There’s a certain comfort that only homemade cornbread can bring. The moment that warm, buttery aroma fills the house, everything slows down just a little. For me, Nana’s Famous Cornbread is more than a recipe. It’s a memory. It takes me straight back to my childhood, standing in my grandmother’s kitchen while she worked with calm confidence, never measuring too carefully, yet always getting it right.
This cornbread showed up at every family gathering. Sunday dinners, holidays, unexpected visits—it didn’t matter. If Nana was cooking, cornbread wasn’t far behind. I still remember my kids sitting at the table years later, watching the oven door like it was a TV screen, waiting for that golden pan to come out. Crispy edges, soft center, and just the right balance of sweetness. Nana always believed that food brings people together, and this cornbread proves her right every single time.

Table of contents
Table of Contents
WHY THIS CORNBREAD HAS STOOD THE TEST OF TIME
Nana’s Famous Cornbread is simple, reliable, and comforting. It comes together quickly, uses everyday ingredients, and delivers consistent results. It’s the kind of recipe you reach for on busy weekends and still proudly serve during holidays. Soft on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and loved by kids and adults alike, this cornbread earns its place at the table.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
These basic ingredients come together to create a perfectly balanced cornbread that’s neither too dry nor overly sweet.
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HOW TO MAKE NANA’S FAMOUS CORNBREAD
Start by preheating your oven and preparing your baking pan. In one bowl, combine the dry ingredients, making sure everything is evenly mixed. In another bowl, whisk the milk, oil, and eggs until smooth. Gently combines the wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until incorporated. Overmixing can affect the texture, so keep it simple.
Pour the batter into the pan and bake until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool slightly before slicing. That short wait helps the cornbread set while keeping it warm and tender.
PRO TIPS AND EASY VARIATIONS
If you love savory flavors, shredded cheddar cheese blends beautifully into the batter. For a little heat, chopped jalapeños add just the right kick. Buttermilk can replace regular milk for a richer, more traditional flavor. If your family enjoys sweeter cornbread, adding whole corn kernels creates extra texture and natural sweetness. This recipe is flexible, forgiving, and easy to adapt.

HOW TO SERVE NANA’S FAMOUS CORNBREAD
This cornbread shines brightest when served warm. It pairs perfectly with chili, soups, stews, or classic comfort meals. At home, we love it with butter melting into every slice, sometimes with a drizzle of honey for extra comfort. On special occasions, it becomes part of the centerpiece, shared with friends and family, turning simple meals into meaningful moments.
FAQs
Can this cornbread be made ahead of time?
Yes. Bake it a day in advance, store it covered, and reheat gently before serving.
How should leftovers be stored?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Can Nana’s Famous Cornbread be frozen?
Yes. Wrap it well and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.
What meals pair best with cornbread?
It pairs well with chili, soups, greens, barbecue, and hearty comfort dishes.
How do I reheat it without drying it out?
Reheat in the oven covered with foil or warm briefly in the microwave.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Nana’s Famous Cornbread isn’t just food—it’s tradition, comfort, and togetherness baked into every slice. It’s the kind of recipe that carries stories from one generation to the next, creating new memories while honoring old ones. Make it once, and it won’t just become a favorite—it’ll become part of your family table, just like it did in ours.

Nana’s Famous Cornbread
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and eggs until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm.
