Learn everything you need to know about how to make smoked cornbread!
Smoked cornbread is incredibly easy to make and goes great alongside so many classic BBQ dishes.
Whether you’ve got a gas or charcoal grill, a Traeger or Pit Boss pellet grill, or even a Masterbuilt electric smoker, we’ve got you covered!
How to Prepare the Smoked Cornbread Batter
First, let’s go through what equipment and ingredients you’ll need to make a great smoked cornbread!
Preheat a Cast Iron Skillet
In order to make a GREAT smoked cornbread, you will need a good 12-inch cast iron skillet like our favorite affordable one from Lodge.
We use it for everything from smoked baked beans, to homemade skillet queso, to smoked chicken enchiladas, and even smoked peach cobbler!
While you CAN technically use an aluminum foil pan, nothing will beat the even cooking, heat retention, crispy edges, and awesome presentation of smoked cornbread in a cast iron skillet.
One of the most important things to do is to make sure to preheat the cast iron skillet while you preheat your grill.
This is what will give you the even cooking and crispy edges on your smoked cornbread.
We like to spot check how hot our cast iron has gotten with this inexpensive infrared thermometer.
It takes the guessing out of knowing when your pan is hot and also works great when you are heating up a pan to sear some steaks or hamburgers too.
- One Lodge Pre-Seasoned 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet with Handle Holder
- Unparalleled heat retention and even heating
- Pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil
- Use in the oven, on the stove, on the grill, or over a campf
Gather the Smoked Cornbread Ingredients
Once you’ve got your grill and cast iron skillet preheating, it’s time to mix up the cornbread batter.
Don’t get intimidated by making a homemade smoked cornbread.
It’s incredibly easy, so leave the instant cornbread mix up on the shelf!
You will need:
- 1 and 1/4 Cup Cornmeal
- 3/4 Cup Flour
- 1/4 Cup Sugar
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/3 Cup Whole Milk
- 1 Cup Buttermilk
- 2 Eggs, lightly beaten
- 8 Tbsp Salted Butter, melted (Divide and set 1 Tbsp aside for greasing the cast iron pan)
- 1/2 Cup Sour Cream
Smokers have a tendency to dry out baked goods compared to a conventional oven because they have more airflow, resulting in more evaporation.
We therefore modify many of our smoked desserts and baked goods to give them extra moisture, like we did with our smoked chocolate chip cookies by adding an extra egg yolk.
For our smoked cornbread, we have added the sour cream which you likely won’t see in many typical baked cornbread recipes.
We found the extra moisture from the sour cream really helped keep the smoked cornbread moist and delicious so don’t skip this vital ingredient!
Mix the Smoked Cornbread Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk all the dry ingredients together (the cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.).
Then, whisk in the milk, buttermilk, and eggs.
Next, whisk in 7 Tbsp of the melted butter, leaving 1 Tbsp set aside.
Finally, gently fold in the sour cream, using a good baking spatula like this one, rather than the whisk, so as not to overwork the batter.
Butter the Cast Iron Skillet and Pour Batter
Once your cast iron skillet is preheated at or above the temperature of the smoker, you’ll want to take that 1 Tbsp of melted butter you set aside and brush it all over the bottom and sides of the skillet.
Use a good high resistant silicone basting brush like this one and make sure to get the entire inside of the cast iron skillet coated with a thin layer of butter.
This will keep the smoked cornbread from sticking to the pan and help create the nice brown and crisped up edges we are going for as well.
Finally, you can pour your smoked cornbread batter into the preheated and buttered skillet.
Pour slowly at the center, letting the batter naturally spread out evenly in the round cast iron skillet.
Best Woods for Smoking Cornbread
Cherry, Maple, Apple, and even Pecan are great wood choices that work wonderfully for smoking cornbread.
We liked using this Cherry Blend of pellets from Pit Boss because it contains both Cherry AND Maple wood.
