Classic White Lily Cornbread Recipe

White Lily Cornbread is an iconic dish in Southern cuisine, known for its light, fluffy texture and golden, crispy crust. If you’ve ever enjoyed a slice of Southern cornbread, there’s a good chance White Lily® Self-Rising Cornmeal Mix was involved. This brand, beloved for its high-quality, finely ground flour and cornmeal, has been a staple in Southern kitchens for over a century.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the details of making the perfect White Lily cornbread, provide helpful tips and variations, and answer frequently asked questions. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to cornbread, this guide will help you master the art of creating a delicious, golden-brown loaf of White Lily cornbread.

The Legacy of White Lily Cornbread

White Lily has been a trusted name in Southern baking since 1883, particularly for its flour and cornmeal mixes. White Lily’s Self-Rising Cornmeal Mix is renowned for producing incredibly light and tender cornbread, due to its finely milled, soft wheat flour and balanced leavening agents.

Unlike Northern cornbread, which is often sweeter and more cake-like, Southern-style cornbread—like the kind made with White Lily—is typically more savory, with a crisp exterior and tender crumb. The White Lily brand’s history is rooted in creating the finest baking products that guarantee this distinct Southern texture and flavor【37†source】【38†source】.

For more on the White Lily legacy and why it’s a favorite in Southern kitchens, check out White Lily’s history.

Why Choose White Lily Cornmeal?

What sets White Lily Self-Rising Cornmeal apart is its finely milled texture, which results in a tender, light cornbread that pairs well with savory dishes like chili, BBQ, or hearty stews. The mix already includes leavening agents, which eliminates the need for additional baking powder or soda.

For those who may not have White Lily available, the recipe can technically be made with other self-rising cornmeal mixes, but the results might not be as light and fluffy【38†source】【39†source】. To learn more about how White Lily products differ from other brands, visit White Lily Cornmeal.

Essential Ingredients for White Lily Cornbread

To make traditional Southern-style White Lily cornbread, you only need a few simple ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, but the quality of the ingredients—particularly the White Lily Cornmeal Mix—plays a critical role.

Key Ingredients:

White Lily Self-Rising Cornmeal Mix: Provides the light texture and distinct flavor that sets this cornbread apart from others【37†source】.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing milk with vinegar or lemon juice【40†source】【39†source】.
Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and gives structure to the cornbread.
Vegetable Oil or Shortening: Adds moisture and richness, while also helping create a golden, crispy crust.
Optional Sugar: Some prefer a sweeter cornbread, but traditional Southern cornbread tends to be more savory. You can adjust the sugar according to your preference【40†source】.

Step-by-Step Recipe for White Lily Cornbread

Now, let’s dive into the full recipe for making White Lily Southern Cornbread. It’s easy to make, requires just a few ingredients, and bakes to perfection every time.

Ingredients (Serves 8):

2 cups White Lily Self-Rising Cornmeal Mix
1 large egg
1 ½ cups buttermilk (or 1 ¼ cups milk)
¼ cup vegetable oil (or melted shortening)
1 to 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon all-vegetable shortening (for greasing the pan)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a cast-iron skillet in the oven to heat for about 5 minutes. The preheated skillet is key to achieving a crispy crust【38†source】.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk the egg. Add the buttermilk and oil (or shortening), stirring until combined. If using sugar, add it to the wet mixture【37†source】.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the White Lily Cornmeal Mix and any optional add-ins like jalapeños or cheese for variations【39†source】.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cornbread dense. The batter should be slightly lumpy【38†source】.
Pour into Skillet
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and grease it with the shortening. Pour the batter into the skillet, spreading it evenly.
Bake
Bake the cornbread for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean【39†source】【40†source】.
Cool and Serve
Let the cornbread cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite jam【40†source】.

Tips for the Best White Lily Cornbread

Achieving the perfect cornbread texture and flavor can be tricky, but these tips will help ensure your cornbread turns out just right:

Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until the mixture is combined. Overmixing will result in a dense, rubbery texture【39†source】.
Preheat the Skillet: Heating the skillet before adding the batter ensures that the cornbread gets a crispy bottom and edges【39†source】.
Add Sugar (Optional): If you prefer your cornbread slightly sweet, add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar to the batter. Adjust to taste【37†source】【40†source】.
Use Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a slight tang and moisture, making the cornbread extra tender. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk【40†source】.

Cornbread Variations

While White Lily cornbread is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to jazz up this classic recipe to suit your taste preferences:

Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread

Add ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1-2 diced jalapeños to the batter for a spicy, cheesy twist【39†source】.

Sweet Cornbread

Increase the sugar to ¼ cup and drizzle honey over the top after baking for a sweet, cake-like cornbread.

Cornbread Muffins

Pour the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake for 20-22 minutes at 375°F. This makes easy-to-serve individual portions【39†source】.

Bacon Cornbread

Mix crumbled bacon into the batter or sprinkle on top for a savory, meaty addition.

Serving Suggestions

White Lily cornbread is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions to complement its flavors:

Pair with Chili: Cornbread is the perfect side for a hearty chili, especially during colder months.
Serve with BBQ: The slightly sweet and savory flavors of cornbread pair wonderfully with BBQ dishes like pulled pork or ribs【39†source】.
Enjoy with Butter and Honey: For a simple, sweet snack, serve warm cornbread with butter and a drizzle of honey【40†source】.

Storing and Reheating Cornbread

If you have leftovers (which might be rare with this delicious recipe), here’s how to store them:

At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
In the Refrigerator: Refrigerate for up to 1 week in a sealed container【40†source】【39†source】.
Freezing: Wrap the cornbread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to regain that freshly baked texture【39†source】.

FAQs About White Lily Cornbread

1. What makes White Lily Cornbread different?
White Lily Cornbread is made with White Lily Self-Rising Cornmeal Mix, which produces a light and fluffy texture, unlike other coarser cornmeal brands【37†source】.

2. Can I make cornbread without buttermilk?
Yes! Substitute buttermilk with milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice【40†source】.

3. How do I get a crispy crust?
Preheating the cast-iron skillet before pouring in the batter ensures a crispy, golden crust【39†source】.

4. Can I make cornbread muffins with this recipe?
Absolutely! Pour the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake for 20-22 minutes at…375°F【39†source】.

5. How can I keep my cornbread from being too dry?
Overmixing the batter or baking it too long can cause dryness. Be sure to stir just until combined, and check the baking time carefully【40†source】.

6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the flour in the self-rising cornmeal mix with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your cornmeal is also certified gluten-free【40†source】.

Conclusion: A True Southern Classic

White Lily cornbread is more than just a side dish; it’s a staple in Southern cuisine that’s beloved for its simplicity, flavor, and versatility. Whether you prefer your cornbread savory, sweet, or loaded with mix-ins like jalapeños and cheese, this recipe serves as a perfect base. The fine texture of White Lily Self-Rising Cornmeal Mix ensures that your cornbread will always turn out light, fluffy, and full of flavor.

Paired with your favorite comfort foods, like chili or BBQ, or simply enjoyed with a drizzle of honey, White Lily cornbread is a timeless recipe that’s easy to make and sure to please. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just for yourself, this cornbread will be a hit at the table every time.