Name: Sweet Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southern
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’re craving that perfect mix of sweet, smoky, and tender all in one bite, this Sweet Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe is exactly what you need. It bakes up golden-crisp on the outside with a soft, honey-kissed center dotted with bacon—pure comfort food magic!

A golden yellow cornbread with a slightly rough texture is baked in a black cast iron skillet with a blue handle, and it is sliced into six pieces with one piece partially removed showing the inside crumb, which is moist and speckled with small bits of cooked bacon. The top crust is crisp and has a few browned spots and small green chopped chives scattered over the surface. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface with a pale green cloth nearby. 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 Sweet Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sweet Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sweet Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I make this skillet cornbread whenever I want something truly satisfying and easy to pull together. It’s a game-changer for dinner sides or even brunch—and I love how the sweet honey and smoky bacon flavors play off each other flawlessly.

Perfectly balanced flavors: The floral honey adds a sweet note that complements the smoky bacon beautifully without overpowering the cornbread.
Cast iron magic: Baking it in a preheated skillet gives you those irresistibly crisp edges and a tender middle every time.
Simple ingredients: You probably have everything you need already, making it super accessible and easy to whip up.
Versatile and shareable: Great alongside chili, soups, or as a savory-sweet breakfast treat that everyone will ask for again.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, make sure you have good-quality bacon and fresh honey on hand—these really elevate the flavor here. The cornmeal should be medium-ground for that classic cornbread texture, and if you don’t have buttermilk, I’ve got a handy tip to make a quick substitute.

Flat lay of medium-ground yellow cornmeal in a small white ceramic bowl, all-purpose flour in a small white ceramic bowl, granulated sugar in a small white ceramic bowl, fine salt in a small white ceramic bowl, baking powder in a small white ceramic bowl, baking soda in a small white ceramic bowl, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of buttermilk, a small white ceramic bowl with melted butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden honey, six slices of raw applewood-smoked bacon neatly arranged, all ingredients placed with perfect symmetry 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: I choose applewood for its subtle sweetness and smoky aroma that infuses the cornbread perfectly.
Medium-ground yellow cornmeal: Gives the cornbread that signature crumbly texture and golden color.
All-purpose flour: Adds structure to keep the bread tender yet sturdy.
Sugar: Just enough to enhance the natural sweetness without making it dessert-like.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and naturally enhances all the flavors.
Baking powder & baking soda: Work together to give a light, fluffy rise with a perfect crumb.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness to the batter.
Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and moisture for soft, tender cornbread; plus, it reacts with the leavening for a better rise.
Unsalted butter: Melted for richness and depth of flavor without excess saltiness.
Honey: Brings a floral sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the bacon’s smokiness and makes this recipe truly special.

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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

One of the best parts about this Sweet Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own! Whether you want to kick up the heat, add some fresh herbs, or make it completely vegetarian-friendly, there’s plenty of room for customization to suit your tastes.

Variation: For a spicy twist, I love adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños right into the batter. It gives the cornbread a little kick that pairs beautifully with the honey’s sweetness and smoky bacon.
Vegetarian option: Skip the bacon and replace the bacon fat with melted butter or olive oil. You can also stir in some sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to add savory depth.
Herb-infused: Fresh herbs like chopped rosemary or thyme add a lovely earthy note. Just sprinkle them into the batter when you fold in the bacon for an aromatic lift.
Make it gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different but just as delicious!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sweet Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe

A single triangular piece of golden cornbread is placed slightly off-center on a plain white plate. The cornbread has a crumbly texture with bits of cooked bacon visible inside. On top of the cornbread, there is a small pool of light amber syrup that drips slightly onto the plate. Small green chopped chives are scattered over the syrup and around the plate. To the right of the cornbread, a silver fork rests on the plate’s edge. The surface underneath the plate features a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Warm Up Your Oven and Cast Iron

First things first—preheat your oven to a lively 400°F. Pop your trusted 10-inch cast iron skillet on the stove over medium heat. This dual warming not only gets your oven ready but also prepares your skillet for that signature crisp crust. You’ll know the skillet is ready when it starts to feel pleasantly warm to the touch, but not smoking hot just yet.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon

Add the finely chopped applewood-smoked bacon into your warm skillet and let it sizzle until it's perfectly crispy. The aroma here is incredible! Once done, scoop out the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain it on paper towels to keep it nice and crisp. Be sure to reserve about 1 tablespoon of that flavorful bacon fat in the skillet—that little bit will add amazing depth to your cornbread crust.

