Ina Garten’s Cozy Brown Butter Corn Bread Recipe for Fall

Brown butter corn bread adds a luxurious twist to a classic comfort food that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Nutty, caramelized butter infuses deep complexity into every golden crumb of this beloved side dish.

The magic happens when standard butter undergoes a remarkable transformation through careful heating and browning.

Skilled bakers understand that this technique elevates a simple recipe into a memorable culinary experience.

Warm, rich flavors develop as the butter slowly changes color and releases an intoxicating aroma that fills the kitchen.

Each bite promises a delicate balance between sweet cornmeal and sophisticated brown butter notes.

The resulting texture combines tender crumb with crisp edges that guarantee satisfaction for everyone at the table.

Why Brown Butter Cornbread Shines

• Butter-Browned Brilliance: This recipe transforms ordinary butter into a rich, nutty flavor powerhouse by carefully browning it, adding depth and complexity to traditional cornbread that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Utilizing a cast-iron skillet creates a crispy, golden crust while simplifying the cooking process, making cleanup a breeze and delivering restaurant-quality results right in your home kitchen.
• Textural Triumph: The method of resting the batter for 15 minutes ensures a perfectly tender crumb with just the right amount of crackly top, balancing softness and structure in every delightful bite.
• Effortless Elegance: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this cornbread recipe brings gourmet-level flavor to even novice bakers, proving that impressive cooking doesn't have to be complicated.

What You Need for Ina’s Cornbread

Primary Ingredients:

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential base for creating tender and soft corn bread structure.
• Cornmeal: Provides classic corn flavor and characteristic grainy texture with authentic Southern style.

• Unsalted Butter: Crucial for rich flavor, with brown butter adding deep nutty complexity.
• Milk: Ensures moisture and helps bind ingredients together smoothly.
• Eggs: Provides structure, richness, and helps cornbread rise perfectly.

• Sugar: Balances flavors and adds subtle sweetness to cornbread.
• Baking Powder: Helps cornbread rise and creates light, fluffy texture.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances sweetness.
• Flaked Sea Salt: Provides finishing touch with delicate crunch and intense salt burst on top.

How to Bake Brown Butter Cornbread Easily

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, getting ready for a delicious baking adventure.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

Heat a large 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter slowly, watching carefully as it transforms into a golden-brown liquid with nutty aromas. Carefully pour the browned butter and its delicious brown bits into a medium bowl. Leave the skillet unwashed and set aside.

Step 3: Create Wet Ingredient Mixture

Gently whisk milk into the browned butter. Carefully add eggs, blending them smoothly to prevent curdling. Pro tip: Always add eggs to warm (not hot) butter to avoid scrambling.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Cornmeal
• Baking powder
• Kosher salt

Create a small well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the butter-milk mixture into this well. Stir gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Don’t worry about a few small lumps – they add character! Let the batter rest for 15 minutes to develop flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Give the batter a final gentle stir. Transfer it into the same cast-iron skillet, smoothing the top with your spatula. Sprinkle a generous amount of flaked sea salt across the surface. Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cornbread is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Don’t be alarmed by a few beautiful cracks on top – they’re a sign of a perfect cornbread!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove from the oven. Cut into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the rich, buttery goodness of this homemade cornbread!

Pro Tips for That Perfect Crumb

• Brown Butter Brilliance: Keep your eyes glued to the pan while browning butter to catch that perfect golden-brown color without burning.
• Egg Tempering Trick: Let melted butter cool down before adding eggs to avoid accidentally scrambling them in the hot mixture.
• Batter Resting Magic: Give your cornbread batter a 15-minute rest to help dry ingredients fully absorb liquids, creating a more tender crumb.
• Cast-Iron Crust Secret: Preheat your cast-iron skillet to achieve an irresistibly crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
• Perfect Doneness Check: Use the toothpick test to ensure your cornbread is baked just right – look for clean or slightly moist crumbs when inserted in the center.

