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Authentic Southern Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread (No Sugar Added)

A close-up of golden, fluffy skillet cornbread baked in a cast iron pan with one wedge cut out.
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Make this classic Southern Skillet Cornbread in your cast iron pan for irresistibly crispy edges and a moist, savory center. It is the perfect, easy side dish for chili or any family meal.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil or bacon grease (for the batter)
  • 3 tablespoons bacon grease or unsalted butter (for heating 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 medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, milk, eggs, and 1/4 cup of oil or bacon grease until combined.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine. This mixture makes a thinner batter, which helps achieve those crispy skillet cornbread edges.
  5. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Add the 3 tablespoons of bacon grease or butter to the hot skillet. Swirl the pan to coat the bottom and sides completely. The fat should be shimmering hot.
  6. Pour the batter immediately into the hot, greased skillet. It should sizzle when it hits the pan.
  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 fat until very hot is the secret to achieving those signature crispy skillet cornbread edges.
  • If you prefer a slightly sweeter taste, you can add 1 tablespoon of honey to the wet ingredients, but this recipe focuses on the traditional savory Southern style.
  • Buttermilk is key for the tender, moist buttermilk cornbread texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorsensations.com/skillet-cornbread-recipe-southern-style-cast-iron/