Crumbly, sweet, and filling -- gluten-free cornbread will surely be a staple in your gluten-free kitchen. This gluten-free cornbread recipe is simple, uses minimal ingredients, and is a fantastic side to soups, stews, and BBQ.
You can make this gluten-free cornbread in a pan or into gluten-free cornbread muffins! We're sharing what ingredients are in gluten-free cornbread, how to make them, loads of tips, what to serve them with, and what sides.
For anyone looking for a good grain-free cornbread recipe, check out our easy paleo cornbread. If you plan your Thanksgiving menu, look at my favorite Thanksgiving recipes. I highly recommend my gluten-free stuffing, which is also good gluten-free cornbread stuffing, or this gluten-free corn casserole that is bursting with flavor and simple to make. If you love Southern food, try these Gluten-Free Hush Puppies next. Searching for more new recipes to try? Then take a look at our best gluten-free recipes.
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GLUTEN-FREE HOMEMADE CORNBREAD RECIPE
Often when I think of gluten-free cornbread, I think of chili, soups, and stews. Why? Because my mom served gluten-free cornbread with each of them. It's also a great side dish for picnics and BBQs. I serve mine along short ribs, coleslaw, and beans. Delish! In my view, it is the best cornbread!
This gluten-free cornbread recipe can be made into gluten-free cornbread muffins or in the gluten-free cornbread bar form. I like to make my gluten-free cornbread into muffins so it's easy for people to grab-and-go.
I also like to serve mine with dairy-free butter and honey. I can get myself into trouble with these gluten-free cornbread muffins. This is the best gluten-free cornbread recipe straight out of the oven with butter and honey dripping down the sides. I'm seriously salivating as I write this. So good.
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WHY YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE THIS GLUTEN-FREE CORNBREAD
Easy to make - It's whisking a few ingredients together and watching your homemade gluten-free cornbread bake.
They go well with everything - You can have sweet cornbread or savory cornbread. I like to serve them as a side dish for Thanksgiving, picnics, and BBQs. Do you prefer sweet cornbread or savory cornbread?
Uses pantry staples - You can make this recipe when the cravings arrive, as you already have basic pantry staples on hand.
INGREDIENTS IN GLUTEN-FREE CORNBREAD
Gluten-Free Flour - Use a gluten-free flour blend. I used Bob's Red Mill 1to-1 gluten-free Flour in this gluten-free cornbread recipe, but you can use your favorite high-quality purpose gluten-free flour blend. Here are some of my gluten-free flour blend options. A gluten-free flour blend is made up of different gluten-free flours.
Gluten-Free Cornmeal - I recommend buying high-quality fine-ground gluten-free cornmeal. The gluten-free label ensures that it was processed in a facility free from glutinous ingredients. Gluten-free cornmeal is a coarse flour made from maize.
Gluten-Free Baking Powder - Not all baking powders are created equal. Make sure yours is labeled gluten-free. Use baking powder and not baking soda. I have not tested the recipe with baking soda as it will require other adjustments.
Dairy-Free Milk or Milk - We love to use vanilla almond milk in this gluten-free cornbread muffin recipe. It adds a touch of extra sweetness to make a dairy-free cornbread recipe.
Sugar - Use granulated white sugar.
Oil - You can use any oil of your choice or melted butter.
Eggs - I haven't tried substituting eggs in this gluten-free cornbread recipe. I've had a few people successfully use chia egg (1 tablespoon ground chia seeds with 3 tablespoons water).
EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR THIS GLUTEN-FREE CORNBREAD
Pan - You can use a baking pan or a muffin pan. I like to use a muffin tray as guests can take a single portion.
Whisk - I like this balloon whisk to make the gluten-free cornbread mix as it's stainless steel.
If you have any questions about making gluten-free cornbread, please leave a comment and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
HOW TO MAKE GLUTEN-FREE CORNBREAD
- Add dry ingredients to a medium mixing bowl.
- Whisk dry ingredients together until well combined.
- Add eggs, milk, and oil in a separate medium mixing bowl. Whisk until combined.
- Add dry mixture to wet mixture and stir just till blended.
- Spoon batter evenly into the square pan or cupcake pans, filling about ⅔ full. For a square pan, bake for 25-30 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. For muffins, bake for 20 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Your gluten-free cornbread will be a light brown color and ready to serve with your favorites. If you like sweet cornbread, add some honey and butter.
TIPS FOR MAKING GF CORNBREAD
Mix properly - Ensure you mix the wet and dry ingredients separately and then together
Oven temperature - Make sure your oven temperature is correct. I like to use an oven thermometer.
Don't overbake it - It will be dry and not taste great.
