Keto Cornbread is a low carb, grain-free version of traditional cornbread designed for those following a ketogenic or low carb diet. It replicates the taste and texture of classic cornbread using alternative flours of almond and coconut flour, which are low in carbohydrates.
Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of Keto Cornbread, a perfect low-carb alternative that satisfies your cravings for traditional Southern flavors. This easy and quick recipe brings you all the deliciousness of traditional Southern cornbread with a fraction of the carbs. No more longing for comfort food while on a keto journey! We've got you covered with this golden, crusty, skillet-baked delight. So, let's dive in and whip up some tasty keto cornbread together!
Jump to:
- Is Cornbread Keto Friendly?
- Preparation and cooking overview
- Chef's note
- 🌽 Ingredients for this keto cornbread recipe
- Ingredient substitutions
- Additional ingredients
- Cooking tools required
- Tools substitute options
- How to make Keto Cornbread: step-by-step guide
- Cooking methods
- Preparation steps
- Cooking instructions
- What to serve with keto cornbread?
- How to make keto cornbread healthier
- Time-saving tips
- What can I prepare ahead of time?
- Storage and reheating instructions
- Storage tips
- Reheating best practices
- How to Get Corn Flavor Without Using Corn?
- Recipe wrap-up and conclusion
- Frequently asked questions
- 📖 Recipe
Is Cornbread Keto Friendly?
No, cornbread is not keto friendly because corn is rich in carbohydrates. We call this recipe "cornbread" because it captures the classic taste without the carbs or corn! This keto-friendly twist on traditional cornbread offers the same comforting flavors in a low-carb, easy-to-make recipe.
Preparation and cooking overview
Start by mixing the wet ingredients in a mixing bowl: the melted butter, heavy cream, and eggs. Then add the dry ingredients: almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt. Once it's mixed up, add any fillings you want. Pour it into a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet, then pop it into the oven for 30 minutes. In no time, you'll have a delicious low-carb cornbread ready to enjoy!
Chef's note
Let your creativity shine as you make this recipe uniquely yours. We added some jalapeños to ours, but it is just as good without them if you're in the mood for something a little milder. For a delightful twist, consider folding in chopped spinach and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair.
For more inspiration check out our Sides recipe.
🌽 Ingredients for this keto cornbread recipe
Ingredient substitutions
Additional ingredients
Feel free to mix and match these optional ingredients with the main recipe to create your personalized keto cornbread.
Cooking tools required
To make this keto cornbread recipe, you will require the following tools:
Tools substitute options
How to make Keto Cornbread: step-by-step guide
Cooking methods
Preparation steps
- Gather and measure all the ingredients listed in their required amounts.
Cooking instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix together all of the ingredients, then add in any optional mix-ins that you have chosen.
- Pour the batter into a 10″ well-seasoned cast iron skillet and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.
Chef's pro tip
For an extra crunchy bottom, follow this simple trick: Heat a tablespoon of butter in the skillet over high heat. Then, pour the batter into the hot skillet just before transferring it to the oven. This quick step will give your cornbread that perfect crispy crust you'll love!
What to serve with keto cornbread?
How to make keto cornbread healthier
Time-saving tips
What can I prepare ahead of time?
Storage and reheating instructions
Storage tips
Note: While freezing is possible, the texture may slightly change upon thawing, so it's best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating best practices
How to Get Corn Flavor Without Using Corn?
To replicate the classic corn flavor in keto cornbread without using actual corn, add sweet corn extract. This ingredient captures the taste and aroma of corn, delivering the authentic cornbread experience while keeping the recipe low in carbs and keto-friendly.
Perfect for maintaining the flavor of traditional cornbread on a ketogenic diet, sweet corn extract is a versatile addition that makes each bite taste just like the real thing without the carbs.
Recipe wrap-up and conclusion
This Keto Cornbread brings the comfort of classic cornbread with a keto twist, making it perfect for pairing with your favorite low carb dishes. Its crispy golden edges and moist, fluffy interior make it even better than the traditional cornbread you know and love. Don't miss out on this easy, delicious recipe!
