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Authentic Southern Skillet Cornbread with Crispy Edges

Close-up of a moist, golden slice of skillet cornbread showing its crumb texture and dark, caramelized crust.
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Make this easy, old-fashioned cornbread in a cast iron skillet for a moist interior and perfectly golden, crispy edges. This savory recipe uses buttermilk for traditional Southern flavor.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk.
  4. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Add the bacon grease or butter to the hot skillet and swirl to coat the bottom and sides completely. Return the skillet to the oven for 2 minutes to let the fat get very hot.
  5. Remove the hot skillet again. Pour the buttermilk mixture and the optional honey into the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; do not overmix.
  6. Pour the batter immediately into the hot, greased skillet. The batter should sizzle when it hits the hot fat.
  7. 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 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For the crispiest edges, make sure the fat in the skillet is smoking hot before you pour in the batter.
  • If you prefer a sweeter cornbread, increase the honey to 2 tablespoons and add 1 tablespoon of sugar to the dry ingredients.
  • This recipe works well as a comfort food side dish for chili or beans.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://rosatasty.com/skillet-cornbread-easy-crispy-cast-iron-recipe/