Quick Gluten-Free Skillet Cornbread Recipe You’ll Love!

Ever crave cornbread but worry it’ll either crumble apart or taste like sand if you go gluten-free? Oh, friend, have I been there. That’s why I keep reaching for my Gluten-Free Skillet Cornbread recipe. Seriously, this one’s so simple, fluffy, and golden you might double-batch on accident. Whether you’re hustling dinner on a weeknight or bringing a dish to Aunt Jo’s (who’s, let’s be real, bit judgy about baking), it just works. Want to know what makes comfy cornbread for everybody? I’ll show you. And if you love simple, reliable gluten-free home bakes, peek at these gluten-free bread recipes or get ahold of the top gluten-free flour blends I swear by!
Quick Gluten-Free Skillet Cornbread Recipe You’ll Love!

Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Cornbread Recipe

Here’s the honest-to-goodness truth. Most gluten-free cornbread out there? It’s like biting into a brick, or it’s more cake than cornbread. What I’ve got for you hits the just right zone: crisp edges, moist inside, and the kind of corny flavor that’ll have you secretly grabbing a second slice before dinner. Plus, all in one skillet—so less mess, more flavor.

I’ve messed up my fair share of cornbread in pursuit of gluten-freedom (some real crumbly disasters). But this one doesn’t fall apart and it isn’t dry. Friends who don’t need gluten-free gobble it anyway. I love that you can bake it in a cast iron (if you have one—no shame if you don’t), because it gets that magic crunchy bottom.

People ask if I add sugar, and the answer is sometimes—a little is ok! Most days, I skip it and lean on sweet-savory-tangy, especially when I use buttermilk or a good non-dairy swap. If you’ve tried store-bought and felt disappointed…this’ll restore your faith, promise.

“Finally! Cornbread that’s not gritty or bland. Made this for my BBQ-loving family, and nobody guessed it was gluten-free. Totally a keeper.” – Sarah from Wisconsin

Quick Gluten-Free Skillet Cornbread Recipe You’ll Love!

Ingredients for Gluten Free Cornbread

Let’s keep it fuss-free. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 cup gluten-free cornmeal (make sure it’s labeled gluten-free)
  • 1 cup gluten-free flour (a blend works best, not just rice flour—check out my favorite gluten-free flour blends for tips)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • Half teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free milk with a squeeze of lemon or splash of apple cider vinegar)
  • 1/4 cup melted butter or oil (dairy-free works fine)
  • Optional: 2-4 tablespoons sugar (depends if you like it sweet)

If you’re in the mood to experiment, toss in crumbled bacon, a handful of sweet corn, jalapeños, or dairy-free cheese. Not a rule, just… good options.

Gluten-Free Skillet Cornbread recipe

How to Make Gluten Free Cornbread

Okay, here’s the routine I swear by. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Pop your skillet (I use a cast iron) in so it gets screaming hot; that’s the key for crispy edges. Meanwhile, mix together all the dry stuff in one bowl. In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in your buttermilk and melted butter (or oil).

Pour the wet into the dry—don’t overmix or stress about lumps. Remove your skillet from the oven carefully (and don’t burn yourself—I’ve done it, more than once) and add a little oil to coat the bottom. Quickly scoop in the batter, spread it even (it’ll sizzle and you’ll hear it, that’s the best part), then bake for 20–25 minutes. It’s done when golden on top and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool (just a couple minutes) before slicing—if you can wait!

Gluten-Free Skillet Cornbread recipe

Recipe Variations

Cornbread is a chameleon. I’m serious, you can mess with it till it feels like “yours.” Sometimes I toss in chopped green onions or roasted chilies if I want a little kick. My little one loves it with drizzled honey baked into the mix. Leftover roasted veggies? Stir ‘em in—nobody will even know.

Sometimes I swap the buttermilk for oat milk, make it vegan with flax eggs, or use coconut oil if I’m running low on butter. And don’t even get me started on stirring in diced apples or cranberries around the holidays… It’s like a five-star restaurant at home. You can check out more trusty tricks on swapping, mixing, and combining stuff over on these baking basics techniques.

