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Authentic Southern Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread (No Sugar Added)

A golden brown, freshly baked skillet cornbread with one slice cut out, sitting in a black cast iron pan.
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Make truly authentic Southern cornbread with crispy edges and a moist, tender interior using a cast iron skillet. This no-sugar recipe delivers classic, savory flavor perfect for chili or barbecue.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup bacon grease, melted (or unsalted butter)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place your 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats. This step is key for crispy skillet cornbread edges.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and the lightly beaten egg.
  4. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Add the bacon grease to the hot skillet, swirling it around to coat the bottom and sides completely. The grease should be shimmering hot.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.
  6. Immediately pour the batter into the hot, greased skillet. It should sizzle when it hits the pan.
  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 5 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Notes

  • For the best flavor and the crispiest crust, use real bacon grease. If you do not have bacon grease, use unsalted butter, but heat it until it is very hot before adding the batter.
  • Buttermilk is essential for the texture and slight tang in this old fashioned cornbread baking.
  • This recipe is best served as a quick cornbread side dish alongside hearty meals like chili or beans.

Nutrition

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