Storing Cornbread Without Drying Out

• Freeze Whole: Double-wrap cornbread in plastic wrap and heavy-duty aluminum foil to preserve moisture and prevent freezer burn. This method keeps the bread's original texture intact for up to 3 months. Remove wrapping and reheat gently in the oven at 350°F for best results.
• Portion Individually: Slice cornbread before freezing, separating pieces with parchment paper. Quick thawing becomes effortless, allowing you to defrost only what you need. Individual portions maintain quality and prevent unnecessary waste.
• Refrigerate Carefully: Store in an airtight container to prevent drying out. Consume within 5 days for optimal freshness. Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture and maintain the bread's delightful texture.

Cornbread Add-Ins to Keep It Fresh

• Jalapeño Cornbread Kick: Add 2-3 finely chopped jalapeños to the batter for a spicy version that brings heat and excitement to the classic recipe.
• Cheesy Corn Comfort: Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to create a rich, melty cornbread that transforms the original recipe into a more indulgent side dish.
• Herb-Infused Country Style: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage to give the cornbread an aromatic and rustic flavor profile that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Honey Maple Fusion: Swap 2 tablespoons of sugar with a combination of honey and maple syrup to introduce a subtle sweetness that complements the corn's natural flavor.

Brown Butter Cornbread Recap

Corn bread represents more than mere sustenance—it whispers stories of southern kitchens and family gatherings.

Ina Garten’s brown butter version elevates this classic dish with nutty, caramelized depth that transforms simple ingredients into culinary poetry.

Browned butter adds complexity, creating a golden-edged masterpiece that lingers between rustic comfort and gourmet sophistication.

Salt crystals dancing across the surface provide unexpected texture and intensity, making each bite a sensory adventure.

Kitchen alchemists will discover this recipe bridges traditional techniques with modern elegance, celebrating simplicity and sophistication simultaneously.

Passionate cooks who crave connection through cuisine: share this magical recipe, comment with your personal twist, and spread deliciousness across your favorite social platforms—because great recipes are meant to be celebrated, shared, and savored together.

Ina Garten Brown Butter Corn Bread Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s brown butter corn bread brings Southern comfort to your table with rich, nutty flavors. Golden cornmeal and silky brown butter create a perfectly balanced side dish that helps complete any hearty meal you serve.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 ¼ cups whole milk
• 2 extra-large eggs

Garnish:

• Flaked sea salt (such as Maldon) for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by setting the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center.
2. Melt butter in a 12-inch (30.5 centimeters) cast-iron skillet over medium heat, carefully watching to achieve a rich brown color without burning. Transfer the browned butter, including the flavorful brown bits, to a medium mixing bowl, leaving the skillet unwashed.
3. Incorporate milk into the browned butter, whisking thoroughly to combine. Gradually add eggs, mixing carefully to prevent curdling from direct contact with the warm butter.
4. In a separate large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cornmeal, baking powder, and kosher salt. Create a central well in the dry ingredients, then pour the butter-milk mixture into this depression.
5. Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients using a rubber spatula, maintaining a slightly lumpy texture. Allow the batter to rest for 15 minutes, enabling the ingredients to settle and hydrate.
6. After resting, give the batter a quick stir and pour it evenly into the original cast-iron skillet. Smooth the surface with the spatula and sprinkle generously with flaked sea salt.
7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge with just a few moist crumbs. The top may develop attractive surface cracks during baking.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Slice into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Butter Browning Requires Attention: Keep a vigilant watch while browning butter to achieve a perfect deep golden color without burning.
• Temperature Matters for Eggs: Cool melted butter slightly before incorporating eggs to prevent unwanted scrambling.
• Resting Enhances Texture: Allowing batter to rest enables cornmeal and flour to fully absorb liquids, creating a more harmonious and tender crumb.
• Cast-Iron Skillet Creates Magic: Preheated cast-iron delivers an irresistibly crispy exterior while maintaining a soft, moist interior.
• Toothpick Test Confirms Perfection: A clean or slightly moist toothpick signals your cornbread has reached ideal doneness, ensuring a delectable result.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg