Print

Authentic Southern Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread

A slice of golden yellow skillet cornbread with a dark, caramelized crust, served on a white plate.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make traditional Southern cornbread in a cast iron skillet for a moist interior and perfectly crispy, golden edges. This recipe uses buttermilk for classic flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup bacon grease or unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional, omit for savory version)

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 medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking soda, and salt. If using honey, whisk it in now.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted bacon grease or butter, egg, and buttermilk until combined.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined; do not overmix. A few lumps are fine.
  5. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven using oven mitts. Add 1 tablespoon of bacon grease or butter to the hot skillet and swirl to coat the bottom and sides completely. The grease should be shimmering hot.
  6. Immediately pour the batter into the hot, greased skillet. The batter 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 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For the crispiest edge, make sure the skillet and the fat inside are very hot before adding the batter.
  • If you prefer a savory cornbread, omit the optional honey.
  • You can substitute the bacon grease with unsalted butter for a buttery flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishsymphony.com/skillet-cornbread-southern-crispy-edge/