Every Thanksgiving, our family debates whether to include cornbread on the menu. While it's a staple for many, we sometimes consider swapping it for fluffy Parker House rolls or biscuits. This year, my brother successfully argued for cornbread's place at the table.

This sparked my mission to find the ultimate cornbread recipe that everyone would love. So, I embarked on a quest to test various recipes and see which one would win the taste test.

best cornbread recipe on the internet

Criteria for the Best Cornbread Recipe Challenge

As is tradition, I prepared each recipe precisely as written, without any modifications for personal preferences.

Evaluation Criteria

I consulted cornbread enthusiasts to gather their insights on what defines great cornbread. Based on their feedback, we established the following criteria for our tasting:

  1. Texture. Our cornbread aficionados preferred a hearty chewiness that sets cornbread apart from rolls or biscuits. A moist texture was essential—no dry or crumbling cornbread here.
  2. Flavor. While each recipe had its unique twist, we sought a balance where the sweetness of corn shone through, whether the recipe leaned sweet or savory. Savory options should have a kick from jalapeños and the saltiness of cheddar, while sweeter varieties should be delightful both at dinner and with coffee in the morning.
  3. Thanksgiving Worthiness. A crucial question: Is this cornbread worthy of a second helping? With so many dishes to choose from, would this make it back onto our plates?

Keep reading to discover which recipe excelled in all categories!

best cornbread recipe on the internet

#6 Best Jalapeño Cornbread with Corn from Food52

This cornbread had an intriguing combination of ingredients, including cream cheese, corn kernels, and jalapeños. While it was interesting texturally, many tasters found it too crumbly and felt it wasn't Thanksgiving material. This one's better suited for chili nights.

#5 Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread from Bryan Ford

Our testers enjoyed this cornbread, but it ranked lower in texture compared to others. The flavor was delightful, thanks to toasting the cornmeal and a good balance of jalapeños and cheddar. However, it was a tad dry, so I'd bake it for less time next time.

#4 Perfect, Forever Cornbread from Smitten Kitchen

We love Smitten Kitchen, and this recipe received high praise. It ranked lower than some flavorful varieties because when compared to jalapeño-infused options, it felt more average. However, it has a moist, corn-forward texture thanks to whole kernels, making it a solid choice for seconds.

best cornbread recipe on the internet

#3 Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread from The Barefoot Contessa

This was one of my favorites! The addition of green onions added depth that many tasters appreciated. With its zesty jalapeño flavor, this savory cornbread made a strong impression, and most agreed they would go back for seconds.

#2 Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread from A Cozy Kitchen

Another jalapeño cheddar recipe, but this one truly stood out. It was savory and spicy, with a touch of nuttiness and a wonderfully moist texture. Everyone loved it and would definitely want more at Thanksgiving. If you want a modern twist on a classic, this is a must-try.

#1 Butter Honey Glazed Cornbread from Jessie Sheehan

This cornbread is now a staple for our Thanksgiving feast. Even I, a former skeptic, was blown away by this recipe. Slightly sweeter, it remains a perfect side dish. Its extra moisture comes from a butter-honey glaze, making it classic yet elevated. Jessie, we're excited to have this at our dinner!

best cornbread recipe on the internet

Did your favorite cornbread make the cut? Share your thoughts with us!