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Crispy Southern Cast Iron Cornbread

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A classic Southern cornbread recipe baked in a cast iron skillet for a crispy crust and tender, moist interior. Perfect for pairing with comfort meals like chili or fried chicken.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal (120g), medium grind
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
  • 1 cup buttermilk (240ml) or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice/vinegar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (57g), melted
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or bacon fat for skillet coating

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and place cast iron skillet inside to heat for at least 10 minutes until smoking hot.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until evenly combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined; do not over-mix.
  5. Carefully remove hot skillet from oven using oven mitts, add vegetable oil or bacon fat, and swirl to coat bottom and sides.
  6. Pour batter into hot skillet and spread evenly; you should hear a sizzle.
  7. Return skillet to oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are deep golden and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  8. Let cornbread cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Preheat the cast iron skillet thoroughly to achieve a crispy crust. Do not over-mix the batter to keep the cornbread tender. Use room temperature eggs for better batter consistency. Optionally broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crispiness but watch carefully to avoid burning. Well-seasoned cast iron prevents sticking.

Nutrition

Keywords: cornbread, southern cornbread, cast iron cornbread, crispy cornbread, comfort food, easy cornbread recipe

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/crispy-southern-cast-iron-cornbread-recipe-easy-tender-crust-guide/