Ina Garten Brown Butter Corn Bread Recipe

Ina Garten Brown Butter Corn Bread Recipe

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.

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Ina 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)
Ina Garten Brown Butter Corn Bread Recipe
Ina Garten Brown Butter Corn Bread Recipe

How To Make Ina Garten Brown Butter Corn Bread

  1. Preheat the oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish or a cast-iron skillet.
  2. 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.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  4. 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.
  5. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined—do not overmix.
  6. Bake the cornbread: Pour batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Brush with brown butter: Right after baking, brush the top with the reserved brown butter for extra flavor.
  8. Cool and serve: Let the cornbread cool slightly before cutting into squares and serving warm.
Ina Garten Brown Butter Corn Bread Recipe
Ina Garten Brown Butter Corn Bread Recipe

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
Ina Garten Brown Butter Corn Bread Recipe
Ina Garten Brown Butter Corn Bread Recipe

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 Brown Butter Corn Bread Recipe

Recipe by SarahCourse: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

9

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calories

320

kcal

A golden, buttery cornbread with nutty brown butter, sweet honey, and tangy buttermilk—perfect as a comforting side dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter

  • 1 cup flour

  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal

  • ½ cup sugar

  • 1 tbsp baking powder

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 cup buttermilk

  • 2 eggs

  • 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.

Sarra

I’m Sarra Jhonson, the cook behind Tasty Treats Daily. In my tiny apartment kitchen, I try all kinds of recipes—weeknight dinners, baked treats, and quick sides—then refine them until they’re reliable. I write clear, step-by-step instructions in plain language, and I share what worked, what didn’t, and the tips that make it easier at home.