Share this crowd-pleasing cornbread far and wide! Its incredible flavor and versatility make it perfect for gatherings, holidays, or any night you need comfort. Bake up a batch to delight family and friends. Celebrate the simple pleasures in life with this hearty, wonderful recipe. Your tastebuds will thank you!
Frequently asked questions
📖 Recipe
Keto Cornbread
Ingredients
- ½ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup coconut flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup butter melted
Optional Fillings: see post above for ideas
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325° F.
- In a medium bowl mix together all of the ingredients, then add in any optional mix-ins that you have chosen.
- Pour the batter into a 10″ well-seasoned cast iron skillet and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.
Sedika says
I made this to eat with my chili. I doubled the recipe because cornbread. Definitely do not need to double the amount of eggs. Came out great but tastes eggy and watch out for salt too. Don’t use salted butter AND the recommended amount of salt. The chili takes away from the salt and eggy taste as well as a drizzle of maple syrup if you don’t have chili.
Jay NYC says
It's keto bread, yes. And no doubt tasty. But it is NOT keto "cornbread", sorry
Steph says
This recipe looks like something I might like..My question is do you put the bacon and cheddar cheese on top or inside the corn bread?
Cast Iron Keto says
Per the recipe, you mix in your chosen add-ins to the batter. However, we sometimes keep a few tablespoons worth of the add-ins for adding to the top for a pretty effect. Hope this helps!
Charlene says
Added it to the top of some ground beef w Mexican spices, added cheese chili powder n jalapeno s to make keto tamale pie. Soooo good with a bit of sour cream. Oddly this gets even better as a left over next day! Thanks!
Terry K says
“Well, shit fire and save the matches!”
“Nervous as a bastard at a family reunion”
Thanks for the recipe; now how about one for hush puppies?!?!😁
Cast Iron Keto says
Hi Terry! Thanks for your fun comment, haven't heard those two before! We do have a hushpuppy recipe, it's a little jazzed up but should do the trick.
Debbie Black says
Even when my Husband stopped doing keto for a little while I contuined to make this!!!!! I love this recipe
Susan Jerome says
Like Roxie's colloquialisms. My favorites: 1,) I ain't got no dog in this fight 2.) It's his way or the highway.
Taylor says
Try this recipe and you won’t be disappointed. I’m from the south and cornbread is eaten with almost every meal, lol. This will hit the spot—trust me👍🏿. I freeze mine and eat it when I’m craving cornbread.
Dana says
Haven't tried this, but is there any way to substitute the heavy cream for something else? As in something non dairy.
Cast Iron Keto says
Sure thing! You can use coconut milk or any unsweetened non-dairy milk.
Jen says
He’s ‘bout as worthless as a tit on a boar hog
Cast Iron Keto says
Oh that's great 😆
Kate says
I didn't see how much of the extract to use = what do you recomend?
Cast Iron Keto says
Hi Kate - read the post above for tips on how to use the extract.
Tara says
Can't wait to try this. Thanks for the recipe and the video!
Here's a phrase to add: when my grandfather went back for seconds at supper, he'd always say, "It's going to waste one way or another." And then he'd spell "WAIST and WASTE" just in case you didn't get his joke. It made me laugh every time because I must've heard him say it 1000 times, but he kept spelling it out like it was the first time he'd said it. He was just the cutest bean. 🙂
Carole says
This recipe is perfection with the optional shredded cheddar cheese. I have never liked any other low carb cornbread recipe, but this one hit all the required savory notes. In fact, I used the cornbread to make the Tom Fitzsimmons New Orleans style Oyster Dressing for Thanksgiving, and it was fabulous. It was the first time in 11 years since my husband and I went low carb that we have been able to enjoy that recipe at Thanksgiving. So thank you so much for giving us back a treasured stuffing that we thought we would never have again. And, by the way, your cookbook is also fabulous. I've already made many of the recipes and they've all been delicious!
