This Ina Garten Brown Butter Corn Bread Recipe is a rich and golden recipe, which includes browned butter and buttermilk. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in just 35 minutes.
Jump to RecipeIna Garten Brown Butter Corn Bread Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, shaken
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

How To Make Ina Garten Brown Butter Corn Bread
- Preheat the oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish or a cast-iron skillet.
- Brown the butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and smells nutty—about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and honey (if using). Slowly stir in the cooled brown butter, saving 2 tablespoons for later.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined—do not overmix.
- Bake the cornbread: Pour batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Brush with brown butter: Right after baking, brush the top with the reserved brown butter for extra flavor.
- Cool and serve: Let the cornbread cool slightly before cutting into squares and serving warm.

Recipe Tips
-
Why brown the butter?
Browning the butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that elevates the cornbread. -
Can I use a cast iron skillet?
Yes, it adds a crispier crust. Preheat the skillet in the oven for a few minutes before adding the batter. -
Is the honey necessary?
It’s optional, but it gives a nice hint of sweetness. You can skip it if preferred. -
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, bake and store tightly covered at room temp for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer. -
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes as a substitute.
What To Serve With Brown Butter Corn Bread
Cornbread is the perfect side for:
- Chili or beef stew
- Barbecue ribs or pulled pork
- Fried chicken
- Black-eyed pea soup
- Southern-style greens or beans

How To Store Brown Butter Corn Bread
Room Temperature: Store covered on the counter for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate: Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and store in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or warm in the oven.
Brown Butter Corn Bread Nutrition Facts (Estimated Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Carbohydrates: ~34g
- Protein: ~5g
- Fat: ~18g
- Saturated Fat: ~11g
- Sugar: ~10g
- Sodium: ~380mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
FAQs
What makes this cornbread different from regular recipes?
The browned butter adds a deep, rich flavor that regular melted butter can’t match.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
How do I make it less sweet?
Reduce the sugar to ¼ cup and skip the honey.
Can I add mix-ins?
Yes! Try chopped jalapeños, shredded cheddar, or crumbled bacon.
Do I need to let it cool before slicing?
Yes, let it rest for 10 minutes so it firms up for clean slicing.
Try More Recipes:
- Ina Garten Blue Cheese Coleslaw Recipe
- Ina Garten Eggplant Gratin Recipe
- Ina Garten Roasted Eggplant Caponata Recipe
Ina Garten Brown Butter Corn Bread Recipe
Course: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy9
servings10
minutes25
minutes320
kcalA golden, buttery cornbread with nutty brown butter, sweet honey, and tangy buttermilk—perfect as a comforting side dish.
Ingredients
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1 cup unsalted butter
-
1 cup flour
-
1 cup yellow cornmeal
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½ cup sugar
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1 tbsp baking powder
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1 tsp salt
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1 cup buttermilk
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2 eggs
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1 tbsp honey (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9-inch pan or skillet.
- Brown butter in a saucepan, then cool slightly.
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, honey, and browned butter (reserve 2 tbsp).
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, stir until just combined.
- Pour into pan and bake 25–30 minutes.
- Brush with reserved brown butter after baking.
- Cool slightly, then slice and serve.
