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Get set for some ultimate comfort food with this Small Batch Cornbread Recipe! This soft and slightly sweet cornbread is not only a breeze to make but also ideal for those cooking for one or two.

Consider using this small skillet cornbread in our fabulous small batch Cornbread Dressing recipe!

Cornbread in a small cast iron skillet next to a stick of butter and a butter knife.

If you love cornbread, you’ve got to try our small batch Corn Muffins too!

Why You’ll Love This Cornbread Recipe

  • Quick to Make: It only takes 30 minutes from start to finish.
  • Versatile: Serve it as a side or enjoy it as a quick snack.
  • Simplicity: Minimal ingredients are needed, most of which you probably already have.
  • Sized Just Right: This recipe is perfect for a single serving or a small family meal, yet it also doubles easily for larger gatherings.
  • Customizable: Add herbs, cheese, or even jalapeños for a personalized touch.

The Sugar Debate: Sweet Or Savory Cornbread

This mini Cornbread recipe features a hint of sugar, offering a slightly sweet profile. It’s a streamlined version of the classic cornbread recipe that many of us grew up enjoying. Now, I understand that cornbread can be a divisive topic—some love it sweet, while others prefer it savory. Personally, I’m on Team Sweet, largely influenced by my upbringing, and I’m confident this cornbread won’t disappoint.

If you’re on the hunt for a single serving cornbread recipe, give this one a try. The sweetness here is understated, making it a versatile choice that I think you’ll really appreciate.

Ingredients

flour, cornmeal, salt, milk, egg and butter on a wooden cutting board.
  • Butter: Salted butter is our go-to for this recipe, adding a perfect blend of richness and saltiness.
  • Milk: Feel free to use any milk—be it whole, skim, 1%, or 2%. There’s no need for buttermilk here, making it more convenient for you.
  • Egg: Stick with one large egg to help bind the ingredients and provide structure.
  • Cornmeal: Opt for yellow cornmeal, which is essentially ground dried corn, for that authentic cornbread taste. Consider using any extra cornmeal you have in our mini Chess Pie, a small batch Corn Casserole, or in a few Hush Puppies.
  • Flour: All-purpose flour is all you’ll need, simplifying your ingredient list.
  • Sugar: This recipe calls for a moderate 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, which adds a nuanced sweetness without overwhelming the cornbread. If sugar isn’t your thing, it’s totally optional.
  • Baking powder: A must-have for helping your cornbread rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: A pinch (1/8 teaspoon) of table salt elevates the flavors. However, if you opt for unsalted butter, bump it up to 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.

RELATED: Easy Slow Cooker Recipes For One

Recipe Variations

Feel like mixing it up a bit? This basic cornbread recipe is a perfect canvas for various add-ins.

  • Cheesy Cornbread: Mix in 1/4 cup shredded cheddar.
  • Herb-Infused: Add 1 teaspoon of finely chopped rosemary or thyme.
  • Spicy Cornbread: Include a bit of a chopped jalapeño for some heat.
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Cornbread cut in half in a small cast iron skillet next to a bowl of red beans and rice.

How To Make Cornbread

These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a small batch of cornbread. See the recipe below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

I love baking this small batch of cornbread in my 6.5-inch cast iron skillet which is the perfect size for this small batch recipe. (See below for other baking dish options).

  1. In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, and egg until well blended.
butter, milk, and an egg in a mixing bowl.
  1. In a separate bowl, mix together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
cornmeal, flour, salt, and baking powder in a mixing bowl.
  1. Add the cornmeal mixture to the milk mixture and stir just until the flour is moistened.
cornbread batter in a mixing bowl.
  1. Pour batter into small greased pan and spread evenly. 
cornbread batter in a mini cast iron skillet.
  1. Bake in a preheated 400 F (200 C) oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve warm.

Spread a dollop of butter on top and savor the cornbread while it’s still warm for the best taste and texture.

Butter melting on cornbread in a cast iron skillet on a wooden trivet next to a red cloth napkin.

Ideal Baking Dishes For This Cornbread Recipe

We feature a 6.5-inch cast iron skillet in our recipe photos, which is perfect for baking this mini cornbread.

If a small skillet isn’t in your kitchen arsenal, no worries! A 5×5-inch baking dish with a base area of 25 square inches is also a suitable alternative. Both options ensure that your small batch of cornbread turns out just right.

All of these dishes can be found on our Store Page.

a square piece of cornbread on a floral plate next to a pan filled with three squares of cornbread.
  • We’ve successfully tried this recipe in a 5×6.5-inch baking dish as well, and the results were excellent.
baked cornbread in a rectangular blue baking dish.

To achieve optimal results, it’s recommended to use a baking dish of a similar size.

Expert Tips

  • Whip Up Honey Butter: Create a simple honey butter by mixing 4 tablespoons of softened butter with 2 to 3 teaspoons of honey. Keep it at room temperature for effortless spreading on your freshly baked cornbread.
  • Corn Muffin Option: If you’re in the mood for corn muffins, go ahead and divide the batter into 3-4 greased muffin tins. Just follow the baking instructions in the original recipe.
  • Add Some Flair: Customize your cornbread by incorporating “extras” into the batter right before pouring it into the pan. If you do, add an extra 2 to 3 minutes to the standard baking time. Great add-ins include crumbled bacon and cheese, cooked or thawed corn, dried cranberries, or chopped walnuts.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to pairing this cornbread, the options are plentiful. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven with a dab of butter or alongside your favorite chili or stew.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you store leftover cornbread?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Can you freeze cornbread?

