Honey Butter Skillet Cornbread with Hot Honey Drizzle – Southern Comfort in Every Bite

Few things capture the essence of Southern comfort quite like freshly baked cornbread. But this isn’t just any cornbread—it’s a skillet-baked masterpiece, laced with sweet honey, rich butter, and finished with a bold hot honey drizzle that takes the flavor over the top. Crispy around the edges, moist and tender in the center, this cornbread is the perfect marriage of sweet, savory, and a hint of heat.

The secret to this version lies in three powerful layers: a base of classic cornbread made rich with honey and butter, a generous smear of honey butter that melts into every golden crevice, and finally, a warm drizzle of spicy honey that adds just the right amount of kick. The result is a side dish that’s anything but an afterthought—it’s the kind that steals the spotlight at the table.

Ideal for pairing with chili, barbecue, fried chicken, or even enjoyed solo with a hot cup of tea, this cornbread is a crowd-pleaser across the board. Using a hot cast iron skillet gives the bread that signature crispy crust, while the honey butter and hot honey create contrast and depth that elevate every bite.

Whether you’re serving this for a holiday feast, a backyard cookout, or a casual dinner, it’s guaranteed to draw “oohs” and “aahs” with its irresistible aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture. One bite in, and you’ll see why it’s become a must-have on any Southern-style menu.

Servings and Timing:

• Serves: 8
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Cornbread:

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk or buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• ⅓ cup melted butter
• ⅓ cup honey

For the Honey Butter:

• ¼ cup softened butter
• 2 tablespoons honey

For the Hot Honey Drizzle:

• ¼ cup honey
• 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a greased cast iron skillet inside the oven to heat while you prepare the batter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk (or buttermilk), eggs, melted butter, and honey. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined—don’t overmix.
4. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Pour the batter into the skillet; it should sizzle slightly. Return it to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. While the cornbread bakes, prepare the honey butter by mixing the softened butter with honey in a small bowl until smooth and fluffy.
6. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, warm the honey and hot sauce together until just heated and combined for the hot honey drizzle.
7. Once the cornbread comes out of the oven, immediately spread the honey butter over the top. Allow it to melt into the warm bread.
8. Drizzle with hot honey just before serving. Slice thick and serve warm.

Variations:

• Cornbread with cheese: Add ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar to the batter for a savory twist.
• Herbed version: Mix in fresh chopped chives or rosemary for a fragrant, earthy layer.
• Maple lovers: Substitute honey with maple syrup for a New England spin.
• Extra spice: Stir a pinch of cayenne into the batter or the honey butter for more heat.

Tips:

• Don’t skip heating the skillet—it creates that crispy, golden crust that makes skillet cornbread so special.
• Use buttermilk for a slightly tangier, richer flavor and fluffier texture.
• For a more intense drizzle, increase the hot sauce or use a spicy chili-infused honey.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in a warm oven or skillet.

This Honey Butter Skillet Cornbread with Hot Honey Drizzle isn’t just a side—it’s the soul of the table. Warm, golden, and bursting with Southern charm, it’s the kind of dish that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.