Name: Honey Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
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

If you love that perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors, then this Honey Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Imagine tender cornbread studded with crisp applewood-smoked bacon, with a drizzle of honey that makes every bite sing.

A golden yellow cornbread with a slightly rough texture is baked in a black cast iron skillet with a blue handle, and it is sliced into six pieces with one piece partially removed showing the inside crumb, which is moist and speckled with small bits of cooked bacon. The top crust is crisp and has a few browned spots and small green chopped chives scattered over the surface. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface with a pale green cloth nearby. 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 can’t tell you how many times this skillet cornbread has saved a meal or turned a basic dinner into something special. It’s that simple yet unforgettable combination of honey and bacon baked into a golden, satisfying bread that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Perfect texture: Crispy edges with a tender, moist center every time.
Flavor harmony: Sweet honey meets smoky applewood bacon in every bite.
Easy to make: One skillet, minimal cleanup, and straightforward steps.
Versatile side: Pairs beautifully with everything from chili to roasted veggies.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we dive into baking, let’s talk ingredients. I always recommend using medium-ground yellow cornmeal for that classic cornbread texture, plus applewood-smoked bacon for an authentic smoky flavor. The honey adds a floral sweetness that balances the saltiness perfectly — just the right boost without overpowering.

Flat lay of medium-ground yellow cornmeal in a small white ceramic bowl, all-purpose flour in a small white ceramic bowl, granulated sugar in a small white ceramic bowl, fine salt in a small white ceramic bowl, baking powder in a small white ceramic bowl, baking soda in a small white ceramic bowl, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of buttermilk, a small white ceramic bowl with melted butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden honey, six slices of raw applewood-smoked bacon neatly arranged, all ingredients placed with perfect symmetry 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 rich smoky flavor and crispy texture inside the bread.
Medium-ground yellow cornmeal: The star base for authentic cornbread with a slight graininess.
All-purpose flour: Gives structure and helps keep the bread tender.
Sugar: Just enough to enhance the honey’s sweetness without being too sugary.
Salt: Highlights all the other flavors perfectly.
Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to give the bread a light, fluffy rise.
Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to moisture.
Buttermilk: For that tang and tender crumb; it reacts with the soda for rise.
Unsalted butter: Brings richness and moistness to every bite.
Honey: A floral sweetness that ties the whole flavor profile together; plus, more for drizzling on top!

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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

One of the best things about this Honey Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe is how easy it is to customize it to fit your tastes or what you have on hand. Whether you prefer it sweeter, savory-er, or with a little extra zing, it’s a fantastic base to get creative with.

Swap the Bacon: Love turkey bacon or want to keep it vegetarian? Try diced smoked mushrooms or tempeh bacon for that smoky punch without pork. I once made this using shiitake mushrooms and got rave reviews from a vegetarian friend!
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños into the batter for a little heat that cuts through the honey's sweetness perfectly.
Herb-Infused: Fold in fresh chives, thyme, or rosemary for an herby twist that brightens up the classic flavors.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. The texture might be a touch different but still delicious.
Seasonal Favorites: Toss in fresh corn kernels during summer or shredded cheddar and a handful of chopped green onions in fall for added richness.

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

A single triangular piece of golden cornbread is placed slightly off-center on a plain white plate. The cornbread has a crumbly texture with bits of cooked bacon visible inside. On top of the cornbread, there is a small pool of light amber syrup that drips slightly onto the plate. Small green chopped chives are scattered over the syrup and around the plate. To the right of the cornbread, a silver fork rests on the plate’s edge. The surface underneath the plate features a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Cast Iron Skillet

Start by setting your oven to 400°F so it’s nice and hot when your batter is ready to go in. While the oven heats, place your 10-inch cast iron skillet on medium heat on the stove. This warming step is key to getting those famous crispy edges that make skillet cornbread so special.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon Until Crispy

Toss the finely chopped applewood-smoked bacon into the hot skillet. Let it sizzle and cook until perfectly crisp—listen for that satisfying crackle! Once done, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain off extra fat, but be sure to reserve a tablespoon of the bacon fat in your skillet. This fat will give your cornbread a deliciously savory base and help create that golden crust.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

While the bacon is doing its thing, whisk together your cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a large bowl. Mixing them thoroughly ensures an even rise and that every bite has a perfectly balanced texture and flavor.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and ⅓ cup of honey until smooth. The honey adds that lovely floral sweetness that pairs so well with the smoky bacon. Whisking well here helps combine the flavors and keeps the batter silky.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixes

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your cornbread light and tender instead of dense. A few lumps are okay!

