Southern Cornbread

🧂 Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Yellow cornmeal(Medium grind is preferred for texture.)
• 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups Buttermilk(Room temperature is ideal for better incorporation.)
• 2 Large eggs(Room temperature is ideal.)
• 1/4 cup Butter or bacon grease(Bacon grease adds a distinct savory flavor; ensure it's melted if solid.)
• 1 tsp Baking soda
• 1/2 tsp Salt(Enhances the flavors.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet into the oven. Add the 1/4 cup of butter or bacon grease to the skillet. Preheat the oven with the skillet inside to 425°F (220°C). Allow the skillet and fat to heat for at least 10 minutes until the fat is shimmering and very hot.

   ⏱️ 10 minutes
2. 2

   While the skillet heats, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl until thoroughly combined. In a separate medium bowl, lightly beat the eggs, then whisk in the buttermilk until smooth.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
3. 3

   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are acceptable. The batter should be thick but pourable.

   ⏱️ 1 minute
4. 4

   Carefully remove the hot cast-iron skillet from the oven. The fat should be smoking slightly. Immediately pour the cornbread batter into the hot skillet. It will sizzle upon contact. Gently spread the batter evenly.

   ⏱️ 1 minute
5. 5

   Return the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is deeply golden brown on top and the edges are set and beginning to pull away from the sides of the skillet. A wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.

   ⏱️ 20-25 minutes
6. 6

   Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let the cornbread cool in the skillet for a few minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack or serving directly from the skillet.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓The key to a crispy bottom is a thoroughly preheated cast-iron skillet with hot fat. Don't skip this step!
• ✓Southern cornbread is traditionally unsweetened. The natural sweetness of the cornmeal is sufficient.
• ✓Rendered bacon grease imparts a wonderful savory depth that complements the cornmeal beautifully.
• ✓Ensure your baking soda is fresh for optimal leavening.

🔄 Variations

• For a touch of heat, stir in 1/4 cup of finely diced pickled jalapeños or fresh minced jalapeño into the batter before pouring into the skillet.
• For a sweeter, Northern-style cornbread, add 2-4 tablespoons of sugar to the dry ingredients.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving