Name: Honey Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American Southern
Ingredients: 6 slices applewood-smoked bacon, finely chopped; 1 cup medium-ground yellow cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons sugar; ½ teaspoon salt; 3 teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; 2 eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 stick unsalted butter, melted; ⅓ cup honey, plus more for serving

Have you ever bitten into a warm slice of Honey Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe that’s simultaneously crispy, tender, and bursting with sweet and smoky flavors? If not, you’re in for a delightful surprise—it’s like a hug wrapped in cornbread form.

A golden-brown cornbread with a slightly cracked top is baked evenly in a blue cast iron skillet. The cornbread is cut into six triangular slices, with one slice partly removed, showing a crumbly but moist inside with bits of bacon embedded. Small pieces of green onion are scattered on top for a fresh touch. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface with a light green cloth visible on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Honey Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Honey Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly adore how this skillet cornbread combines the floral sweetness of honey with the irresistible smokiness of applewood bacon—it’s a balance that feels both traditional and refreshingly special. It’s become my go-to treat for cozy dinners or weekend brunches.

Perfect texture: Crispy edges from the cast iron skillet contrast beautifully with a tender, moist center.
Sweet and savory harmony: Honey and bacon create a flavor dance you won’t want to stop tasting.
Simple ingredients: Mostly pantry staples come together in less than 35 minutes.
Cast iron magic: Using a cast iron skillet makes all the difference in texture and flavor development.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, gather your ingredients thoughtfully: choosing quality bacon and fresh buttermilk will really level up the flavor. Also, medium-ground yellow cornmeal gives this cornbread just the right amount of texture and authenticity.

Flat lay of a small mound of medium-ground yellow cornmeal, a neat pile of all-purpose flour, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a few slices of crisp applewood-smoked bacon chopped finely, a small white bowl of golden floral honey, a small white bowl with pale buttermilk, a small white bowl with melted unsalted butter, a small white bowl containing white granulated sugar, another small white bowl with coarse salt, a tiny pile of baking powder, and a pinch of baking soda arranged symmetrically on a simple white ceramic surface, all ingredients fresh and natural, no packaging or utensils visible, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Applewood-smoked bacon: Adds a smoky crunch and rendered fat perfect for cooking and flavoring the batter.
Medium-ground yellow cornmeal: Gives structure and the classic cornbread crumb texture without being gritty.
All-purpose flour: Helps balance the cornmeal for a tender yet hearty bite.
Sugar: Provides just enough sweetness to complement the honey and bacon.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the cornbread.
Baking powder: Leavens the batter for a lift, keeping the cornbread soft and fluffy.
Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder, especially reacting with buttermilk for extra rise.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness to the batter.
Buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and acidity that tenderizes the crumb and activates leavening.
Unsalted butter: Brings moisture and a silky mouthfeel to the cornbread.
Honey: Infuses the bread with natural sweetness that brightens every bite and balances the smoky bacon.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Honey Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe is how flexible it is—whether you want to add a little extra kick or keep it classic, you can tailor it perfectly to your taste. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe truly your own!

Smoky Jalapeño Twist: I like to add some finely chopped jalapeños along with the bacon for a spicy pop that pairs wonderfully with the honey’s sweetness.
Herb-Infused Cornbread: Fresh thyme or rosemary stirred into the batter can bring a lovely earthy note that balances the smoky bacon.
Maple-Honey Swap: If you want a deeper sweetness, try replacing half the honey with pure maple syrup—this gives a warm complexity that I adore on a chilly morning.
Dairy-Free Version: No buttermilk on hand? Simply mix a tablespoon of lemon juice into a cup of almond or oat milk and let it sit 10 minutes before using—works like a charm!
Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and add roasted corn kernels and diced bell peppers for a veggie-packed cornbread that’s still bursting with flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe

A single triangular slice of golden yellow cornbread sits on a white plate, showing a dense, moist texture with bits of browned bacon inside. There is a light amber syrup drizzled over the top, pooling slightly on the plate, and small green chopped chives scattered on both the cornbread and plate surface. A silver fork rests on the right edge of the plate. The dish is placed on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Warm the Skillet

First things first—preheat your oven to 400°F. Then, place your 10-inch cast iron skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Warming the skillet gently is key for getting that crispy edge everyone loves. The warmth also helps render the bacon fat beautifully once it’s time to cook.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon

Finely chopped bacon goes straight into your warm skillet. Cook it until it’s wonderfully crispy—that aroma alone is worth the wait! When done, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain off excess grease. Be sure to save 1 tablespoon of the rendered bacon fat in the skillet; this magical fat is what gives the cornbread its irresistible crust.

Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients

While the bacon is doing its thing, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a large bowl. This ensures your leavening agents and flavors are evenly distributed, which means a perfectly risen, flavorful cornbread every time.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and honey until smooth and well combined. This mixture brings that rich, sweet, and tangy goodness to the cornbread. If you don’t have buttermilk, remember you can create a quick substitute by mixing lemon juice with whole milk and letting it rest for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry, Then Fold in Bacon

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir just until moistened and combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cornbread tender. Gently fold in your crispy bacon, letting those smoky morsels distribute evenly throughout the batter.

Step 6: Prep the Skillet and Pour Batter

Swirl the reserved tablespoon of bacon fat around the bottom and sides of the warm skillet to grease it evenly—that fat is your secret weapon for a golden crust. Then, pour the cornbread batter into the skillet, spreading it out evenly to fill the pan.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Look for a beautifully golden top and edges, and test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean. The smell at this point? Simply heavenly!

Step 8: Serve Warm with Honey Drizzle

Remove the cornbread from the oven and let it cool just slightly before slicing. Serve warm with an extra drizzle of honey on top to amp up that sweet-and-savory magic. This is comfort food at its finest—perfect alongside everything from chili to a Sunday roast.

Top Tip

Getting the perfect balance of crispy edges and tender crumb is what makes this Honey Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe truly special. Here are some tips to make sure your cornbread turns out just right every time!

Use a cast iron skillet: I’ve found that cooking and baking right in the same warm skillet not only saves time but ensures that unbeatable crispy crust and even heat distribution.
Reserve the bacon fat: Don’t toss that rendered fat! Swirling it in the skillet before adding the batter adds that extra savory depth and helps create a golden crust.
Don’t overmix the batter: Stir just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make the cornbread tough, and nobody wants that.
Monitor the oven carefully: Keep an eye on the cornbread during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overbaking—25 minutes at 400°F is perfect, but ovens vary!

How to Serve Honey Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe

A top view of a cooked dish in a dark blue cast iron pan sitting on a white marbled surface with a green and white checkered cloth nearby. The dish shows one thick beige-yellow layer with a creamy, slightly grainy texture making up most of the pan. Scattered on top are several small pieces of crispy reddish-brown bacon. The food fills the pan almost to the edges and looks soft and warm. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

A warm drizzle of honey over the top right after baking highlights the sweet-savory contrast beautifully. For extra flair, sprinkle some thinly sliced green onions or fresh herbs like chives or thyme. A pat of softened butter is always a welcome addition, melting right into the hot cornbread.

Side Dishes

This cornbread pairs wonderfully with classic Southern dishes like chili, collard greens, or pulled pork. It’s also fantastic served alongside a hearty stew or even with a fresh garden salad for a lighter meal. The versatility is one of the best things about this sweet and savory cornbread!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cornbread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keeping it sealed well ensures it stays moist and delicious.

Freezing

To freeze, first cool the cornbread completely. Then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it inside a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm them up in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. If frozen, allow the cornbread to thaw first. Adding a little extra honey or butter before serving helps refresh the flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, stir 1 tablespoon of lemon juice into 1 cup of whole milk and let it sit for 10 minutes before using. This creates a perfect buttermilk substitute that helps keep the cornbread tender.

Why is my cornbread dense instead of fluffy?

Dense cornbread usually results from overmixing the batter or using old baking powder. Mix just until combined to keep it tender, and make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise.

Can I add other ingredients to this cornbread?

Absolutely! Jalapeños or cayenne pepper add a nice kick, and you can also toss in shredded cheese or chopped herbs to customize the flavor. Just be mindful of the moisture content to keep the right batter consistency.

Do I need to preheat the skillet before adding the batter?

Yes, preheating the 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat before cooking the bacon and adding the batter helps create those coveted crispy edges and even baking, making all the difference!

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about a slice of warm, honey-glazed cornbread with crispy bacon pieces tucked inside. This Honey Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe is like a big hug on a plate — perfect for gatherings or a simple family dinner. I hope you enjoy baking it as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you. Don’t forget to drizzle a little honey on top and savor every bite!