White Lily Cornbread – Southern-Style And Perfectly Golden

If you’re looking for a Southern classic with a tender crumb and golden crust, this White Lily Cornbread is just what you need. Made with White Lily’s finely milled flour and cornmeal, this recipe is as authentic as it gets. Whether you’re serving it alongside a bowl of chili, a hearty stew, or just enjoying it with butter and honey, this cornbread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Let’s bake some Southern magic!

White Lily Cornbread

Annie Graves

Make this White Lily Cornbread! Light, fluffy, and golden, this Southern-style cornbread is a classic side for any meal, from chili to fried chicken

4.82 from 11 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8 slices

Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the White Lily Cornbread

• 1 cup White Lily self-rising cornmeal
• 1/2 cup White Lily self-rising flour
• 1 tbsp sugar optional, for a slightly sweet cornbread
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 tbsp bacon grease or additional butter optional, for greasing the skillet

Optional Add-Ins

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup diced jalapeños for heat
• 1/4 cup corn kernels for texture

Substitutions

• Dairy-Free: Use almond milk with a splash of vinegar instead of buttermilk.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free self-rising cornmeal and flour.

Instructions

 

Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Place a 9-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven to heat up.

Prepare the Batter

• In a large bowl, whisk together the White Lily self-rising cornmeal, self-rising flour, and sugar (if using).
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and vegetable oil (or melted butter).
• Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined.
• Do not overmix.

Heat the Skillet

• Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and add the bacon grease or butter, swirling it to coat the bottom and sides.
• Pour the cornbread batter into the skillet, spreading it evenly.

Bake the Cornbread

• Return the skillet 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.

Cool and Serve

• Let the cornbread cool in the skillet for 5 minutes before slicing.
• Serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite toppings.
• Enjoy your White Lily Cornbread as a delicious side or snack!

Notes

Nutritional Information (Per Slice):

• Calories: 150-180
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Notes/Advice:

• Additions/Subtractions:
  • For a denser texture, use more cornmeal and less flour (e.g., 1 1/4 cups cornmeal and 1/4 cup flour).
  • Adjust the sweetness to your preference by increasing or omitting the sugar.
  • If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, use a baking dish or muffin tin, but note that you won’t get the same crispy edges.

Keyword White Lily Cornbread

Variations:

• Cheesy Jalapeño Cornbread: Add shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños to the batter for a spicy, savory twist.
• Sweet Cornbread: Increase the sugar to 2-3 tablespoons and add a teaspoon of vanilla for a sweeter version.
• Herbed Cornbread: Stir in 1 tbsp of chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic addition.

Suggestions:

• Serving Ideas: Pair this cornbread with chili, barbecue, fried chicken, or collard greens for a classic Southern meal. It’s also delicious served with a dollop of butter and a drizzle of honey.
• Make It Ahead: Cornbread can be made a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in foil and reheat in the oven for 5-10 minutes before serving.
• Storage Tips: Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.

The Southern Classic with a Light, Fluffy Twist

Cornbread is a staple of Southern cuisine, known for its rustic charm, golden crust, and comforting bite. But if you’ve never tried White Lily Cornbread, you’re in for a game-changing experience. White Lily flour and cornmeal create a lighter, airier texture that sets this cornbread apart from the denser, crumbly versions made with traditional cornmeal alone. The result? A perfectly balanced cornbread—moist on the inside, crisp on the edges, and full of rich, buttery flavor.

What Makes White Lily Cornbread Special?

White Lily is a legendary name in Southern baking, best known for its soft wheat flour that produces impossibly light biscuits and breads. When used in cornbread, it gives a tender, delicate crumb that still holds up to butter, honey, or a bowl of chili. Unlike coarser cornmeal-based cornbreads, White Lily cornbread has a smoother texture with a slightly fluffy interior, making it a favorite for those who love a softer bite without sacrificing that signature cornbread flavor.

The Perfect Balance of Texture and Flavor

One of the standout features of White Lily Cornbread is how it achieves both a crispy crust and a soft, moist center. Baking it in a cast-iron skillet creates golden-brown edges with just the right amount of crunch, while the inside remains melt-in-your-mouth tender. The mild sweetness and rich corn flavor make it versatile enough to pair with savory dishes or enjoy with a drizzle of honey or jam.

How to Serve White Lily Cornbread

White Lily Cornbread is a perfect companion to classic comfort foods. Here are a few delicious ways to enjoy it:

• With Southern Classics – Serve alongside fried chicken, collard greens, barbecue ribs, or black-eyed peas for a true down-home meal.
• Dipped in Chili or Stews – The soft, buttery texture soaks up bold flavors beautifully.
• With a Sweet Twist – Spread with honey butter, maple syrup, or fruit preserves for a simple yet indulgent treat.
• As a Holiday Side – A must-have for Thanksgiving and Christmas, pairing well with roast turkey and gravy.

A Cornbread Tradition Worth Keeping

For those who love authentic Southern cooking, White Lily Cornbread is a must-try. It offers all the heartwarming comfort of traditional cornbread with an elevated texture that makes every bite extra satisfying. Whether served hot out of the skillet or enjoyed the next day toasted with butter, this cornbread is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special.

Once you’ve tasted White Lily Cornbread, you’ll understand why generations of Southern cooks swear by it—it’s the kind of classic that never goes out of style.

Final Thoughts:

And there you have it—White Lily Cornbread that’s light, tender, and absolutely irresistible! This Southern classic is a versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with savory meals or sweet toppings. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this cornbread will surely be a hit. So grab your White Lily ingredients and let’s bake up some golden perfection!

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