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Authentic Southern Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread

A close-up of a golden brown skillet cornbread with one slice cut out, showing its moist texture.
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Make this traditional Southern skillet cornbread in a cast iron pan for irresistibly crispy edges and a moist, savory interior. This easy homemade recipe skips the sugar for true comfort food flavor.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil or bacon grease
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for the skillet)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, milk, eggs, and vegetable oil or bacon grease until combined.
  4. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Add the 2 tablespoons of butter to the hot skillet and swirl it around until the butter melts and coats the bottom and sides of the pan. The butter should sizzle.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.
  6. Immediately pour the batter into the hot, buttered skillet. The batter should sizzle when it hits the hot fat, which helps create the crispy edge.
  7. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cornbread cool in the skillet for 5 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Notes

  • For a slightly sweeter flavor, add 1 tablespoon of honey or sugar to the batter, though this recipe focuses on the savory, traditional Southern style.
  • If you do not have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
  • Serve this cornbread with a drizzle of warm honey or alongside chili or beans for a classic comfort food pairing.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/skillet-cornbread-cast-iron-southern-recipe/