Step 3: Mix Up the Dry Ingredients

While the bacon is doing its thing, grab a large bowl and whisk together your dry ingredients: 1 cup of medium-ground yellow cornmeal, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, 3 teaspoons baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon baking soda. Whisking them well ensures even rising and a consistent crumb texture throughout your cornbread.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 1 cup buttermilk, 1 stick of melted unsalted butter, and ⅓ cup honey until smooth and fully blended. The honey adds a floral sweetness that perfectly balances the smoky bacon and wholesome cornmeal flavors—in fact, it’s the soul of this recipe!

Step 5: Blend Wet and Dry Until Just Combined

Pour your wet ingredients into the big bowl of dry ingredients, then gently stir until just moistened. Be careful not to overmix—overworking the batter can lead to dense, tough cornbread and we want tender, fluffy slices with a lovely crumb.

Step 6: Fold in That Crispy Bacon

Now for the best part—fold the crisped bacon pieces into your batter with a gentle hand. This ensures every bite has that irresistible smoky crunch without smashing your batter structure.

Step 7: Coat the Skillet and Pour Batter

Swirl the reserved tablespoon of bacon fat around the warmed skillet, coating the bottom and sides. This step helps give you that golden, crispy edge we can’t get enough of. Next, pour your batter carefully into the skillet and use a spatula to even it out so it bakes evenly.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. The cornbread is done when the edges are a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’ll notice a sweet aroma filling your kitchen that’s pure heaven.

Step 9: Let It Cool, Then Drizzle Honey

Allow the cornbread to cool slightly in the skillet—it keeps the center wonderfully moist. Before serving, drizzle a bit of extra honey on top for that final touch of sweet magic that makes this Sweet Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe so memorable.

Top Tip

These handy tips will help you get the most wonderful results from your Sweet Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe. With a few tricks from experience, your cornbread will come out perfectly every time—crispy on the edges, tender in the center, and bursting with flavor.

Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet: This ensures even heat distribution and prevents sticking, giving you those perfectly crisp edges that are hard to beat.
Don’t skip reserving the bacon fat: Swirling that flavorful fat around the skillet before pouring in the batter adds a subtle smoky richness that infuses the entire cornbread.
Mix batter gently and briefly: Overmixing can make your cornbread tough, so stir just until the wet and dry ingredients come together for a tender crumb.
Let the cornbread rest slightly after baking: Allowing it to set for a few minutes before slicing helps it hold together better and enhances the texture.

How to Serve Sweet Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe

A black cast iron pan with blue handles holds a creamy, thick, pale yellow dish with a lumpy texture, topped with scattered small pieces of crispy browned bacon. The pan rests on a white marbled surface with a soft green and white striped cloth beside it. The dish looks warm and hearty with a slightly uneven surface showing bits of bacon inside the mixture photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For an irresistible finishing touch, drizzle extra honey over warm slices of cornbread to amplify that perfect sweet-savory balance. Freshly chopped chives or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt also add a lovely contrast. If you love a little heat, a dusting of smoked paprika or a few thin slices of pickled jalapeños on top works wonders.

Side Dishes

This cornbread pairs beautifully with classic Southern staples like collard greens, black-eyed peas, or a hearty bowl of chili. It's also fantastic alongside fried chicken, pulled pork, or a fresh green salad for a lighter meal. Don’t hesitate to serve it for breakfast with scrambled eggs and a side of fresh fruit — it’s truly versatile!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Sweet Bacon Skillet Cornbread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It keeps wonderfully at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and ready to enjoy.

Freezing

To freeze, slice the cornbread and wrap individual pieces or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Reheating

Reheat leftover cornbread gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also toast individual slices in a skillet or toaster oven to refresh that crispy edge and melty center. Add a little extra honey after reheating for that oh-so-sweet finish.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to 1 cup of whole milk and let it sit for 10 minutes before using. This homemade substitute works beautifully in the recipe.

Can I make this recipe without bacon?

Absolutely! While bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor, you can omit it for a vegetarian version. Consider adding extra honey or some chopped roasted peppers to maintain flavor and texture.

How do I know when the cornbread is done baking?

Bake the cornbread for about 25 minutes at 400°F until the edges turn golden brown. Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cornbread is perfectly baked.

Can I add extra ingredients like jalapeños or cheese?

Definitely! For a spicier or more savory twist, try folding in chopped jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, or even some chopped herbs. Just be mindful not to overmix the batter to keep it tender.

Final Thoughts

Making the Sweet Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe is like bringing a little slice of Southern comfort right into your kitchen. It’s simple, satisfying, and carries that warm balance of sweet honey and smoky bacon that truly makes it special. Whether you’re gathering for a family dinner or looking for a delicious side, this cornbread never fails to impress. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and more importantly, savor every bite!