Use ingredients - Use ingredients as per the recipe card. Adding baking soda and not baking powder will not have the same result. As with gluten-free flour. Use decent quality gluten-free flour blend.
Frequently Asked Questions
IS CORNBREAD GLUTEN-FREE?
Not all cornbread is naturally gluten-free. Some cornbread recipes are made with gluten flour and cornmeal (TIP: Use a gluten-free cornmeal. Gluten-free cornmeal must be labeled as such, and watch out for cross-contamination messaging on the ingredients label). Make sure to use a gluten-free cornbread recipe or substitute any wheat flour for gluten-free flour in your gluten-free cornbread recipe.
When I told someone, I was posting my gluten-free cornbread muffins on the blog, they asked if they were southern cornbread biscuits. To be honest, I've never heard of southern cornbread, but I'm sure it's delightful.
This is a traditional, old-fashioned naturally gluten-free cornbread recipe. It's less than ten ingredients and it tastes like what I remember gluten-free cornbread tasting like growing up.
What Is The Best Pan For Making GF Cornbread?
I personally like using square pans or cupcake pans for this gf cornbread. Others enjoy a cast iron skillet as they say it distributes heat evenly, which helps to create a crispy crust on the gluten-free cornbread. The skillet retains heat well, ensuring the gluten-free cornbread bakes evenly throughout. It really is down to personal preference.
CAN I MAKE GLUTEN-FREE CORNBREAD DAIRY-FREE?
Actually, this recipe is for gluten-free dairy-free cornbread muffins. You can use regular dairy milk if you want, but we like to use vanilla almond milk in this gluten-free dairy-free cornbread. Just make sure to serve this gf cornbread recipe with dairy-free butter to keep it dairy-free.
HOW DO YOU STORE GLUTEN-FREE CORNBREAD?
Store gluten-free cornbread leftovers in an airtight container and in plastic wrap on the counter for 2 days. Alternatively, place the gluten-free cornbread and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
CAN YOU FREEZE AND REHEAT GF CORNBREAD
Yes, cut them into slices, or if you make the muffins place them into an airtight container for up to 2 months. Allow them to defrost and warm them up in the microwave for a couple of seconds.
CAN I USE AN EGG SUBSTITUTE FOR THIS GF CORNBREAD RECIPE?
If you are looking for an egg substitute for cornbread, you have a few options. You can use an egg replacer. You can also use a one flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) per egg called for or one chia-egg. Let us know which egg substitute you have used in the comments.
CAN YOU MAKE GLUTEN-FREE CORNBREAD STUFFING?
I am a regular gluten-free stuffing gal myself, but I have a few family members who love making cornbread stuffing. You can use this gluten-free cornbread recipe to make gluten-free cornbread stuffing. Simply replace the bread cubes in this gluten-free Stuffing Recipe with 10-12 cups of cubed cornbread.
HOW DO YOU MAKE GLUTEN-FREE SOUTHERN CORNBREAD?
From what my very southern Aunt has told me. Gluten-Free Cornbread that uses bacon grease instead of oil, and buttermilk instead of milk or dairy-free milk is considered "southern". You can swap those out in this recipe easily if you'd like. Or you could try this recipe for gluten-free southern cornbread.
I've tried gluten-free cornbread recipes that have more of a cake texture. These don't. These are hearty, thick, and corn-bread-like (if that makes any sense). Sure, I love sweet cornbread that is actually cake - fluffy and sweet, enough that you could lather on some buttercream frosting and devour with a fork.
These gluten-free cornbread muffins are the kind that you ladle chili over, the kind that you mop up the last of your stew with. It's my tried-and-true gluten-free cornbread recipe that we serve to our family. I hope you like it as much as we do. Especially sweet cornbread with honey and butter.
WHAT TO SERVE THIS GLUTEN-FREE CORNBREAD RECIPE WITH?
Beef Short Ribs - Take your dinner to the next level with this simple, yet stunning beef short ribs recipe. Your house will smell amazing, and your family will be racing to the table for dinner to enjoy these slow-cooked beef short ribs.
Hawaiian Chicken - This sweet, juicy, gluten-free Hawaiian Chicken is the perfect chicken to whip up on a weeknight and throw on the grill. This gluten-free chicken recipe is super healthy and flavorful, and you can enjoy it guilt-free.
Baked Oregano Chicken - This crispy gluten-free Baked Oregano Chicken is an easy weeknight dinner. Quick to whip up, and a crowd pleaser.
Gluten-free chili - A simple yet flavorful gluten-free chili that is ready in no time. This gluten-free chili recipe uses fresh ingredients, it's simple to make, and it's packed with spices.
