Super moist sourdough cornbread, fermented overnight to achieve that sourdough tang we all love. It is the perfect combination of savory and sweet, with a hint of tanginess.

square slice of sourdough cornbread with a pat of butter on top on a white plate with a fork resting on the plate. The plate sits on a white and blue stripped towel on a white countertop

Cornbread is just one of those foods that brings instant comfort. Most likely it is because it is always paired with a hearty chili or stew

Itโ€™s that kind of rustic farm food that fills bellies, and something your kids will talk about when they are grown up and out of the house. You know, โ€œMom made the bestโ€ฆ..โ€ Enter in a signature dish. 

Now, while I hope my kids appreciate and love all the home cooked food that is made to nourish their bellies here on the farm, I know for certain this sourdough cornbread is one they will always be asking for.

It has the perfect crumbly texture, while being moist and having that yummy corn flavor along with a slight sourdough tang from the fermentation. You can mix it up and bake it right away or ferment it overnight for the most health benefits.

a slice of cornbread topped with butter on a white plate on a gray and white stripped towel on a white countertop. A Fork sits to the left and honey is in the background

Why you will love this recipe:

Delicious: This recipe is so yummy. Has all the things you love about cornbread, but with that extra sourdough tang to it, adding even more flavor.

Super simple to make: Mix up most of the ingredients the night before. The next day, just add a few more ingredients and bake. 

Easy to digest: Fermented grains make this recipe easier to digest. Fermentation breaks down the gluten, making it easier to digest. It also breaks down the anti-nutrient, phytic acid, which in turn makes the nutrients more bio-available for your body to absorb.

Simple ingredients: No hard to find ingredients – just pantry staples.

close up of the side view of a square slice of sourdough cornbread on a white plate

Tips:

  • For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk for a non-dairy milk and butter for another neutral oil, like avocado.
  • Did you know you can make your own cornmeal by running popcorn through your grain mill (make sure your grain mill is made for such things)?
  • Need something quick for dinner? You can skip the fermentation process and just mix and bake. It just wonโ€™t have as much of that sourdough tang as it would if it was allowed to ferment overnight.
  • For more texture, add some canned or frozen corn to the batter before baking.

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FAQ:

a slice of cornbread topped with butter on a white plate on a gray and white stripped towel on a white countertop. A Fork sits to the left and honey is in the background

What can I do with old sourdough bread?

Cornbread croutons, stuffing, use it in a quiche, strata, toast it and use it as a topping for chili

What can I use in cornbread if I donโ€™t have an egg?

You can use a flaxseed egg or yogurt as a substitute. I have not tried either of these, but they should work.

Can I use sourdough discard?

Yes. Sourdough discard or active starter will work for this recipe. This is because this recipe relies on baking soda and baking powder to give the bread rise.

two slices of sourdough cornbread on two separate white plates. A pat of butter tops each slice of bread and the plates sit on a white and gray stripped towel on a white countertop

Sourdough Cornbread Ingredients:

Yellow cornmeal โ€“ You can make your own by grinding popcorn in a grain mill.

All-purpose flour

Sugar โ€“ I like using cane sugar.

Milk โ€“ Preferably whole for best flavor and texture.

Butter (or other neutral oil, like avocado oil)

Sourdough starter โ€“ Active starter or sourdough discard can work in this recipe. This is due to the fact that the sourdough isnโ€™t what is giving this recipe rise, rather the baking soda and baking powder.

Baking soda and baking powder – This gives the bread it’s rise.

Egg

Salt โ€“ This essential ingredient brings out all the flavors in the cornbread.

Tools:

Large bowl or a stand mixer

Whisk

Measuring cups and spoons

Baking dish – 8×8

slices of cornbread on white plates on a white countertop

How To Make Sourdough Cornbread

a bowl of cornmeal, flour, sourdough starter, sugar, and milk with measuring cups around

The Night Before

Combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, milk, butter, and sourdough starter. Mix well.

Cover with plastic wrap, a damp tea towel, lid, or foil. Allow to ferment for 12-18 hours. Some people donโ€™t feel comfortable leaving out milk that long.

