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Authentic Southern Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread (No Sugar Added)

A close-up view of a thick slice of golden skillet cornbread showing its moist, crumbly texture on a wooden board.
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Make this traditional Southern Skillet Cornbread in your cast iron pan for irresistibly crispy edges and a moist, savory center. This easy recipe delivers classic flavor perfect for pairing with chili or beans.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup bacon grease, melted (or unsalted butter)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats. You want that skillet very hot.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and the beaten egg.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; do not overmix. A few lumps are fine.
  5. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Add the bacon grease to the hot skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom and sides completely. The grease should be shimmering.
  6. Pour the batter immediately into the hot, greased skillet.
  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 about 5 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Notes

  • Heating the skillet and the fat until they are very hot before adding the batter is the secret to achieving those signature crispy skillet cornbread edges.
  • If you do not have bacon grease, you can substitute it with 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter for a rich flavor.
  • This savory cornbread pairs wonderfully as a side dish for chili or slow-cooked greens.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdiarist.com/skillet-cornbread-authentic-southern-recipe/