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The Best Moist Buttermilk Cornbread: A Classic Southern Side Dish

Close-up of two golden slices of moist buttermilk cornbread on a white plate.
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Bake this easy buttermilk cornbread recipe for a moist, tender crumb and delicious golden crust. It is the perfect classic American side dish for chili, soup, or barbecue.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted bacon grease for extra flavor)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a 9-inch cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats. This step helps create the signature crispy crust.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vegetable oil until combined.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.
  5. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Add 2 tablespoons of the melted butter to the hot skillet and swirl to coat the bottom and sides completely. The butter should sizzle.
  6. Pour the cornbread batter immediately into the hot, buttered skillet. Spread the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter evenly over the top of the batter.
  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 5 minutes before slicing and serving warm. Serve with honey or butter.

Notes

  • For a traditional Southern cornbread flavor, reduce the sugar to 1 tablespoon or omit it entirely for a savory version.
  • If you do not have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
  • Baking this in a cast iron skillet is key for achieving those crisp, golden edges that make Southern cornbread special.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonfulsnap.com/buttermilk-cornbread-recipe-moist-southern-side/