Step 6: Fold in the Bacon

Gently fold the crispy bacon pieces into your batter so every slice gets some smoky goodness. This is the step where the honey and bacon flavors start to marry beautifully.

Step 7: Prepare the Skillet and Bake

Swirl that reserved bacon fat all around the bottom and sides of the warm cast iron skillet to coat it evenly. This creates a non-stick surface and a crispy crust. Pour your batter in and smooth the top with a spatula. Then, slide the skillet into your preheated oven.

Step 8: Bake until Golden and Delicious

Bake for about 25 minutes, checking toward the end. You’re looking for golden-brown edges and a toothpick inserted in the center to come out clean. The smell of honey and bacon wafting from your oven will tell you you’re almost there!

Step 9: Serve Warm with a Honey Drizzle

Once out of the oven, serve your skillet cornbread warm. A little extra drizzle of honey on top adds a perfect sweet finish that contrasts so nicely with the bacon’s savory crunch. Enjoy every bite!

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect Honey Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe is all about balancing texture and flavor. Here are a few tips that made a world of difference in my kitchen:

Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet: It creates those irresistibly crispy edges and keeps the cornbread from sticking, giving you that classic texture every time.
Don’t overmix the batter: >I learned the hard way that overmixing produces dense cornbread. Stir just until ingredients are combined for a tender crumb.
Save and use the bacon fat: Swirling the reserved bacon fat in the skillet before adding the batter adds extra smoky flavor and helps develop a rich, golden crust.
Adjust honey to taste: >If you prefer a less sweet cornbread, feel free to reduce the honey a little, but don’t skip it—it’s the secret that brightens up every bite.

How to Serve Honey Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe

A black cast iron pan with blue handles holds a creamy, thick, pale yellow dish with a lumpy texture, topped with scattered small pieces of crispy browned bacon. The pan rests on a white marbled surface with a soft green and white striped cloth beside it. The dish looks warm and hearty with a slightly uneven surface showing bits of bacon inside the mixture photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your warm cornbread slices with a drizzle of extra honey for a lovely floral sweetness, or add a pat of softened butter for richness. For a touch of freshness, sprinkle on some chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley. If you like a bit of heat, a light spread of jalapeño jelly pairs beautifully with the sweet and smoky flavors.

Side Dishes

This skillet cornbread pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides like collard greens, black-eyed peas, or creamy macaroni and cheese. It also complements hearty mains like fried chicken, pulled pork, or a rich beef stew, making it an ideal side for cozy gatherings and family dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap leftover cornbread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep well at room temperature for 1 to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days without losing much of its moisture and flavor.

Freezing

For longer storage, slice the cornbread and wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cornbread will keep well for up to 2 months. This makes it easy to reheat just what you need without thawing the whole batch.

Reheating

To warm up leftover cornbread, pop slices in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave a slice for about 20-30 seconds if you’re short on time, but the oven method helps restore crisp edges beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, just stir 1 tablespoon of lemon juice into 1 cup of whole milk and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This homemade buttermilk substitute works perfectly in this recipe.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

While the cast iron skillet gives the best crispy edges and even baking, you can use a regular oven-safe baking dish. Just be mindful that the texture might vary slightly without the cast iron’s heat retention.

Can I make this cornbread gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend made for baking. Be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free too. The texture may change a bit, but it’s still delicious.

How do I prevent the cornbread from becoming dry?

Avoid overbaking by checking the cornbread around 22 minutes, and remove it as soon as a toothpick comes out clean. Also, don’t overmix the batter to keep it tender. Storing any leftovers properly helps maintain moisture too.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a warm slice of honey-drizzled cornbread studded with crispy bacon, fresh from the oven. This Honey Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe is a little slice of sweet-savory heaven that brings people together around the table. Whether you’re enjoying it as a side dish for dinner or a cozy snack, I hope it becomes one of your go-to recipes that feels like a warm hug in every bite.