From Scratch: Great Grams Appalachian Cornbread

I’m back with another edition of the Homemade From Scratch series, and this one carries a little extra heart—Great Gram’s Appalachian Cornbread.

Some recipes aren’t just instructions on a page; they’re memories baked into cast iron. This cornbread is one of those. It comes from my great grandmother’s kitchen, where simple ingredients were turned into warm, filling food that could stretch a meal and bring everyone to the table. I’ve made it for years now, and every time it goes into the oven, it feels like carrying a piece of her tradition forward.

This is homestead food at its core—humble, practical, and deeply comforting. It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t need anything fancy to shine.

Great Gram’s Appalachian Cornbread

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 1 cup milk
• Butter for skillet

Directions

1. Place butter in a cast iron skillet and preheat oven to 350°F.
2. While the oven heats, mix all ingredients together until well combined.
3. Once the skillet is hot and the butter is melted, carefully pour in the batter.
4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.

Notes

• This cornbread is best baked in cast iron for a crisp, golden crust.
• Homemade raspberry jam or butter makes a perfect pairing.
• Simple ingredients, timeless flavor.

A Recipe Rooted in Tradition

Cornbread like this tells the story of Appalachian kitchens—where food was made from what was on hand, and nothing went to waste. It’s a reminder that some of the best recipes come from simplicity, not abundance.

As part of the From Scratch series, this recipe honors the old ways: cooking with intention, passing down family knowledge, and keeping heirloom recipes alive for the next generation.

What’s a recipe from your family that still shows up on your table today?