Jes says
this is a great corn bread recipe. I wanted to make cornbread salad which is one of my favorite things so I had to find a good keto cornbread... this is now my go to... I used the butter in the recipe and bacon fat in the skillet. I also added tons of sharp cheddar and chopped jalapenos and mixed it in the batter. It turned out super crusty and super moist... as a matter of fact it was too moist to use in the cornbread salad so I left it in the oven while the oven cooled the cornbread. I must sit out uncovered overnight to dry up a little bit. It works perfectly and nobody would be able to tell that it was a keto cornbread salad. Well done on your recipe!
Matthew says
The "corn" bread came out great. Was perfect with a bowl of chili.
Was going to have my brother help make it but,
That boy is about as sharp as a bowl of mashed taters.
Tarah says
Super easy and delicious. I like my cornbread sweet so i added some stevia and erythrital. I also used baking powder, im going to try it today with baking soda. Can you trll me what the difference is please?
Beverly says
Doesn't taste like cornbread to me, but I do love it. My husband also loved it. Going to make it again tonight to go with chili. Might add some cheese and crumbled bacon.
Albertina says
I made this cornbread tonight and I am blown away at how good it is. Thank you for this recipe, and it is my new all time favorite low carb recipe!
Becky Turner says
JUst discovered your site... and now have it marked to check daily!!!
This "cornbread" is on the menu for tonight... to go with the keto soup made earlier this week!
And now I need to make so chili to go with the corn bread for later this week.
Just in time for the fall weather change that is happening here.
Courtney Silver says
Delish! It's actually the most delicious and moist 'cornbread' I've ever eaten. I overlooked a couple of leftover squares so I made croutons. Cut them into tiny squares, toss in olive oil, salt, pepper mixture - add some basil and rosemary too. Bake at 275 degrees for about 20 minutes, turning at halftime. Yum!
Jayme says
Can you use corn flavoring extract?
Cast Iron Keto says
You can! See the post above for more info.
Dawn Trottman says
My favorite saying which I came up with outta the blue is "Happy as a pig in slop". It makes my mom laugh, too.
Julie says
I just made this today and I loved everything about it. Great taste, texure, doesn't crumble too easily and bakes beautifully.
Karan says
One of my favourite country sayings: That dog won't hunt.
Brenda Warren says
Delish, thank you for a great recipe and I'm not from the South, but hubby lived there for 8 years, so here are some of his; What do ya think? I think it takes a big dog to weigh a ton and a hell of a cat to whup him, and my favorite is; the truth will stand when the worlds on fire.
carol says
Cornbread is something I have missed since starting kept. So great to find a keto cornbread recipe that doesn't have some kind of sweetener in it. So many recipes for cornbread seem more like corncake to me. Being a good Mississippi girl, I never sweeten my cornbread. My mama's cornbread was fried first in her cast iron skillet to make a crust and then baked. I'm going to try that with this recipe. I'll also substitute green chiles for the jalapeños. I'll let you know how it comes out.
It's time to come up to the licking log (said to someone who hasn't quite been as responsible they should).
gloria says
How did this recipe work to fry it first for a crust? I'm about to make this and that sounds great. Please tell me the details of how you did it, if it worked!
Josh says
How much corn extract should you add? (If adding) Thanks!
Cast Iron Keto says
We do a teaspoon or two.
barb says
delicious!
Jane says
One of my all-time favorite Keto recipes! I stirred in some pickled, cubed jalapeños and cheddar cheese. Best cornbread ever!
Sharon Williams says
Over like a fat rat in a cheese factory.
castironketoadmin says
That's a good one!
Mary says
I love this recipe! My go-to topping is pickled jalapeños and shredded Jack cheese, YUM.
Bart says
This turned out perfect the first time I made it. Thanks very much!
Alice says
This is an awesome recipe. And it is so easy to make. I usually make with the jalapeno and cheese version. The taste and texture is just like cornbread. You can't tell it is not made with any corn. Hey, you think I could dry it out or toast it to make a cornbread dressing? I am going to try it. I wonder if any else has.
Deb Carney says
You know what Thought did? Thought he farted, but he shitted.
Tough titty said the kitty, but the milk's still good.
If Mom didn't remember someone's name she referred to them as What's his nuts.
They had very colorful sayings. Sometimes one just pops out of my mouth without me thinking about it. Thank you for the recipe and for the great trip down memory lane..
