Easy and Quick White Lily Cornbread Recipe

The White Lily Cornbread Recipe is a true Southern staple, known for its light, tender crumb and rich, buttery flavour. Unlike traditional cornbread, which can sometimes be dense, this version uses White Lily self-rising cornmeal, a key ingredient that ensures a soft and fluffy texture. Whether you prefer slightly sweet cornbread or completely savoury, this recipe is versatile enough to suit any taste. You can create a delicious, homemade cornbread that pairs perfectly with soups, stews, or even a drizzle of honey for a sweet touch with just a few simple ingredients.

One key aspect of White Lily’s cornbread recipe is its use of high-quality, finely ground cornmeal. White Lily has been a relied-upon brand in Southern kitchens for generations, offering soft wheat flour and a self-rising cornmeal mix that lends a lighter texture to cornbread. Mixed with buttermilk and just a little melted butter, this recipe yields a golden brown, crisp crust and a moist, tender crumb. The secret to the perfect texture is using the right balance of ingredients and baking it in a preheated cast-iron skillet, which enhances the flavour and ensures an even bake.

This White Lily Cornbread Recipe will become a favourite for a simple, no-fail recipe for old-fashioned Southern cornbread. It’s fast to make, takes little effort, and produces restaurant-quality results at home. Whether served as a side for chilli, barbecued meats or in a comforting bowl of collard greens, this cornbread delivers a taste of the South to your dinner table. You’ll see why this is a favourite in kitchens when you try it once!

Origins of White Lily Cornbread Recipe

Cornbread has its long roots in Native American and Southern U.S. cuisine. For centuries, Native Americans used ground corn to make simple flatbreads, which were adapted into cornbread with the arrival of European settlers. As time went on, Southern cooks also made their unique adaptations of cornbread, from the dense, slightly sweet people in the North made to the crispy, savoury styles the South favoured.
A manufacturer of low-protein, soft wheat flour and finely ground cornmeal, White Lily became a household name in Southern baking. Founded in 1883 in Tennessee, White Lily is a household name for biscuits, cornbread and other baked goods. The self-rising cornmeal mix simplifies the traditional cornbread recipes, ensuring the finished product is light and airy but still has the familiar Southern flavour.

Keys for Perfecting the White Lily Cornbread Recipe

Making perfect cornbread requires more than just mixing ingredients together. Here are some essential tips to achieve the best results:

1. Use White Lily Self-Rising Cornmeal Mix

• White Lily self-rising cornmeal mix contains leavening agents, eliminating the need for baking powder or baking soda.
• The fine grind ensures a tender crumb and smooth consistency.

2. Choose the Right Baking Dish

• Cast-iron skillet: Creates a crispy, golden crust due to even heat distribution.
• Baking pan: Produces a softer crust but still retains a delicious texture.
• Muffin tin: Perfect for individual servings with crisp edges.

3. Preheat the Skillet or Pan

• Preheating a cast-iron skillet with butter or oil before pouring the batter results in a crispier crust.
• This technique prevents sticking and enhances flavor.

4. Use Buttermilk for a Richer Flavor

• Buttermilk adds tanginess and moisture, making the cornbread tender.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.

5. Don’t Over-mix the Batter

• Stir the ingredients just until combined. Over-mixing results in dense, tough cornbread.

Health Benefits of White Lily Cornbread Recipe

Cornbread made with White Lily self-rising cornmeal is not only delicious but also provides several nutritional benefits:

While cornbread is a great source of energy, it’s best enjoyed in moderation, especially if sweetened with added sugar.

Why Adding White Lily Cornbread to Your Breakfast is a Game-Changer

Beginning your day with White Lily Cornbread brings warmth, flavour and a satisfying texture to complement your morning go-tos. Unlike standard toast, buttery bites of cornbread pair well with all  breakfast foods, including eggs and bacon, honey and jam, everything, really. With its light, fluffy crumb, made possible by White Lily’s finely milled cornmeal, it’s an easy way to level up your breakfast routine.

Or try cornbread, a nutrient-dense option that gives you lots of energy-associated carbs and fibre, so you feel fuller longer to tackle the day ahead. If you like to change, they are great, drizzled with maple syrup, served with Greek yoghurt, and topped with fresh fruit in any number of healthy and delicious twists.

Making White Lily Cornbread for breakfast is also incredibly convenient! Bake a batch beforehand and reheat slices in the morning for a quick and satisfying meal. Whether savoury with eggs and avocado or sweet with cinnamon butter, this Southern classic is a must-have!

White Lily Cornbread Recipe from OoohDelish!

