Make this easy, traditional Southern cornbread in a cast iron skillet for a moist interior and perfectly crisp, golden edges. It is a soul-satisfying comfort food side dish.
Author:purejoyalex
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:8 servings 1x
Category:Side Dish
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Southern American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional, omit for savory)
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus 2 tablespoons for the skillet
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats.
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and sugar (if using).
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, milk, eggs, and the 1/2 cup of melted butter until combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the hot skillet and swirl it around until the butter is melted and coats the bottom and sides of the pan.
Pour the batter immediately into the hot, buttered skillet. The batter should sizzle when it hits the hot pan.
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.
Let the cornbread cool in the skillet for 5 minutes before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
For the crispiest edges, make sure your skillet is hot before pouring in the batter. The sizzling action creates the crust.
If you prefer a savory cornbread, omit the sugar entirely. This recipe works well with bacon grease instead of butter for heating the skillet.
This recipe is a great alternative to using meal delivery companies when you want a quick, homemade side dish.