Alex Lester says
Hi Deb, thanks so much for sharing these. I've definitely heard the milk one!
Amy says
Great with Chili!
Amy says
Great recipe! Thanks for sharing. Taste like regular corn bread..
Helen Woods says
I cant stomach lactose. What can I substitute the heavy cream with?
Reno says
Tried this recipe over this weekend and my first batch in a cast iron skillet was so salty and so buttery it is inedible. Gave it another try in a spring form pan, 1/2 of the salt and no butter on the bottom of the pan, used parchment paper and vegetable oil spray. Again way too salty but good on the butter. Discovered that my Organic Coconut flour had 10mg of salt, so much of organic. Substituted more Almond flour for the Coconut flour and it came out awesome. I will try to get the corn extract flavoring for the next attempt but even my strict Keto guests raved about this recipe, albeit the third time was the charm. Reno
Donna says
From my father-in-law: Fine as frog’s hair.
Shut that pneumonia hole
Deb Carney says
I remember fine as frog's hair.. love it.. how about, "any better and I'd be twins".
Barbara says
I loved this recipe - it really tastes like cornbread - but I like this better than cornbread!
Paul B says
Southern saying. "That's higher than a cat's back"
Alex Lester says
Never heard that one!
kimbr says
Cant wait to try this with my keto soup recipe! My granddaddy would say "you a few ants short of a picnic aintcha baby" to folks with no common sense! LOL!
Burns Warfield says
Going to try this “cornbread” by the recipe.
As far as a southern saying here is one from my Grnadfather who lived to be 101!
He used to tell
Me this all of the time.
“I don’t know why the good LORD made more horse’s butts then he made horses!”
Alex Lester says
Ha, good one!
JH says
Thanks! This was pretty good. I heated my cast iron on low heat, dropped the butter in and let it melt. After melting I turned the heat off, whisked in the heavy cream, then whisked in the eggs (since its heated on low and the heat is removed, eggs shouldn’t really cook - I make regular cornbread the same way). I whisked in the dry ingredients which were premixed and smoothed it out. I did use salted butter and so I omitted the salt. It smelled like cornbread for sure! I don’t think it would be super great on it’s own (kind of bland?) but it was fabulous on keto chili!! I wouldn’t have known the difference if I hadn’t made it myself. Next time I might add a bit of swerve or other keto friendly sweetener. Not a big fan of sweet cornbread, but since corn is naturally sweet, I think a subtle sweetness might be good.
Betsy says
First time visitor to your site and tried the recipe within a couple of hours of finding it (and will try others as well). I did eliminate the salt based on other comments. This is a keeper for "cornbread" but I'll also use it as "focaccia" for sandwiches.
Charly says
I love this recipe, very easy and always turns out. But I would say, I’m with a few others. I use a 1/4 tsp. of salt, if that. And unsalted butter of course. But we are all different! This Mississippi girl thanks you! You know we have bread at every meal! Lol.
Alex Lester says
Hi Charly, we're glad you love this recipe! I'm going to make a note on the recipe about reducing the amount of salt if folks are sensitive to it. We think it's perfect but we tend to like things a bit more on the salty side.
BJ says
I have just finished eating a bowl of Beanless Low Carb Chili Con Carne WITH your fantastic faux cornbread! It is delicious and very pretty to serve as well....However, mine seems quite crumbly...Is there something I should do to solve this? I put mixture into a Hot buttered skillet so it would sizzle and have a nice crust and got so excited that I FOGOT the very pricy Corn Extract I had ordered to use the first time I got a good recipe!!! Can you believe it? I was so perturbed with myself....absolutely going to make again and again....Thank you for sharing and let me know how to keep it less crumbly. The mixture looked great going into skillet.
Alex Lester says
Corn extract would be fantastic, I need to get my hands on some of that! I would allow the cornbread to sit for about 20 minutes or so before cutting and serving.
Brian says
I made it per the recipe exactly, but it is waaaaay too salty. Going to leave the salt out completely next time.
Alex Lester says
Everyone's salt preferences are different, did you make sure that your butter was unsalted?
M says
Same here! I even used unsalted butter. I'm so disappointed- and I'm usually heavy- handed with salt.
