Cornbread is one of those dishes that people always seem to love when it’s homemade. After all, boxed cornbreads just can’t compare to the delicious recipes that are passed down through multiple generations. And cornbread is definitely one of those recipes that becomes altered and changed as it passes from hand to hand. Some people prefer more butter, while others like to bulk up the cornmeal content. Whatever the personal preference, these recipes definitely change and improve over time.

But one of the biggest secrets to getting perfect cornbread isn’t that you alter the ingredients. Rather, it’s all in the preparation. As such, before you get down on your cornbread for not tasting like your grandmother’s, make sure that you have the right baking pan. Cast iron cornbread pans are essential for getting that melt in your mouth texture that makes homemade cornbread so irresistible. Also make sure that you keep a close eye on the pan. It should be removed from the oven when the top turns golden brown. If left too long, the bread can become hard on the edges.