Easy Sour Cream Cornbread

4.60 from 35 votes

May 27, 2019, Updated Aug 19, 2024

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This easy Sour Cream Cornbread is the best easy soft and moist cornbread that is crazy delicious and never tastes dry. Sour cream cornbread is smooth, full of flavor, and goes great at a picnic or BBQ with your favorite summer dishes!

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Easy Quick Sour Cream Cornbread
How to Make Sour Cream Cornbread
Tips and Tricks to Perfect Sour Cream Cornbread
FAQS
What to Enjoy with Cornbread
Sour Cream Cornbread Recipe

Easy Quick Sour Cream Cornbread

Sour cream cornbread offers a deliciously moist and tender twist on the traditional recipe, with the sour cream adding a subtle tanginess and rich texture that makes each bite irresistible. This versatile bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, from hearty chilis and stews to fresh salads, making it a favorite for any meal. Its golden crust and soft interior, combined with the ease of preparation, make sour cream cornbread a comforting staple in home cooking.

This cornbread is one of my absolute all time favorite easy summer side dishes for BBQs, picnics, cookouts, and more – you just need to mix the ingredients in one bowl and then bake – no separating wet and dry ingredients, fussy instructions, or complicated tools needed!

How to Make Sour Cream Cornbread

First assemble the following ingredients:

Butter (1/4 cup) – Butter adds a rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality to the cornbread, contributing to its moist texture and golden crust.
Sugar (3 tbsp) – Sugar lightly sweetens the batter, balancing the tanginess of the sour cream and the earthiness of the cornmeal.
Eggs (2) – Eggs bind the ingredients together, providing structure and contributing to the cornbread’s tender crumb.
Sour cream (1/2 cup) – Sour cream infuses the cornbread with a creamy tanginess, enhancing its moisture and flavor.
Milk (1/2 cup) – Milk adds liquid to the batter, helping to create a smooth, pourable consistency and further moistening the bread.
All-purpose flour (1 cup) – All-purpose flour gives the cornbread structure, ensuring it’s sturdy enough to slice while remaining soft and tender.
Yellow cornmeal (2/3 cup) – Yellow cornmeal, the heart of the recipe, imparts the classic cornbread texture and a sweet, corny flavor.
Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp) – Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, causing the cornbread to rise and become light and fluffy.
Salt (1 tsp) – Salt enhances all the flavors in the cornbread, making the sweet and savory notes more pronounced.
Baking soda (1/4 tsp) – Baking soda reacts with the sour cream to produce carbon dioxide, contributing to the bread’s rise and tender texture.
Honey (2 tsp) – Honey drizzled over the baked cornbread or mixed into the batter adds a natural sweetness and a glossy, appealing finish.

Use this Method

Mix Wet Ingredients. In a large bowl, mix butter and sugar until combined and smooth. Add eggs, mixing to combine until smooth. Add sour cream and milk, stirring to mix well.

Add Dry Ingredients. Slowly add in dry ingredients, mixing as you add each. Drizzle honey over batter and give a quick stir. Pour batter into pre-greased pan or casserole dish, or flexible silicone baking pan.

Bake. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake at 350 degrees farenheit until a toothpick inserted int he middle comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Slice and serve hot.

Tips and Tricks to Perfect Sour Cream Cornbread

Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for the best rise, and use fresh or well-stored cornmeal for the best flavor.

Choose the Right Cornmeal: For a more traditional texture, use stone-ground cornmeal. If you prefer a smoother texture, opt for a finer ground.

Preheat Your Pan: If using a cast-iron skillet, preheating it in the oven with a bit of oil can create a beautifully crispy crust on your cornbread.

Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cornbread.

Sour Cream for Moisture: Sour cream not only adds tanginess but also contributes to the moistness of the cornbread, making it tender.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring ingredients like eggs and sour cream to room temperature before mixing to ensure a more uniform batter.

Add-Ins for Flavor: Consider stirring in add-ins like shredded cheese, chopped jalapeños, corn kernels, or fresh herbs to enhance the flavor.

Check for Doneness: Cornbread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep it moist.

Rest Before Cutting: Let the cornbread cool slightly in the pan before cutting into it to allow it to set and prevent it from crumbling.

Sweetness to Taste: Adjust the amount of sugar or honey based on your preference for sweet versus traditional savory cornbread.

Butter the Top: Brushing the top of the cornbread with melted butter right out of the oven adds flavor and a soft crust.

Storage for Freshness: Store leftover cornbread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for a day or two, or refrigerate for longer storage.

FAQS

Can I use low-fat sour cream in cornbread?

Yes, low-fat sour cream can be used as a healthier alternative, though it may slightly affect the richness and moisture of the cornbread.

How do I prevent my cornbread from being too dry?

Ensure not to overbake the cornbread, as this is a common cause of dryness. The sour cream in the recipe also helps keep the cornbread moist.

Can I add corn kernels to the cornbread?

Absolutely! Adding corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed) can provide a pleasant texture and sweetness to the cornbread.

What’s the best way to store leftover cornbread?

Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Can this cornbread be made gluten-free?

Yes, by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, you can easily make this cornbread gluten-free. Ensure your cornmeal is also gluten-free.

Can I make the cornbread less sweet or sweeter?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar or honey to your taste preferences, making the cornbread either more savory or sweeter.

How do I know when the cornbread is done baking?

The cornbread is done when it’s golden brown on top, the edges pull away from the skillet or pan, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, plain yogurt is a good substitute for sour cream and can be used in equal amounts, though it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

Why did my cornbread come out crumbly?

A crumbly texture can result from overmixing the batter or not having enough moisture. Ensure to mix just until combined and measure ingredients accurately.

A slice of easy cornbread from scratch on a wooden cutting board.

What to Enjoy with Cornbread

Chili: A hearty bowl of spicy chili complements the rich, tangy flavor of sour cream cornbread, making for a classic and satisfying combination.

BBQ: Serve alongside barbecued ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken for a delightful contrast of smoky and tangy flavors. Try Best Oven Baked Ribs with a Crunchy Smoky Crust, Perfect Grilled Souvlaki, Crunchy Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, Perfect Grilled Chicken Breasts and Best Garlic Grilled Flank Steak.

Soups and Stews: Pair with a warm, comforting soup or stew, such as vegetable soup, beef stew, or chicken soup, to soak up the flavorful broth.

Salads: Balance the richness of the cornbread with a light, fresh salad, such as a mixed green salad or a tangy coleslaw.

Collard Greens: Enjoy with a side of sautéed or stewed collard greens, seasoned with garlic and a splash of vinegar, for a Southern-inspired meal.

Black-Eyed Peas: Pair with seasoned black-eyed peas for a traditional New Year’s Day meal or a simple, nutritious side dish any time.

Roasted Vegetables: Accompany with a medley of roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and carrots for a healthy and colorful side. We love Best Grilled Corn on the Cob.

Fried Chicken: Complement the crunchy texture and savory flavor of fried chicken with the soft, tangy taste of sour cream cornbread.

Honey or Jam: For a sweeter option, spread a slice of cornbread with honey or your favorite jam for a simple dessert or snack.

Butter Beans: Serve with butter beans cooked in a savory broth for a comforting, protein-rich side dish.

Scrambled Eggs: Enjoy sour cream cornbread with scrambled eggs and avocado for a hearty breakfast or brunch.

Seafood Gumbo: Pair with a rich, flavorful seafood gumbo, using the cornbread to scoop up and savor the delicious sauce.

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