Classic Southern Cornbread 🌽

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A true Southern Cornbread is golden, slightly crisp on the outside, tender inside, and full of rich corn flavor. Traditionally made in a cast-iron skillet with little or no sugar, this classic side dish is perfect with chili, beans, barbecue, fried chicken, and soups.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1½ cups yellow cornmeal
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1½ cups buttermilk
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 2 tbsp bacon grease or vegetable oil (for skillet)
• 1–2 tbsp sugar (optional, depending on preference)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven.
   • Heat oven to 425°F (220°C).
   • Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet inside while the oven heats.
2. Mix dry ingredients.
   • In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar (if using).
3. Mix wet ingredients.
   • Whisk eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter together.
4. Combine batter.
   • Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients.
   • Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Prepare the skillet.
   • Carefully remove the hot skillet.
   • Add bacon grease or oil and swirl to coat.
   • Pour in the batter—the hot skillet should create a sizzling crust.
6. Bake.
   • Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Serve warm.
   • Brush the top with butter if desired.
   • Slice into wedges.

Southern Add-Ins

🧀 Cheesy Cornbread: Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
🌶️ Jalapeño Cornbread: Add diced jalapeños and cheese.
🥓 Bacon Cornbread: Add cooked crumbled bacon.
🌽 Corn-Filled: Add 1 cup sweet corn kernels.
🧅 Savory Herb: Add green onions and fresh herbs.

Serving Ideas

• Chili
• Southern baked beans
• Collard greens
• Fried chicken
• Pulled pork
• Chicken stew
• BBQ ribs
• Pinto beans

Storage

• Room Temperature: Up to 2 days wrapped tightly.
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Up to 3 months.

Tips for Authentic Southern Cornbread

• A preheated cast-iron skillet creates the signature crispy crust.
• Use stone-ground cornmeal for deeper corn flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps the cornbread tender.
• Bacon grease adds a traditional Southern flavor, but butter works beautifully too.

This classic Southern cornbread is simple, rustic, and comforting—with crispy edges, a buttery crumb, and the perfect balance of corn flavor. 🌽🧈