Skillet Cornbread Recipe | Cast Iron Cornbread

If you love warm, buttery cornbread with a crisp golden crust and tender interior, this Skillet Cornbread recipe is your new best friend! Made in a cast-iron skillet for that signature crunch, it’s the perfect side dish for soups, chili, or a hearty BBQ meal.

Why You'll Love This Spectacular Side Dish

• Quick and Easy. Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Perfect Texture. Crispy edges from the skillet, with a soft, moist interior.
• Versatile. Pairs well with savory dishes, or add a touch of honey for a sweet treat.
• Classic Flavor. A blend of cornmeal and buttermilk gives it an authentic Southern taste.

With this simple recipe, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s easy to whip up and always impressive!

What Does Cornbread Skillet Taste Like?

Skillet Cornbread is a staple of comfort food culture, celebrated for its hearty flavor and rustic appeal. The cast-iron skillet creates a perfectly crisp crust while the inside remains fluffy and tender.

Whether you serve it with melted butter, a drizzle of honey, or a savory chili, this cornbread recipe never disappoints.

What Is The Difference Between Southern Cornbread And Regular Cornbread?

The primary difference between Southern cornbread and regular (or Northern) cornbread lies in their ingredients, texture, and flavor profile. Both are delicious, but they cater to different regional preferences and traditions.

• Savory vs. Sweet: Southern cornbread leans savory, while Northern cornbread is sweeter.
• Rustic vs. Fluffy: Southern cornbread is dense and crumbly, while Northern cornbread is light and cake-like.
• Cooking Technique: Southern cornbread is known for its crispy skillet crust, while Northern cornbread is softer all around.

Both variations are delicious in their own right and can be tailored to complement a variety of meals, from hearty chili to BBQ feasts!

Ingredients You'll Need

• Cornmeal- Cornmeal is the heart of skillet cornbread, providing its signature texture and flavor. Whether you choose yellow or white cornmeal, this ingredient adds the traditional grainy base that defines the dish and gives it that slightly gritty, rustic feel.
• All-Purpose Flour- Flour balances the cornmeal by adding structure and a softer texture. Without it, the cornbread could be too crumbly. It ensures the bread holds together while still being tender.
• Baking Powder- Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, helping the cornbread rise and become fluffy. It creates small air pockets in the batter, resulting in a light and airy texture.
• Salt- Salt enhances the overall flavor of the cornbread, balancing the sweetness of the sugar and the tang of the buttermilk. It’s a small but essential addition that makes the other flavors pop.
• Sugar- Sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the cornbread. While optional, it can provide a subtle contrast to savory dishes or appeal to those who prefer a sweeter version of cornbread.
• Buttermilk- Buttermilk is the key to moist and tender cornbread. Its natural acidity reacts with the baking powder to create a fluffy texture while adding a slight tangy flavor that complements the cornmeal.
• Eggs- Eggs bind the ingredients together, giving the cornbread structure and stability. They also contribute to the richness of the batter and help it hold its shape when baked.
• Unsalted Butter- Butter adds richness and a subtle buttery flavor to the cornbread. It also contributes to the moist texture, ensuring the finished product isn’t dry. By melting it, you ensure it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.

These ingredients work together to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and structure in skillet cornbread, making it an irresistible side dish or snack!

How To Make Skillet Cornbread

1. Preheat Your Skillet. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the cast-iron skillet in the oven while it preheats. This ensures the skillet is hot enough to create a crispy crust.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Whisk to distribute the ingredients evenly.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Make sure the butter has cooled slightly to avoid cooking the eggs.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
5. Prepare the Skillet. Carefully remove the preheated skillet from the oven and coat it with a thin layer of oil or butter to prevent sticking.
6. Add the Batter. Pour the batter into the hot skillet, spreading it evenly with a spatula. You should hear a satisfying sizzle as the batter hits the skillet.
7. Bake. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve. Allow the cornbread to cool in the skillet for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite topping.

Tips And Tricks

Achieving the ideal skillet cornbread involves a mix of techniques and attention to detail. Here are some expert tips to ensure your cornbread is moist, flavorful, and beautifully golden every time:

• Preheat the Skillet. A hot skillet is the key to achieving a crispy, golden crust.
• Don’t Overmix. Overmixing the batter can make the cornbread dense. Stir just until combined.
• Use Buttermilk. For the best texture and flavor, stick to buttermilk. If you don’t have any, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk.

Variations

Skillet cornbread is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are some exciting variations to elevate your dish:

• Cheesy- Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a rich, savory twist.
• Jalapeño- Add 2 finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Sweet- Increase the sugar to ¼ cup and drizzle the finished cornbread with honey.
• Herbed- Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch.

What To Eat With Skillet Cornbread

Skillet cornbread is incredibly versatile, making it a perfect pairing for a variety of dishes. Its crispy edges and tender crumb complement savory, hearty meals, as well as lighter fare. Here are some delicious ideas to serve with it:

• Chili- The ultimate comfort food pairing.
• BBQ Ribs or Pulled Pork- A classic Southern combination.
• Soup or Stew- Perfect for soaking up every last drop.
• Fried Chicken- A hearty and satisfying match.

How Long Does It Last?

Skillet Cornbread is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. However, it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, wrap slices in foil and warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, Skillet Cornbread freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven according to the instructions listed above.

More Comforting Creations

• French Bread Pizza
• Instant Pot Butter Chicken
• Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
• Beef Barbacoa
• Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

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