Trust me—this is just the gateway. Cornbread your way is the best way.

Tips for the Best Skillet Cornbread

  • Always, always preheat your skillet. That single thing gives you a deep golden crust.
  • Let it cool at least five minutes before slicing or the edges will crumble.
  • Use a blend of cornmeal and gluten-free flour, not just one or the other.
  • For extra wow, serve warm with salted butter or a drizzle of honey.

Oh, and if you need more bread inspo, there’s a whole batch of easy gluten-free bread recipes for beginners. Have a peek!

IngredientQuantityNotes
Gluten-Free Cornmeal1 cupEnsure it’s labeled gluten-free for best results
Gluten-Free Flour Blend1 cupA blend works best for texture
Baking Powder2 teaspoonsCheck for gluten-free label
Baking Soda½ teaspoonHelps with rising
Salt1 teaspoonEnhances flavor
Large Eggs2Can substitute with flax eggs for vegan
Buttermilk1 cupDairy-free milk with vinegar is a good alternative
Melted Butter or Oil¼ cupUse coconut oil for dairy-free
Sugar (optional)2-4 tablespoonsAdjust based on preference for sweetness

Common Questions

Do I have to use a cast-iron skillet?

Nope! Cast iron’s ideal, but any oven-safe pan will work. Just butter it well so it doesn’t stick!

Can I make this dairy-free?

Totally. Use non-dairy milk with a splash of vinegar and go for oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.

How do I store leftovers?

Room temp for a day is fine (just wrap it up), or in the fridge for three days. It freezes, too! Reheat in a low oven or microwave.

Can I make this ahead?

Yup. Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, combine right before baking, or bake the whole thing and warm it later.

My cornbread is dry. What went wrong?

It probably baked a bit too long or had too much flour. Next time, watch it close and scoop out your flour rather than packing it in!

Ready to Bake? Get Out That Skillet!

That’s the whole scoop on making this Quick Gluten-Free Skillet Cornbread recipe you’ll love. You get classic flavor, no gluten, big texture, and not a hint of sandy crumbs. I really hope you’ll give it a try (and honestly, let me know how you twist it up). If you need more cornbread inspiration, you’ve gotta check out this Gluten-Free Skillet Cornbread Recipe or swing by From Scratch Fast for a fresh spin. For more in-depth bread-making goodness, don’t skip this Gluten-Free Irish Soda Bread Recipe f or maybe even dabble in this Easy Gluten-Free Zucchini Muffin Bread Recipe for fun. Go whip it up and prove once and for all: You can have amazing gluten-free cornbread, and you don’t need to be a pro to do it.
Quick Gluten-Free Skillet Cornbread Recipe You’ll Love!

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Gluten-Free Skillet Cornbread

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This golden Gluten-Free Skillet Cornbread delivers a perfectly crispy crust and tender, fluffy interior that captures all the comfort of traditional Southern cornbread. Baked in a cast-iron skillet for that signature crispy edge and rustic presentation, this recipe has been tested through NoGluBread’s rigorous 3-phase process using certified gluten-free ingredients safe for celiac disease. With its naturally sweet corn flavor and satisfying texture, this versatile cornbread pairs beautifully with chili, soups, barbecue, or simply enjoyed warm with butter and honey.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup gluten-free cornmeal (make sure it’s labeled gluten-free)
  • 1 cup gluten-free flour (a blend works best)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free milk with a squeeze of lemon)
  • ¼ cup melted butter or oil (dairy-free works fine)
  • Optional: 2-4 tablespoons sugar (depends if you like it sweet)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place your skillet in the oven to get hot.
  2. In a bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients.
  3. In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the buttermilk and melted butter (or oil).
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently.
  5. Carefully remove the skillet from the oven, add a little oil to coat the bottom, and quickly pour in the batter.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden on top and a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Let cool for a couple of minutes before slicing.

Notes

For variations, consider adding crumbled bacon, sweet corn, jalapeños, or dairy-free cheese. Serve warm with salted butter or honey for extra flavor.

  • Author: Caleb Finch
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

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