These woods also work great on fish, chicken, turkey, pork butt, and ribs. So no need to use different woods if you are smoking your cornbread alongside your main protein.
You can impart A LOT of distinctive smoke flavor in a relatively short period of time.
- 100% all natural hardwood pellets
- Pennsylvania cherry pellet is a 40/60 blend of cherry and maple
- Free of artificial flavors, spray scents, glues, or chemic
Best Times and Temperatures for Smoking Cornbread
Many baked cornbread recipes call for cooking at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
However, we wanted to smoke the cornbread a little more slowly to make sure it got plenty of smoky flavor so we smoked our cornbread at 325°F for about 40 minutes.
325°F was still hot enough to get nice crisp edges and cook the cornbread fast enough so as not to dry out on the smoker.
Don’t forget to preheat your cast iron skillet first as well.
Ours actually got up close to a surface temperature of 400°F when we poured in the batter and this really helped get nice edges on the smoked cornbread too.
After about 35 minutes, check the middle with a toothpick to see if it comes out clean.
When it does, remove the entire skillet of smoked cornbread from the grill or smoker to a trivet or other heat proof surface to cool for about 10-15 minutes before trying to slice and serve.
How to Make Smoked Cornbread in an Electric Smoker
If you have an electric smoker like a Masterbuilt that only goes up to 275°F, you will still be able to smoke your cornbread.
However, it will obviously take a little longer.
Once way to cheat this problem though is to preheat your cast iron skillet in an indoor oven at 350°F for 30 minutes, grease it with the melted butter, pour in the batter, and THEN place it in the electric smoker that is set to 275°F.
The direct heat of the skillet will help you still get those nice brown crispy edges, even in the lower temperature smoker, and also help cook the smoked cornbread faster and not dry out in the lower temperature environment.
Serving Smoked Cornbread
We like to serve our smoked cornbread in slices like a pie so that everyone gets some of the delicious edge.
Give the cornbread AT LEAST 10-15 minutes to cool in the cast iron before you start slicing into it or it may crumble and fall apart while it’s still very hot.
Smoked Cornbread goes especially great with saucy BBQ dishes like baby back ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and barbecued chicken.
The cast iron will keep the smoked cornbread warm for quite a while so you can feel free to set it aside until the rest of your meal is ready to eat too.
We like to serve ours with some butter and a honey drizzle.
Enjoy!
What Other Foods Can I Smoke?
Looking for some more smoky inspiration?
You’ve come to right place!
Check out these other great step by step recipes for your grill, smoker, or pellet grill.
More Sides and Desserts
- Pit Boss Corn on the Cob
- Pit Boss Smoked Mac and Cheese
- Pit Boss Smoked Baked Beans
- Pit Boss Smoked Queso Dip
- Traeger Smoked Baked Beans
- Traeger Smoked Corn on the Cob
- Traeger Smoked Mac and Cheese
- Smoked Mashed Potatoes
- Smoked Potato Salad
- Smoked Baked Potatoes
- Smoked Twice Baked Potatoes
- Smoked Asparagus
- Easy Smoked Broccoli
- Smoked Cauliflower
- Smoked Green Beans
- Sticky Smoked Sweet Potatoes
- Smoked Pineapple in a Maple Bourbon Sauce
- Smoked Carrots with a Honey Balsamic Glaze
- Smoked Brussel Sprouts
- Smoked Cabbage
- Smoked Hard Boiled Eggs
- Smoked Deviled Eggs
- Smoked Egg Salad
- Smoked Cream Cheese