Lisa says
Just looking at the recipe doesn't seem like enough batter for a 10.5" skillet. Just wondering: do you measure the bottom of the pan for the size? Thanks
Alex Lester says
It's enough! 10.5" is correct.
Brian says
It rises alot.
Amy says
I doubled it bc it wouldn’t fit in mine either.
Karen says
Can you use homemade almond meal and can this be frozen for future use? Daddy always said to freeze the cornbread so it don't taste fresh. I never knew why.
Alex Lester says
I haven't tried to freeze it and Bob's Red Mill Super-Fine Almond Flour is the only flour we've tested it with. Let me know if you try it with anything else or decide to freeze it and how that works out!
Gaye Miller says
Thank you so much for this recipe! I've made it several times - plain and with peppers and cheese. I'm going to try making it with some broccoli and cheese, a family favotire. An old saying from my mother-in-law, " Even a blind hog finds an acorn now and then. " One of my Mom's sayings, "He's as crooked as a dog's hind leg." ?
Anita says
How is this without the peppers? I am thinking of using this recipe to make cornbread dressing for Thanksgiving.
Alex Lester says
It's great! This recipe is a great starting point for any add-ins but can be made plain too. We're actually getting ready to create a stuffing recipe for Thanksgiving based off this recipe.
venus says
Hi Alex,
I'm sorry for the loss of your grandmother.
I have been struggling as to what to cook for dinner tonight. For sure whatever it is will have your cornbread on the side.
Thanks for sharing your heart and your recipes.
Alex Lester says
Thank you Venus, I hope you enjoy the "Cornbread"
Judy Bloodworth says
My mom had some great comments but they escape me at the moment. I was looking for a "legal" corn bread recipe today and found this. So glad I did. Easy and delicious! Another hit recipe from you!
Alex Lester says
Great to hear that Judy!
Lorrie says
Southern saying my grandmother would say while she was picking lint off her clothes.
“I swear, this sweater catches everything but men and money”
Alex Lester says
HA! Lauren just got a kick out of that one when I showed her your comment. That one's pretty great. Thanks for sharing Lorrie!
Cynthia says
Did you use blanched or unblanched almond flour? I've seen a few recipes that call for unblanched, but I'm having a really difficult time finding it anywhere.
Alex Lester says
Blanched, this is the one we use -> https://www.bobsredmill.com/almond-meal-flour.html
Sandra says
These gave my husband and me a good laugh this morning. Reading them brings to mind my favorite saying from my dad..."I've got a good memory, but it's short." I use that one now myself.
Hannah says
My parents were from the Blue Ridge Mountains. Mama used to say, "If ya'll are comin' to visit my house, ya'll need to make an appointment. If you're comin' to visit me, then just come on in and sit yourself down." And another one on housekeeping: "My house is clean enough to be healthy, and messy enough to be happy." Both of these are how I have approached my home too.. 😀
Alex Lester says
Those are great, I've definitely heard the housekeeping one before. Thanks for sharing!
Kay Hendrickson says
It is so hot I was sweating like a French whore in Sunday school!
(After eating your cornbread with jalapeño’s!)?
Alex Lester says
Ha! I've definitely heard that one before.
Alise says
So so good. Thank you for this recipe! I just made a double batch. It’s so easy and delicious and I like it better than “real” cornbread. I’ve served it with chili several times and a Jamaican curry, and it’s perfect!
Crystal says
My.grandmother always said i was sweating like a hooker in church. Lol
Roye says
There is no mention as to what size cast iron skillet?
Thank you,
Roye
Alex Lester says
Sorry about that, 10.5"
Shannon says
The only thing I would do differently, is to get some butter screamin hot in the skillet first, then pour the batter in. That way you get nice crispy edges. I love your recipes! Keep them coming!
Alex Lester says
That's a great idea!
Theo Dage says
Who needs butter when y’all got bacon fat?? Put the butter in the batter, fatback (or bacon grease) is for the pan!
Patricia Savage says
So darn good nobody knows it’s not corn meal!!! I added a teaspoon of corn extract, yes they make just about every extract imaginable, and it really kicks up the flavor.