat for a spicy kick.

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s get started with the step-by-step instructions!

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cracker Barrel Cornbread

Making this cornbread is quick and easy—just mix, pour, and bake!

Follow these simple steps to achieve golden, buttery perfection every time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Grease a cast-iron skillet or a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  Using a cast-iron skillet helps achieve crisp edges, just like in the restaurant.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly.
• Add buttermilk and melted butter, whisking until well combined.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

• Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently.
• Mix until just combined—do not overmix, as this can make the cornbread dense.
  The batter should be slightly thick but smooth.

Step 5: Bake the Cornbread

• Pour the batter into the prepared skillet or baking dish.
• Smooth the top with a spatula and place it in the oven.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Let It Cool and Serve

• Remove the cornbread from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
• Serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite Southern dishes.

Now that your Cracker Barrel cornbread is ready, let’s go over some pro tips to make sure it turns out perfect every time!

Tips for the Best Cracker Barrel Cornbread

Want to make sure your Cracker Barrel-style cornbread comes out perfect every time?

Follow these expert tips for the best flavor, texture, and appearance.

1. Use a Cast-Iron Skillet for Authentic Texture

For the most authentic taste and texture, bake your cornbread in a cast-iron skillet.

It creates a beautifully crisp crust while keeping the inside soft and moist.

If you don’t have one, a regular baking dish will still work, but the edges won’t be as crispy.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until incorporated.

Overmixing can develop too much gluten in the flour, making the cornbread dense instead of light and fluffy.

3. Preheat the Skillet for a Crispy Crust

For extra crispy edges, place the greased skillet in the oven while it preheats.

When you pour in the batter, it will sizzle, creating a delicious golden crust.

4. Adjust Sweetness to Your Taste

Cracker Barrel’s cornbread has a mild sweetness.

If you prefer a sweeter cornbread, increase the sugar slightly or add a drizzle of honey to the batter.

For a more traditional, savory cornbread, reduce the sugar.

5. Let It Rest Before Slicing

Resist the temptation to slice the cornbread right away! Let it cool for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the texture to firm up slightly, making it easier to cut.

Now that you’ve baked the perfect batch, let’s talk about the best ways to serve and enjoy your cornbread.

How to Serve Cracker Barrel Cornbread

This warm, golden cornbread is a versatile side dish that can be enjoyed in many delicious ways.

Here are some serving ideas to take your meal to the next level.

Classic & Simple

• With Butter and Honey: Spread a generous layer of butter and drizzle honey on top for a sweet and buttery treat.
• With Whipped Butter: Serve warm with a dollop of fluffy, salted whipped butter for an ultra-creamy bite.

As a Side Dish

Cracker Barrel cornbread is the perfect companion to a variety of Southern and comfort food dishes:

• With Chili or Stew: Dunk a slice into a bowl of hearty chili, beef stew, or gumbo.
• With BBQ: Serve alongside pulled pork, ribs, or smoked brisket for the ultimate barbecue experience.
• With Fried Chicken: A classic pairing with crispy fried chicken and collard greens.

Creative Ways to Use Leftovers

• Cornbread Stuffing: Crumble leftover cornbread and mix it with herbs, broth, and vegetables for a delicious Southern-style stuffing.
• Cornbread Croutons: Cube and toast pieces of cornbread for a unique, crunchy topping on salads or soups.
• Cornbread Breakfast: Reheat and serve with eggs, bacon, and a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet and savory breakfast.

No matter how you serve it, this homemade Cracker Barrel cornbread will bring warm, comforting flavors to your table. Up next, let’s go over the best ways to store and reheat your cornbread to keep it fresh!

Storing and Reheating Cornbread

Proper storage ensures your Cracker Barrel cornbread stays fresh and delicious for days.

Here’s how to keep it moist and flavorful:

How to Store Cornbread

• At Room Temperature: Wrap the cornbread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• In the Refrigerator: If you need to store it longer, place it in the fridge, where it will last up to a week. Just be sure to wrap it well to prevent it from drying out.
• In the Freezer: For long-term storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. Cornbread can be frozen for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat Cornbread

• Oven (Best Method): Preheat to 300°F (150°C), wrap cornbread in foil, and heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave (Quickest Method): Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 20-30 seconds. This helps keep it from drying out.
• Skillet (For Crispy Edges): Heat a pan over medium-low heat, add a small amount of butter, and warm each slice for 1-2 minutes per side.

Now that you know how to store and reheat cornbread properly, let’s wrap up with some final thoughts.

Final Thoughts

This Cracker Barrel Cornbread Recipe is the ultimate way to bring Southern comfort to your kitchen.

It’s easy to make, packed with buttery goodness, and pairs perfectly with countless dishes.

Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or reheating leftovers, each bite is warm, soft, and deliciously satisfying.

Try this recipe for your next family dinner, holiday gathering, or cozy night in—you won’t be disappointed! And don’t forget to experiment with different toppings and add-ins to make it your own.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to share your experience in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this cornbread without buttermilk?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

2. Can I use only cornmeal and skip the flour?

You can, but the texture will be much more crumbly.

The flour helps bind the cornbread together, giving it a softer, more structured consistency.

3. How can I make this cornbread sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter cornbread, increase the sugar to ½ cup or add 2 tablespoons of honey to the batter.

4. Can I add mix-ins like cheese or jalapeños?

Absolutely! Feel free to add ½ cup shredded cheese, chopped jalapeños, or even crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.

5. How do I make cornbread more moist?

To ensure extra moisture, try adding an extra tablespoon of melted butter or a drizzle of honey to the batter.

Also, be careful not to overbake it—remove it from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.