Cast Iron Cornbread

Golden, crispy-edged, and deliciously tender on the inside—this Cast Iron Cornbread is the perfect side dish for everything from chili and BBQ to a simple pat of butter and drizzle of honey. Made in a sizzling hot skillet, it has the perfect rustic crust and a warm, comforting crumb you’ll crave again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy Skillet Crust – Hot cast iron gives unbeatable texture.
Moist & Tender – Buttermilk and butter make it rich and flavorful.
One Bowl & One Skillet – Easy cleanup, maximum taste.
Versatile – Sweet or savory, it pairs with everything.
Classic Comfort – A Southern staple everyone should know how to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1–2 tbsp sugar (optional, for a slightly sweet version)
• 2 eggs
• 1½ cups buttermilk (or 1½ cups milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus 1 tbsp for the skillet)

Tools You’ll Need

• 10-inch cast iron skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven mitts

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Skillet

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place the cast iron skillet in the oven as it preheats. This ensures a crisp, golden crust.

Step 2: Mix the Batter
3. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
4. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk eggs and buttermilk together.
5. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
6. Add the melted butter and stir until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 3: Pour into the Skillet
7. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven.
8. Add 1 tbsp butter and swirl to coat the bottom and sides.
9. Immediately pour the batter into the hot skillet—it should sizzle a bit around the edges.
10. Smooth the top if needed.

Step 4: Bake the Cornbread
11. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
12. Let cool in the skillet for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for the Best Cornbread
Hot Skillet = Crispy Crust – Preheating is the secret to those crunchy edges.
Don’t Overmix – Stir until just combined to avoid a dense texture.
Customize It – Add cheddar, jalapeños, corn kernels, or herbs for your own twist.
Sweet or Savory – Adjust sugar to suit your taste.
Serve Warm – Cornbread is best fresh from the oven or gently warmed.

Serving Suggestions
With Chili – A classic combo.
BBQ Side – Perfect with ribs, pulled chicken, or grilled veggies.
With Honey Butter – A sweet, simple snack.
Breakfast – Toast slices and serve with eggs and avocado.
Crumbled in Salad – Adds crunch and richness to hearty greens.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerate:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze:
Wrap slices in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat:
Oven – Warm slices at 300°F for 10 minutes.
Microwave – Heat in 15-second intervals until warm.
Skillet – Re-toast slices with a bit of butter for extra crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this without a cast iron skillet?
Yes, use an oven-safe baking dish, though the crust may not be as crispy.

2. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

3. What’s the difference between cornmeal and corn flour?
Cornmeal is coarser and ideal for cornbread. Corn flour is finer and makes a denser result.

4. Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but buttermilk adds tenderness and tang. You can mimic it by mixing milk with lemon juice or vinegar.

Final Thoughts

This Cast Iron Cornbread is a timeless side dish that’s easy, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. Whether served with smoky chili, slathered in butter, or eaten straight from the skillet, it never fails to please. It’s a simple recipe with big flavor—and once you try it, you’ll never go back to the boxed stuff again.

Bake it, share it, and tell me what you think! Don’t forget to tag your skillet masterpiece online—I can’t wait to see your take.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American – Southern

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, 8 total):
Calories: 240 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 26g | Fat: 13g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 400mg

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