Yes! Freeze baked cornbread for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave.

How long can you store cornmeal?

Most store-bought cornmeal can be stored in the pantry, at room temperature for a year. Fancier, stone-ground cornmeal should be stored in the refrigerator and will last for about 3 months.

Can I make gluten-free cornbread?

Yes! I have made a gluten-free cornbread by swapping out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend (often labeled 1:1 gluten-free baking blend) and it worked great!

Cornbread in a small cast iron skillet next to a red napkin on a wooden trivet.

More Small Batch Bread Recipes To Try

Looking to expand your repertoire of small batch bread recipes? Here’s a curated list you won’t want to miss.

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.

Examples of the dishes we use can be found on our Store page.

If you’ve tried this homemade skillet cornbread or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!


Your Cooking For One Source
Because you’re worth it

Cornbread For One

4.84 from 71 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Discover how to make a quick and easy small batch of homemade cornbread! Ideal for single servings or small groups, it's the perfect snack or side dish.

Watch How To Make This

Equipment

Ingredients 
 

  • 2 ½ tablespoons salted butter , melted (1.25 oz.)
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon yellow cornmeal
  • ¼ cup all purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • teaspoon salt
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Instructions 

  • Heat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). 
  • In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, and egg until well blended.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
  • Add the cornmeal mixture to the milk mixture and stir just until the flour is moistened.
  • Pour batter into small greased pan and spread evenly. *(See Notes)
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Whip Up Honey Butter: Create a simple honey butter by mixing 4 tablespoons of softened butter with 2 to 3 teaspoons of honey. Keep it at room temperature for effortless spreading on your freshly baked cornbread.
  • Corn Muffin Option: If you’re in the mood for corn muffins, go ahead and divide the batter into 3-4 greased muffin tins. Just follow the baking instructions in the original recipe.
  • Add Some Flair: Customize your cornbread by incorporating “extras” into the batter right before pouring it into the pan. If you do, add an extra 2 to 3 minutes to the standard baking time. Great add-ins include crumbled bacon and cheese, cooked or thawed corn, dried cranberries, or chopped walnuts.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 331kcal, Carbohydrates: 37g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 131mg, Sodium: 349mg, Potassium: 147mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 14g, Vitamin A: 635IU, Calcium: 90mg, Iron: 2mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Welcome!

Iโ€™m Joanie and Iโ€™m incredibly happy youโ€™re here! Our aim is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes, education, and a supportive community that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul.

4.84 from 71 votes (33 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




106 Comments

  1. Sadie says:

    This is one of the best cornbread’s I’ve made, and I’ve tried dozens of recipes. The outside crust was crisp and buttery. The crumb was light, moist and tender. I used buttermilk and added the baking soda. My only tweaks were to add a pinch of black pepper, dry mustard, maple extract, and only 1 tbsp sugar. It was delicious with a dollop of red pepper jelly. Thank you for another stellar recipe!

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      I’m so happy you enjoyed it – thank you so much for your feedback.

  2. Carmen says:

    I really love this recipe for hubby and me. Weโ€™re having it tonight with beef stew. Yummy!

  3. Gin says:

    I frosted it with vanilla icing and served it with ice cream. Yummy dessert.

  4. Jess says:

    Can you use self raising flour instead of all purpose?

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      Yes you can, just eliminate the baking powder and salt.

  5. Sherry Douglas says:

    These recipes are WONDERFUL!!!

    1. Shelly Ulrich says:

      I have more of a question than a comment. Can I use one box of Jiffy corn muffin mix to make my cornbread

      1. Joanie Zisk says:

        Sure, you can use a box of Jiffy to make your cornbread. You won’t need this recipe so just follow the ingredients on the box.

  6. Jim says:

    Perfect with my bowl of taco soup. Yum!

  7. Randy says:

    Oh no, no, no! You can’t call this cornbread in the South if you put sugar in it! Just sayin! LOL

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      Oh, the great Cornbread Conundrum! ๐Ÿ˜„ You’ve hit the nail on the head โ€“ it’s a hot topic, especially in the South! We’ve dedicated a whole section to this debate: “The Sugar Debate: Sweet Or Savory Cornbread”. It’s a place where sweet meets savory, and everyone’s opinion is welcome, sugar or no sugar. Let’s just say, we’re stirring the pot… and the batter! ๐ŸŒฝ๐Ÿฅ„๐Ÿค 

  8. Lynn says:

    Iโ€™ve made this cornbread in the baking dish quite a few times as itโ€™s so delicious. I tried baking it in the 6โ€ cast iron skillet โ€ฆ it just shot to the next level! And then smothered in the honey butter? Yikes! Absolutely wonderful!

  9. Gerri says:

    How much butter was added to the hot skillet? Is it in addition to the amount stated in the recipe? Thanksโ€ฆ

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      Just lightly butter the skillet, maybe 1/4 tablespoon of butter.

  10. Pam says:

    Thank you for this recipe. It is so moist and the perfect amount for one or two people! I cannot wait to try adding some additional “extras” to it. Best recipe I have tried in a long time.