You could use water instead, or allow it to ferment for a few hours at room temperature and then place it in the fridge to ferment longer.

The Next Day:

Preheat oven to 400.

Sprinkle baking soda, baking powder, and salt over the fermented dough. Add an egg and mix well. This is easiest using a stand mixer.

Pour into a 8×8 greased pan.

Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and the edges of the cornbread are turning golden in color.

Slice and serve. Serve it up with some homemade butter or peach preserves.

Storing Sourdough Cornbread:

Place in an air-tight container or Ziplock bag and store in the fridge for up to 7 days. For longer term storage, freeze for up to 6 months in a freezer safe Zip-lock.

Find More Sourdough Recipes:

If you try this recipe and love it, I would love if you gave it 5 stars! Thank you! Tag me on Instagram @farmhouseonboone.

Sourdough Cornbread

4.52 from 118 votes
Super moist sourdough cornbread, fermented overnight to achieve that sourdough tang we all love. It is the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and sourdough tang.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Additional Time: 12 hours
Total: 12 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 9
a slice of cornbread topped with butter on a white plate on a gray and white stripped towel on a white countertop. A Fork sits to the left and honey is in the background
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Ingredients 

  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup melted butter, or other neutral oil
  • 1/2 cup starter
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions 

  • Combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, milk, butter, and sourdough starter. Mix well.
  • Cover with plastic wrap, a damp tea towel, lid, or foil. Allow to ferment for 8-18 hours. Or skip this step and bake one time.
  • The next day, preheat oven to 400.
  • Sprinkle baking soda, baking powder, and salt over the fermented dough. Add an egg and mix well. This is easiest using a stand mixer.
  • Pour into a 8×8 greased pan.
  • Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and the edges of the cornbread are turning golden in color.
  • Allow to cool. Slice and serve.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk for a non-dairy milk and butter for another neutral oil, like avocado.
  • Did you know you can make your own cornmeal by running popcorn through your grain mill (make sure your grain mill is made for such things)?
  • Need something quick for dinner? You can skip the fermentation process and just mix and bake. It just wonโ€™t have as much of that sourdough tang as it would if it was allowed to ferment overnight.
  • For more texture, add some canned or frozen corn to the batter before baking.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 529mg | Potassium: 94mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 210IU | Calcium: 76mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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4.52 from 118 votes (108 ratings without comment)

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84 Comments

  1. Mirtha Durand says:

    5 stars
    Just a question, what is the consistency of the first dough? I’m using cornmeal from Venezuela (where I live) and maybe absorbs too much liquid because it became a ball, so I added more liquid. Thanks for your answer I’m your fervent follower.

  2. Emily T says:

    4 stars
    I found it just slightly dry. I might try to add hatch Chilis next time to add a kick and a little moisture but overall, a good recipe!

    1. Lisa Bass says:

      Hatch chilis sound delicious!

  3. Melissa says:

    5 stars
    Great recipe. I did a long ferment (24 hours) and used 1 cup of starter so that I didn’t have issues with the milk sitting out. Then I made muffins (1 doz). Very tasty.

  4. Tina says:

    5 stars
    This was easy to make and very tender and yummy.

  5. Pam says:

    Do you have to add the sugar? We donโ€™t like sweet cornbread.

    1. Lisa Bass says:

      No you do not.

  6. Lois says:

    Can this go in the frig instead of leaving on the counter overnight?

    1. Lisa Bass says:

      It needs to ferment on the counter over night.

  7. Kristen says:

    Do you think this would work with an egg replacer?

    1. Lisa Bass says:

      Maybe. I’ve never tried it to know for sure.

    2. Kara Smith says:

      Did you ever try this with an egg replacer?

  8. Kay says:

    Could a person use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for the recipe?

    1. Lisa says:

      You couldn’t swap out the sugar for maple syrup or honey one for one. The dough would be too wet. You may be able to swap out some.

  9. Madeline says:

    Do you think one could add butternut squash purรฉe to this?

    1. Lisa says:

      I’ve never tried that – let us know if you do!

  10. Janice says:

    I mixed this up last night and just dumped it over top of some chili in my grandmaโ€s cast iron pan. I canโ€™t wait for it to come out of the oven!