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Authentic Southern Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread (No Sugar Added)

Close-up of a golden brown skillet cornbread, with one slice cut out showing the moist interior texture.
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Make truly authentic Southern style cornbread with crispy edges and a moist, tender interior using your cast iron skillet. This easy recipe skips the sugar for a classic, savory side dish perfect with 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 whole milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup bacon grease, melted (or unsalted butter)
  • 2 tablespoons rendered bacon grease or vegetable oil for heating the skillet

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats. This step is key for crispy skillet cornbread edges.
  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, whole milk, and eggs until combined.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.
  5. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Add the 2 tablespoons of bacon grease or oil to the hot skillet and swirl to coat the bottom and sides completely. The fat should be shimmering hot.
  6. Pour the batter immediately into the hot, greased skillet. The batter 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. Enjoy the buttery skillet baked goods!

Notes

  • For the crispiest edges, make sure your cast iron skillet is fully preheated before adding the fat and batter.
  • If you prefer a slightly sweeter taste, you can add 1 tablespoon of honey to the wet ingredients, but this recipe focuses on the classic savory profile.
  • Bacon grease provides the most authentic flavor for Southern Style Cornbread.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesfleet.com/skillet-cornbread-authentic-southern-recipe/