Skillet Cornbread
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm, golden slice of cornbread straight from the skillet. This Skillet Cornbread recipe combines the rich flavors of cornmeal, a hint of sweetness, and the delightful crispiness that only a cast iron skillet can provide. Perfect as a side dish for any meal, this cornbread is a must-try for gatherings, weeknight dinners, and holiday feasts.
Skillet Cornbread is a versatile classic that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether paired with a hearty chili on a fall evening, served alongside a summer barbecue, or as a staple at your Thanksgiving table, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. The combination of cornmeal and buttermilk gives it a moist texture, while the cast iron skillet ensures a perfectly crisp crust.
Why you’ll love this Chicken Tortilla Soup:
Comfort in Every Bite
My love for cornbread blossomed after moving to Atlanta, where Southern cuisine quickly found a special place in my heart. The rich, comforting taste of this cornbread brings warmth and joy to our family meals, and I’m excited to share this delightful discovery with you. Each slice is a perfect blend of Southern tradition and new experiences that are not only delicious but also deeply meaningful to me.
Ingredients Needed for Skillet Cornbread
- Cornmeal: Provides the essential texture and flavor, giving the cornbread its signature taste.
- All-purpose flour: Balances the cornmeal, adding structure and lightness to the bread.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
- Baking powder & baking soda: Leavening agents that help the cornbread rise and become fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang, contributing to the tender texture.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a moist crumb.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add to the bread’s structure.
How to prepare Skillet Cornbread:
**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**
Combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk well to combine.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs until well blended.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined
Pour the batter into the hot skillet. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown
Variations
- Cheesy Cornbread:
- Add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the batter for a rich, cheesy twist.
- Jalapeño Cornbread:
- Stir in some finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Sweet Cornbread:
- Increase the sugar to 1/2 cup for a sweeter version, perfect for pairing with savory dishes.
- Honey Butter Cornbread:
- Drizzle honey butter over the top just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
- Herbed Cornbread:
- Mix in some chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fragrant and flavorful bread.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Pairing: Serve warm slices with a pat of butter for a simple, delicious treat.
- Chili Companion: Pair with a bowl of chili or tortilla soup for a hearty and comforting meal.
- Southern Feast: Serve alongside fried chicken and collard greens for a traditional Southern meal.
- Holiday Favorite: Make it a part of your Thanksgiving spread, perfect with turkey and gravy.
- BBQ Buddy: Enjoy with barbecued ribs or pulled pork for a easy summer meal.
Storage and Freezing
- How should I store Skillet Cornbread?
Store any leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze Cornbread?
For longer storage, wrap the cornbread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven or microwave before serving.
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Tips & Tricks
- Preheating the Cast Iron Skillet: It’s crucial to preheat the cast iron skillet in the oven before adding the batter. This step helps create a crispy, golden crust on the cornbread.
- Buttering the Skillet: To prevent the cornbread from sticking to the skillet, generously butter the hot surface before pouring in the batter. This ensures easy release and a beautifully shaped cornbread.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a tougher texture and denser cornbread. Corn Variations: While the recipe uses canned corn for convenience, you can also use fresh or frozen corn kernels. If using frozen corn, you don’t need to thaw it before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure smoother mixing and even distribution of flavors in the batter.
- Cooling and Slicing: Allow the cornbread to cool slightly before slicing to avoid crumbling. A serrated knife works best for clean, neat slices.
- Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Recommended
Side Dish Recipes
FAQ:
Skillet Cornbread
Equipment
- 10-inch cast iron skillet
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk or stir well to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs until well blended.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Remove the hot cast iron skillet from the oven, using oven mitts, and carefully pour the batter into the skillet. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Place the skillet back in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and allow the cornbread to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