Gluten-free stew - Easy gluten-free beef stew that's quick to make, filling, and full of comforting flavors. We like to make this beef stew in the instant pot but I've included instructions for stove top gluten-free beef stew and beef stew in a Crockpot.
WHAT SIDES CAN I SERVE WITH GLUTEN-FREE CORNBREAD RECIPE?
Roasted broccoli and potatoes - This is a simple side that you can pop in the oven. This dish is simple, uses only 6 ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, and cooks in under 20 minutes. The best part about roasted potatoes and broccoli is that it covers two food groups in one dish, and it's cooked all in one pan.
White Bean Salad - A simple yet refreshing white bean salad that's healthy and full of flavor. This white bean salad is perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and dinner parties. It only takes five minutes to make this white bean salad recipe but it can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated.
Instant Pot Carrots - An easy recipe for Instant Pot Carrots that makes the perfect side dish to most meals. If you've ever wondered how to cook carrots in an instant pot you've come to the right place. These pressure cooker carrots are cooked to perfection.
Cheesy Potatoes - A casserole that's ready to bake in five minutes. Serve these cheesy potatoes at your next holiday meal, potluck, or BBQ. These gluten-free cheesy potatoes can be prepared the night before and baked before serving.
Scalloped Potatoes - Gluten-free Scalloped Potatoes are the ultimate in cheesy comfort food. Rich, creamy, savory, and filling, this casserole-style side dish is a total crowd-pleaser.
Go look at my gluten-free bread recipes too.
Gluten-Free Cornbread
This gluten-free cornbread recipe is simple, uses minimal ingredients, and serves as a fantastic side to soups, stews, and BBQ.
Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten-free flour blend (I use my blend, Ryze, or Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1)
- 1 cup gluten-free corn meal
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons gluten-free baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup dairy-free milk (or regular milk, or Buttermilk for a cake-like cornbread)
- ¼ cup oil of choice (or melted and cooled butter)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Position rack in center of oven. Grease a 12 serving cupcake pan; or a square 9x9x2-inch baking pan; set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate medium mixing bowl, beat together eggs, milk, and oil. Add dry mixture to wet mixture and stir just till blended.
- Spoon batter evenly into the square pan or cupcake pans, filling about ⅔ full. For a square pan bake for 25-30 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. For muffins, bake for 20 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.
- Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
Notes
- Dairy-Free Option: To make this gluten-free cornbread dairy free use dairy-free milk.
- Flour blends: For this recipe I use my gluten-free flour blend, Ryze, or Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour.
- Use fine ground cornmeal to make this gluten-free cornbread recipe.
- For a sweeter cornbread, use buttermilk instead of milk, melted and cooled butter instead of oil, and increase the sugar to ½ cup.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. They never cost you extra.
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Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick Bakeware Muffin Pan & Cupcake Pan, 12-Cup, Steel
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Clabber Girl Gluten Free Baking Powder 8.1 Ounce
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Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, 22-ounce (Pack of 4)
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Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick 8-Inch Square Cake Pans, Set of 2, Steel Bakeware Set
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OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1 muffinAmount Per Serving: Calories: 129Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 110mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 1gSugar: 6gProtein: 3g
This nutrition info is based on the exact ingredients and brands that I used a the time. It may not be 100% accurate. Please check your ingredients nutrition labels.
Laura C
Made tonight and loved it! Substituted goat yogurt + 3 T water because I needed to use it up. Also reduced sugar to 2T but won't do that again. Very nice crumb but not crumbly. Thank you
Wendy Stoltz
Hi Laura,
I'm thrilled to hear you loved the gluten-free cornbread! The substitution of goat yogurt and water was a creative touch, and it's great that it worked well for you. Adjusting the sugar can indeed impact the texture, and it's all about finding that perfect balance. Happy baking!
Danielle
Mine didn't rise, but they still taste fine. I used the coarser cornmeal bc that's all I had, so maybe that's the issue. I followed the recipe other than that variance. I've had better luck with recipes that have a little baking soda or powder in them.
Wendy Stoltz
Hi Danielle,
Using a coarser cornmeal can indeed affect the texture and rise of your cornbread. Coarser cornmeal makes the batter denser and can hinder the rise, especially in gluten-free recipes where the structure from gluten is absent, and the batter relies on other means for lift and airiness.
Thanks
Deb
Can I freeze these?
Wendy Stoltz
Hi Deb,
Absolutely, you can! I found that your question is actually covered in our frequently asked questions section. Here are the details:
"Yes, cut them into slices, or if you're dealing with muffins, simply place them into an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you're ready, allow them to defrost and then warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds."
I hope this helps! Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you.