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Authentic Southern Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread

Close-up of golden, fluffy skillet cornbread with a piece removed, showing the crispy edge.
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Bake this classic Southern cornbread in a cast iron skillet for a moist interior and signature crispy edges. This recipe uses buttermilk and bacon grease for true, savory flavor.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup rendered bacon grease, plus more for greasing the skillet

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place your 10-inch cast iron skillet inside the oven while it preheats. You want that skillet hot!
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking soda, and salt. Give yourself a pat on the back for getting the dry ingredients ready.
  3. In a separate small bowl, combine the buttermilk and the beaten egg.
  4. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven using oven mitts. Add 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease to the hot skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom and sides completely. The grease should shimmer.
  5. Pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine. You are doing great!
  6. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of bacon grease to the batter and stir quickly.
  7. Immediately pour the batter into the hot, greased skillet. You should hear a satisfying sizzle—that’s the sound of crispy edges forming!
  8. 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.
  9. Let the cornbread cool in the skillet for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy the aroma!

Notes

  • For the best crispy skillet cornbread edges, make sure your cast iron skillet is ripping hot before you pour in the batter.
  • If you do not have bacon grease, you can substitute unsalted butter, but bacon grease provides that authentic Southern Style Cornbread flavor.
  • This is a no sugar cornbread classic, perfect for pairing with chili or beans.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchnkudos.com/skillet-cornbread-crispy-edge-recipe/