White Lily Cornbread Recipe

A classic Southern cornbread recipe made with White Lily self-rising cornmeal, creating a light, fluffy, and buttery texture with a crisp golden crust. Perfect as a side dish for any meal!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American, Southern

Servings 4

Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

• Cast-iron skillet (for a crispy crust)
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup White Lily self-rising cornmeal
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter plus extra for greasing the skillet
• 1 tablespoon sugar optional, for a slightly sweet version
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder only if using regular cornmeal instead of self-rising

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a cast-iron skillet in the oven with 1 tablespoon of butter to preheat for 5 minutes.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the White Lily self-rising cornmeal, flour, salt, and sugar (if using).
• In another bowl, beat the egg and mix with the buttermilk and melted butter.
• Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a wooden spoon. Do not overmix; just combine until smooth.
• Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and pour the batter into it. You should hear a slight sizzle; this creates a crispy crust!
• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve warm with butter, honey, or jam.

Notes

• For sweeter cornbread, add 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup.
• To achieve the crispiest crust, always preheat the skillet with butter or oil before adding the batter.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use White Lily gluten-free cornmeal and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute buttermilk with almond milk + 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and use coconut oil instead of butter.

This White Lily Cornbread Recipe is a foolproof, Southern-style classic that is crispy outside, soft inside, and full of flavor. Serve it alongside chili, BBQ, or enjoy it for breakfast with honey butter. Let us know how you make it your own!

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Let me know if you need any tweaks!

Keyword Buttermilk Cornbread, Easy Cornbread Recipe, Southern Cornbread

Tips and Tricks for the Best White Lily Cornbread Recipe

1. Use Bacon Grease for Authentic Southern Flavor
   • Replace butter or oil with bacon grease for a smoky, rich taste.
2. Add Cheese for Extra Flavor
   • Mix shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese into the batter for a delicious twist.
3. Enhance the Texture with an Extra Egg
   • An additional egg makes the cornbread fluffier and richer.
4. For a Crunchier Crust, Bake at a High Temperature
   • A higher oven temp (400-425°F) creates a crispier edge while keeping the inside soft.
5. Add Fresh Corn Kernels for Extra Sweetness
   • Stir in ½ cup of fresh or canned corn for a burst of natural sweetness.

White Lily Cornbread Recipe Variations

Looking to switch things up? Try these variations:

1. Sweet White Lily Cornbread
   • Add ¼ cup of honey or maple syrup for a naturally sweet flavor.
   • Serve with whipped honey butter for an extra indulgent touch.
2. Spicy Jalapeño Cornbread
   • Mix in chopped jalapeños and shredded cheddar cheese for a zesty kick.
   • Top with a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet-spicy contrast.
3. Buttermilk Cornbread Muffins
   • Pour batter into a muffin tin and bake for 15-18 minutes at 375°F.
   • Perfect for serving with soups or chili.
4. Skillet Cornbread with Crispy Edges
   • Use a cast-iron skillet and preheat it in the oven with butter or bacon grease before adding the batter.
   • Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes for the crispiest crust.
5. Gluten-Free Cornbread
   • Substitute White Lily self-rising cornmeal mix with their gluten-free cornmeal.
   • Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour.

Conclusion

One such recipe that stands out is the White Lily Cornbread, a Southern staple that has been passed down through generations. Its light, fluffy texture made with White Lily’s finely ground self-rising cornmeal distinguishes it from other cornbread recipes. This cornbread is an enduring favourite whether as a simple side dish or topped with flavorful accoutrements, like jalapeños, cheese or honey. You can perfectly balance crisp edges and a soft, tender crumb using a handful of ingredients and the right techniques.

It’s easy to make cornbread from scratch and rewarding. You have complete control over the ingredients, enabling you to create a healthier, tastier product than is commercially available. This customizable recipe also allows you to dial up the sweetness, add other flavours, and use whatever methods make sense for the day. And homemade cornbread goes with everything from soups and stews to barbecues and fresh salads, so it should be in every kitchen.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, the White Lily Cornbread Recipe is a foolproof way to enjoy Southern-style cornbread at its best. With a few tips, tricks, and variations, you can tailor this recipe to your liking and impress family and friends with your baking skills. Try it today and discover why White Lily cornbread has remained a beloved favourite for generations!

FAQs : White Lily Cornbread Recipe

Share Your Twist!

Have you tried making White Lily Cornbread your own way? Whether you love it sweet with honey, spicy with jalapeños, or extra cheesy, we’d love to hear about your twist!

Snap a photo of your homemade cornbread and share it in the comments!
Tell us your favorite add-ins or secret ingredients!
Tag us on social media and use #OoohDelishCornbread so we can feature your recipe on Oooh Delish!

Let’s celebrate the art of cornbread together! #CornbreadLovers #OoohDelish

References

Golden Sweet Cornbread Recipe