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Authentic Southern Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread (No Sugar Added)

Close-up of golden brown skillet cornbread with a piece cut out, showing the moist texture.
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You will bake a classic Southern cornbread in a cast iron skillet. This recipe focuses on achieving crispy, golden edges and a moist, savory interior without adding sugar. It is a quick side dish perfect for chili or beans.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup bacon grease, melted (or unsalted butter)
  • 2 tablespoons bacon grease (for heating the skillet)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place your 10-inch cast iron skillet inside 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 medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, milk, and eggs until combined.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix them just until they are combined; do not overmix the batter.
  5. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Add the 2 tablespoons of bacon grease to the hot skillet, swirling it around to coat the bottom and sides completely. The grease should melt immediately.
  6. Pour the cornbread batter directly into the hot, greased skillet. You should hear a sizzle.
  7. 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.
  8. Let the cornbread cool in the skillet for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Notes

  • Heating the skillet and the fat until it is very hot before adding the batter is the key to getting those irresistible crispy skillet cornbread edges.
  • If you do not have bacon grease, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or vegetable oil.
  • This recipe makes a savory cornbread that pairs well with chili or barbecue.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tasteportfolio.com/skillet-cornbread-authentic-southern-cast-iron-recipe/