Description
This Southern Skillet Cornbread recipe delivers a golden, crispy crust with a tender, moist crumb inside. Made with a blend of yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, and buttermilk, it’s a classic comfort side dish perfect for pairing with chili, greens, or enjoyed warm with butter and honey. Using a hot cast iron skillet and bacon drippings gives it an authentic southern charm and irresistible sizzle.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Skillet
- 2 tablespoons bacon drippings or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat skillet and oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet inside the oven to heat while you prepare the batter. The hot skillet will help create a crispy crust.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar (if using), baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth and blended.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently stir just until the mixture is combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cornbread tender.
- Prepare the skillet: Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven using oven mitts. Add the bacon drippings or vegetable oil to the skillet and swirl to coat the bottom and sides fully.
- Pour batter and bake: Immediately pour the batter into the hot skillet. The batter should sizzle on contact, which helps form a crisp crust. Return the skillet to the oven.
- Bake until golden: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the cornbread cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite accompaniments.
Notes
- For extra flavor, stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or chopped jalapeños into the batter before baking.
- Using coarse stone-ground cornmeal will give a more rustic texture.
- Best served warm with butter and honey, or alongside chili, greens, or barbecue dishes.
- Bacon drippings add a classic savory touch, but vegetable oil works great for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
