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 crave that perfect blend of sweet and smoky, you’re going to adore this Honey Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe. It’s baked right in a cast iron skillet, creating irresistibly crisp edges with a tender, bacon-studded center. Trust me, it’s a total game changer!

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’ve made this skillet cornbread countless times, and it never disappoints. The way the honey gently sweetens the bread while the smoky applewood bacon sneaks in savory bites makes it the star side dish at any meal.

Perfect Texture: Crispy edges meet soft, fluffy interior every time thanks to the cast iron skillet.
Sweet & Savory Harmony: Floral honey combined with smoky bacon creates a flavor symphony you’ll want on repeat.
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together effortlessly for a comforting, homemade treat.
Family Favorite: Makes 8 hearty servings perfect for sharing around the table.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, make sure you have a good-quality cast iron skillet and fresh ingredients, especially the bacon and honey—you’ll taste the difference! Here’s what you need and why each component plays a key role.

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 deep smoky flavor and delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender cornbread.
Medium-ground yellow cornmeal: Provides the classic cornbread texture—slightly grainy and wonderfully hearty.
All-purpose flour: Balances the cornmeal, giving the bread structure and softness.
Sugar: Just enough sweetness to enhance the honey without overpowering the savory notes.
Salt: Elevates all the flavors and keeps the cornbread well-rounded.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents ensure the cornbread rises up light and fluffy.
Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the bread’s tender crumb.
Buttermilk: Brings a subtle tang and reacts with the baking soda for that perfect rise.
Unsalted butter: Melted for richness and moisture, it also helps create that golden crust.
Honey: Adds a floral sweetness that beautifully complements the smoky bacon—plus you’ll want a drizzle on top!

📝

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 lies in its versatility. Whether you want it sweeter, heartier, or more herbaceous, there’s plenty of room to tweak it to suit your taste or occasion.

Herb-Infused Twist: I love adding a tablespoon of fresh chopped rosemary or thyme into the batter for an earthy, fragrant note that pairs beautifully with the honey and bacon.
Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in ½ cup of sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese just before baking for an extra layer of savory goodness—this is a hit at family dinners!
Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a few dashes of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper blended into the dry ingredients adds a pleasant smoky warmth.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap buttermilk for a plant-based milk mixed with a splash of apple cider vinegar to keep that tender crumb; using coconut oil instead of butter works great too!
Vegetarian Version: Simply omit the bacon and use a teaspoon of smoked paprika in the batter with a dash of liquid smoke to mimic that smoky depth.

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 Sizzle Your Bacon

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. While that’s warming up, heat your 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped applewood-smoked bacon and cook it until it’s wonderfully crispy—about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the aroma fills your kitchen and the edges turn nice and golden. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain it on paper towels. Keep a tablespoon of that flavorful bacon fat right in the skillet—this will give your cornbread an unbeatable golden crust and a subtle smoky essence.

Step 2: Whisk Together Your Dry Ingredients

While the bacon is cooking, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. This ensures your dry ingredients are evenly combined so every bite has that perfect texture and rise.

Step 3: Combine Your Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and honey until smooth and well blended. The buttermilk brings tang and tenderness, while the honey offers just the right hint of floral sweetness.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix here—you want the batter moist but still a little lumpy to keep the cornbread light and tender. Gently fold in the crispy bacon pieces, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for bursts of smoky flavor in every slice.

Step 5: Prepare Your Skillet and Bake

Swirl that reserved tablespoon of bacon fat around the bottom and sides of the warm cast iron skillet, coating it thoroughly. This step is key for crisp edges and adds another layer of bacon flavor. Pour the batter evenly into your skillet, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Serve Warm with a Honey Drizzle

Remove the skillet from the oven and let your cornbread cool just enough so it’s comfortable to slice—about 5 minutes. Serve warm with an extra drizzle of honey on top to enhance that sweet-and-savory magic. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time!

Top Tip

These simple tips will help you nail the perfect balance of crisp edges and tender crumb in your Honey Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe every single time.

Preheat the Skillet: Don’t skip warming your cast iron skillet before adding the batter—this step ensures those irresistibly crispy edges we all love.
Reserve Bacon Fat: Keeping a tablespoon of the bacon fat to grease the pan adds smoky depth and helps the crust brown beautifully.
Mix Gently: Stir the batter just until combined to avoid overworking the flour, which can make the cornbread tough instead of tender.
Avoid Overbaking: Take it out as soon as a toothpick comes out clean—this keeps the center moist and flavorful.

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

Keep it simple with a warm drizzle of honey right on top to amplify the sweet notes or add a pat of butter for richness. Fresh herbs like chopped chives or thyme also make a lovely, subtle garnish that brings a fresh contrast to the sweet and smoky flavors.

Side Dishes

This cornbread pairs wonderfully with classic Southern comfort food like skillet-fried chicken, creamy collard greens, or spicy chili. It’s also fantastic beside a robust stew or even a fresh garden salad to balance its richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover cornbread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep well at room temperature for up to 2 days without losing its moist texture.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cooled cornbread slices individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Frozen cornbread will maintain quality for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat cornbread in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for best texture—reheating in the skillet can also revive those crispy edges beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes! You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to 1 cup of whole milk and letting it sit for 10 minutes before using, which mimics the acidity needed.

Why is preheating the cast iron skillet important?

Preheating the skillet ensures the batter starts cooking immediately, developing a beautiful crisp crust that's a hallmark of this cornbread.

Can I substitute bacon for a vegetarian option?

For a vegetarian twist, you could omit bacon and add roasted corn or smoked paprika to keep some depth of flavor, but the classic smoky bacon is key to the original taste.

How do I know when the cornbread is done baking?

Bake for 25 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Final Thoughts

There's something truly magical about this Honey Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe—the way floral honey and smoky bacon come together in one skillet to create a side dish that’s both comforting and special. Whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this cornbread always brings smiles around the table. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen!