Print

Ultimate Crispy-Crusted Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread

A close-up view showing the moist, golden crumb texture of a slice of Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A recipe for traditional Southern-style cornbread baked in a preheated cast iron skillet, resulting in a moist interior and a deeply golden, crisp crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional, omit for very traditional Southern style)
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus 2 tablespoons for the skillet
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the 2 tablespoons of butter or bacon grease into a 10-inch cast iron skillet and place the skillet in the oven while it preheats.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and sugar, if using.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, the 1/2 cup of melted butter, and the eggs until combined.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a spoon until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.
  5. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven using oven mitts. The fat in the skillet should be shimmering hot.
  6. Pour the batter immediately into the hot skillet. It should sizzle when it hits the fat.
  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 directly from the pan.

Notes

  • For the crispiest crust, use bacon grease instead of butter to preheat the skillet.
  • If you prefer a sweeter cornbread, increase the sugar to 1/3 cup.
  • Ensure your buttermilk is at room temperature for better mixing and rise.
  • Do not skip preheating the skillet; this step creates the signature crust.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookifyme.com/cast-iron-skillet-cornbread/