Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a round baking dish or cast-iron skillet with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar (if using).
Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs until smooth.
Create the batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix the batter.
Add cheese: Fold in 1 cup of the shredded cheese and the sour cream (if using) into the batter.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Allow the cornbread to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy as a side dish with your favorite meal or as a standalone snack!
