Honey Butter Cornbread Casserole

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Few side dishes are as universally loved as cornbread, but this Honey Butter Cornbread Casserole takes the classic to a whole new level. Moist, tender, and lightly sweet with a buttery finish, this baked casserole-style cornbread delivers bold flavor and irresistible texture in every bite. Infused with sharp cheddar cheese, fresh jalapeño, and green onions, it balances sweetness with savory depth, making it the perfect complement to both casual dinners and holiday meals.

What truly sets this dish apart is the warm honey butter glaze brushed over the cornbread while it’s still hot. As it bakes briefly a second time, the glaze melts into the surface, creating a lightly caramelized topping that adds richness without overpowering the cornbread itself. Whether you’re serving it with chili, barbecue, roasted meats, or a hearty soup, this casserole is guaranteed to steal the spotlight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra-moist texture thanks to buttermilk and butter
• Sweet and savory balance with honey butter glaze and sharp cheddar
• Easy to prepare using simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect for holidays and potlucks
• Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead meals
• Highly customizable with optional add-ins

Ingredients Breakdown (Explaining the Key Ingredients)

Each ingredient in this honey butter cornbread casserole plays an important role in flavor, structure, and moisture:

Cornbread Base

• Yellow cornmeal: Provides classic cornbread flavor and a slightly crumbly texture.
• All-purpose flour: Adds structure and softness, preventing the casserole from becoming too dense.
• Baking powder: Ensures a light, fluffy rise.
• Salt: Enhances all flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tang, resulting in a tender crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the batter and help create structure.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and enhances mouthfeel.

Honey Butter Glaze

• Honey: Natural sweetness with floral notes that complement cornmeal perfectly.
• Butter: Creates a silky, indulgent glaze.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth without overpowering the dish.

Seasonings and Add-Ins

• Jalapeño: Brings mild heat and freshness.
• Green onions: Add savory notes and color.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Provides richness and contrast to the sweet glaze.
• Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and seasoning balance.

Tips and Tricks

• Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better texture.
• Do not overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense cornbread.
• Grease the pan well to ensure clean removal and even browning.
• Brush glaze generously while the cornbread is hot so it absorbs properly.
• Let it rest before slicing to allow flavors to settle and structure to firm.

Variations and Customizations

1. Bacon Cornbread Casserole
   Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the batter for smoky depth.
2. Roasted Corn Addition
   Fold in roasted or grilled corn kernels for sweetness and texture.
3. Spicy Version
   Leave jalapeño seeds intact or add cayenne pepper for extra heat.
4. Extra Cheesy
   Sprinkle additional cheddar or pepper jack on top before glazing.
5. Gluten-Free Option
   Substitute flour with a gluten-free baking blend designed for cornbread.

Pairing Suggestions

This honey butter cornbread casserole pairs beautifully with a wide range of meals:

• Chili, beef stew, or vegetable soup
• Barbecue ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken
• Roasted turkey or ham for holiday dinners
• Braised greens or creamy casseroles

It also works wonderfully as a standalone snack or brunch side.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Cut into individual squares, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F or microwave briefly until heated through.

Popular Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Bake the cornbread in advance, refrigerate, and reheat with the honey butter glaze before serving.

Is this recipe sweet or savory?
It strikes a balance. The base is savory, while the honey butter glaze adds just enough sweetness.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch baking dish and adjust baking time slightly.

Caroline

Honey Butter Cornbread Casserole

This Honey Butter Cornbread Casserole is soft, slightly sweet, and savory with jalapeño, cheddar, and green onions, finished with a rich honey butter glaze baked right into the top.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 9 squares

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 260

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

• 9-inch square baking dish
• mixing bowls
• whisk and spatula
• measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry brush

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
2. Whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Gently mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Fold in jalapeño, green onions, cheddar cheese, and black pepper.
6. Transfer batter to prepared dish and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and set.
7. Whisk honey, softened butter, and vanilla until smooth.
8. Brush glaze over hot cornbread and return to oven for 5–7 minutes.
9. Let rest briefly, then slice and serve warm.

Notes

This casserole doubles easily for gatherings and freezes well when sliced into portions. Bacon, roasted corn, or extra cheese make great add-ins. Best served warm.

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