Honey Cornbread on the Smoker

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This smoked honey cornbread is lightly sweet, golden, and smoky — the perfect side dish for BBQs, Thanksgiving, or Christmas dinners. Easy, moist, and baked right on your grill!

At Backyard Texas Grill, we love taking traditional Southern recipes and giving them a smoky backyard twist. This honey cornbread is the perfect example — lightly sweet, golden on the edges, and kissed with just enough smoke to deepen the flavor.

We’ve tested this recipe on our pellet grill to make sure the texture stays tender inside while achieving that crisp, caramelized crust everyone loves. Whether you’re pairing it with chili, BBQ, or holiday favorites, this cornbread proves you can bake just as beautifully outdoors as in the oven.

Cornbread. . .Fresh from the Smoker

There’s nothing quite like a slice of warm, golden cornbread fresh out of the smoker. Sweetened with honey and baked in a cast-iron skillet, this recipe takes classic Southern cornbread to a whole new level.

Here at Backyard Texas Grill, we’re always excited to share authentic southern recipes. And what’s more southern than cornbread cooked in a cast-iron skillet?

But, this isn’t your mama’s cornbread, friends.

The smoky flavor in our version sets it apart, in a world all its own. You’re going to love it–as a side dish or even as dessert! This Honey cornbread pairs perfectly with grilled meats, BBQ ribs, or even a simple bowl of chili or soup.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or craving comfort food, this honey cornbread will hit the spot every single time.

So, grab that skillet. Heat up the smoker. Let’s get busy, making some delicious cornbread!

At a Glance

• Skill Level: Easy
• Flavor Profile: Sweet, smoky, buttery cornbread with a hint of honey
• Options Included: Can be baked in a traditional oven instead of smoker
• Best For: BBQ nights, holiday meals, and everyday family dinners

Honey Cornbread Ingredients

As always, we’ve got a printable recipe card at the end of this message. Here’s a quick peek at what you’re going to need to make this cornbread:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup avocado oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1/3 cup honey

How to Make Honey Cornbread on the Smoker

This is so easy! You’re going to be thrilled at how quickly it comes together. (Talk about a show-stopper!)

Preheat your smoker (or oven) to 400°F.

Prepare the pan: Lightly grease a 9×9-inch cast-iron skillet or baking pan.

Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together flour, cornmeal, sugar, and baking powder.

Add wet ingredients: Create a well in the center.

Pour in: cream, oil, honey, and lightly beaten eggs.

Mix: until just combined.

Bake: Pour batter into the prepared skillet/pan.

Place in the smoker and close the lid.

Cook for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool slightly: Remove from the smoker and let sit for 10 minutes before slicing.

Serve: Cut into squares or wedges and enjoy warm with butter.

Store at room temperature in an airtight container. It should stay fresh for 2-3 days. You can freeze to eat later, if you prefer.

Things to Love About This Recipe

• Sweet + Smoky Combo: The honey adds natural sweetness while the smoker infuses a subtle, irresistible smoky flavor.
• Cast-Iron Perfection: Baking in a skillet gives you those golden, slightly crisp edges with a moist, tender center.
• Versatile Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with BBQ brisket, ribs, chili, or even as a holiday dinner side.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples—no fancy ingredients required.
• Customizable: Easily change it up with add-ins like jalapeños, cheese, or corn kernels.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether at a backyard cookout or weeknight dinner, this cornbread always disappears fast!

Why It Works for Christmas

This smoked honey cornbread is a must-have for your holiday spread. The sweet honey notes balance out savory dishes like smoked ham, turkey, and dressing, while the smoky finish adds cozy, fireside warmth to your Christmas table. It’s simple to make ahead, travels well, and reheats perfectly — ideal for feeding a crowd or adding a rustic touch to your holiday menu. Serve it in a cast-iron skillet with a drizzle of honey butter for an unforgettable Southern Christmas side.

Variations to this Recipe

This is absolutely delicious as a base recipe and even more exciting when you add to it. Here are some of our best suggestions:

• Cheesy Jalapeño Cornbread: Fold in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1–2 diced jalapeños for a spicy, savory twist.
• Sweet Corn Cornbread: Stir in 1 cup canned or frozen corn kernels for extra sweetness and texture.
• Bacon Honey Cornbread: Add 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon to the batter before baking for a smoky-salty kick.
• Herbed Cornbread: Mix in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs like chives, rosemary, or thyme for a more savory side dish.
• Cranberry Pecan Cornbread: For a holiday spin, stir in 1/2 cup dried cranberries and 1/3 cup chopped pecans.
• Spicy Honey Butter Glaze: After baking, brush the top with a mixture of honey and a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for a sweet-heat finish.

Goes Great With. . .

Wondering what to serve this cornbread with? Here are our top five suggestions:

Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin: In this post, we’ll show you how to make a tender and juicy pork tenderloin encrusted with the unmatchable flavors of fresh rosemary, sage & thyme. Keep reading for the delicious recipe!

Texas Style Smoked Beef Brisket: If you love smoked beef brisket, but the thought of making one yourself feels daunting, this post is for you. This Texas-Style brisket is juicy, tender and full of flavor. And it’s so easy to make!

The Perfect Smoked Honey Ham: If you’re looking a the perfect smoked honey ham recipe, you’ve come to the right place! In this post, we’ll show you how to perfectly smoke your spiral ham (yes, even if it’s already “pre-smoked”). We’ll also teach you how to take it up a notch with our own homemade brown sugar, honey butter glaze!

Smoked Turkey on the Grill: If you’re looking for a juicy, tender and perfectly cooked turkey that is full of flavor to serve for your Thanksgiving meal, this is the post for you!

Sweet and Savory Southwest Beans: Sweet and Savory Southwest Beans are the perfect side dish for BBQs and family dinners. Loaded with bold spices, smoky flavor, and just the right hint of sweetness, they pair perfectly with ribs, brisket, or burgers.

That’s it for this post, friends.

Thanks for stopping by. We hope you enjoy this delicious cornbread and serve it often. If you do, feel free to leave a review. And hey, before you go, why not pin some pictures to your Pinterest boards?

About the Pit Master

This recipe comes from Zach Morrow, our resident pit master here at Backyard Texas Grill. Zach has a passion for all things smoked and grilled, from perfectly seared steaks to creative sides like this honey cornbread. His philosophy? Keep it simple, keep it flavorful, and always keep it Texas-style. When Zach’s not behind the smoker, you’ll find him spending time with family and sharing his love for BBQ with friends and neighbors.