- Smoked Cream Cheese Dip with Bacon and Cheddar
- Smoked Pig Shots
- Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
- Smoked Garlic
- Frozen Pizza on a Pellet Grill
- How to Steam Tamales
- Masterbuilt Smoked Cheese
- Smoked Gouda Cheese
- Smoked Peaches
- Smoked Peach Cobbler
- Smoked Chocolate Chips
- Smoked Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pork
- Traeger Baby Back Ribs
- Traeger Smoked Pulled Pork
- Traeger 3-2-1 Pork Ribs
- Traeger Smoked Pork Loin
- Traeger Smoked Pork Spare Ribs
- Pit Boss Pulled Pork
- Pit Boss Smoked Baby Back Ribs
- Pit Boss Smoked Pork Loin
- Pit Boss 3-2-1 Ribs
- Camp Chef Pulled Pork
- Masterbuilt Electric Smoker Pulled Pork
- Masterbuilt Baby Back Ribs
- Pellet Grill Smoked Pork Chops
- Pellet Grilled Bratwurst
- Gas Grilled Bratwurst
- Smoked Fresh Holiday Ham
- Spiral Sliced Smoked Hot Dogs
- Smoked Bratwurst with Beer Braised Onions
- Roasted Pig in Your Backyard
Beef
- Traeger Smoked Prime Rib
- Traeger Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Cream
- Traeger Smoked Beef Brisket
- Traeger Smoked Chuck Roast
- Traeger Smoked Pot Roast
- Traeger Smoked Beef Short Ribs
- Pit Boss Beef Brisket
- Pit Boss Smoked Beef Tenderloin
- Pit Boss Smoked Prime Rib
- Pit Boss Smoked Chuck Roast
- Pit Boss Smoked Beef Ribs
- Pit Boss Smoked Tri-Tip Roast
- Pit Boss Grilled Hamburgers
- Camp Chef Smoked Beef Brisket
- Masterbuilt Smoked Chuck Roast
- Masterbuilt Beef Brisket
- Perfect Smoked London Broil
- Smoked Ribeye Roast
- Smoked Corned Beef
- Smoked Ribeye Steaks
- Smoked Filet Mignon
- Hot and Fast Pellet Grill Beef Brisket
- Pellet Grilled Steak
- Perfect Grilled Hamburgers
- Smoked Eye of Round Roast Beef
- Easy Smoked Flank Steak
- Smoked Tomahawk Steaks
- Smoked Bottom Round Roast
- Smoked Sirloin Tip Roast
- Smoked Rump Roast
Seafood
- Pit Boss Smoked Salmon
- Traeger Smoked Salmon
- Honey Smoked Salmon
- Smoked Oysters in a Garlic White Wine Sauce
- Smoked Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce
- Smoked Lobster Tails
- Easy Smoked Tilapia
- Perfect Smoked Halibut
- Smoked Mahi Mahi Fillets
- Smoked Swordfish Steaks
- Smoked Crab Legs with Cajun Clarified Butter
- Smoked Mackerel with Maple Balsamic Glaze
- Smoked Catfish with Cajun BBQ Rub
- Smoked Red Snapper with Blackening Rub
- Smoked Trout
- Smoked Tuna Steaks
Poultry
- Pit Boss Smoked Whole Chicken
- Pit Boss Smoked Chicken Thighs
- Pit Boss Smoked Chicken Breasts
- Pit Boss Smoked Chicken Legs
- Pit Boss Smoked Chicken Wings
- Pit Boss Smoked Boneless Turkey Breast
- Traeger Smoked Whole Chicken
- Traeger Smoked Chicken Thighs
- Traeger Smoked Chicken Breasts
- Traeger Smoked Chicken Legs
- Traeger Smoked Chicken Wings
- Traeger Smoked Boneless Turkey Breast
- Smoked Whole Chicken in Masterbuilt Electric Smoker
- Smoked Chicken Breasts in an Electric Smoker
- Smoked Chicken Thighs in an Electric Smoker
- Smoked Chicken Legs in an Electric Smoker
- Smoked Turkey in a Masterbuilt Electric Smoker
- Smoked Turkey Burgers
- Smoked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- Smoked Chicken Tenders
- Smoked Chicken Leg Quarters
- Smoked Pulled Chicken
- Beer Can Chicken on a Pellet Grill
- Spatchcocked Chicken on a Pellet Grill
- Pellet Grill Smoked Turkey Breast
- Pellet Grill Turkey
- Easy Smoked Turkey Legs
- Spatchcocked Smoked Turkey on a Pellet Grill
- Smoked Turkey Wings
- Smoked Turkey Thighs
- Smoked Turkey Tenderloins
- Smoked Chicken Salad
- Trash Can Turkey – OK, technically not made on a grill or smoker but one of the most fun ways there is to cook a Turkey…at over 700 degrees in only 2 hours!
Lamb
- Smoked Leg of Lamb with Guinness Marinade
- Smoked Lamb Chops with a Balsamic Butter Sauce
- Smoked Rack of Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary or Smoker
- Smoked and Pulled Lamb Shoulder with a Turkish Spice Rub
- Smoked Lamb Shanks
More Entrees
Easy Smoked Cornbread
Equipment
- Smoker, Grill or Pellet Grill
- Wood for smoking (chunks, chips, or pellets).
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Baking Spatula
- 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet
- High Heat Basting Brush
- Heat Resistant Grilling Gloves
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1¼ Cups Cornmeal
- ¾ Cup Flour
- ¼ Cup Sugar
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- ½ tsp Baking Soda
- ⅓ Cup Whole Milk
- 1 Cup Buttermilk
- 2 Eggs lightly beaten
- 8 Tbsp Salted Butter melted (Divide and set 1 Tbsp aside for greasing the cast iron pan)
- ½ Cup Sour Cream
- Butter and Honey optional to top with when serving
Instructions
- Preheat a Grill or Smoker set up with INDIRECT heat to 325°F.
- Place the 12 inch Cast Iron Skillet in the smoker or grill to preheat as well.
Make the Smoked Cornbread Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk all the dry ingredients together (the cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.).1¼ Cups Cornmeal, ¾ Cup Flour, ¼ Cup Sugar, 1 tsp Kosher Salt, 2 tsp Baking Powder, ½ tsp Baking Soda
- Then, whisk in the milk, buttermilk, and eggs.⅓ Cup Whole Milk, 1 Cup Buttermilk, 2 Eggs
- Next, whisk in 7 Tbsp of the melted butter, leaving 1 Tbsp set aside.8 Tbsp Salted Butter
- Finally, gently fold in the sour cream, using a good baking spatula like this one, rather than the whisk, so as not to overwork the batter.½ Cup Sour Cream
Butter the Cast Iron Skillet
- Once the cast iron skillet is preheated at or above the temperature of the smoker, take the 1 Tbsp of melted butter you set aside and brush it all over the bottom and sides of the skillet.8 Tbsp Salted Butter
- Use a good high resistant silicone basting brush like this one and make sure to get the entire inside of the cast iron skillet coated with a thin layer of butter.
Smoke the Cornbread
- Pour the smoked cornbread batter into the preheated and buttered skillet. Pour slowly at the center, letting the batter naturally spread out evenly in the round cast iron skillet.
- Place the cast iron skillet in the grill or smoker, away from any DIRECT heat and close the lid. Smoke at 325°F for about 35-40 minutes. Rotate the skillet as necessary for even cooking but DO NOT stir or disturb the contents of the skillet.
- After about 35-40 minutes, check the middle of the cornbread with a toothpick to see if it comes out dry. If it does, remove the skillet from the grill or smoker to a trivet to cool. If the toothpick comes out wet with batter, continue cooking and checking every 5 minutes until done.
Remove and Serve
- Give the cornbread AT LEAST 10-15 minutes to cool in the cast iron before you start slicing into it or it may crumble and fall apart while it’s still very hot.
- The cast iron will keep the smoked cornbread warm for quite a while so you can feel free to set it aside until the rest of your meal is ready to eat too.
- Cut into even slices, only cutting what you plan to serve immediately so that the rest of the cornbread does not dry out.
- Serve optionally with butter and honey and enjoy!Butter and Honey
