Description
Classic Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread delivers a perfectly golden, slightly sweet bread with a tender crumb, ideal for pairing with butter and honey. This easy recipe combines yellow cornmeal and all-purpose flour with simple pantry ingredients, baked to perfection in a preheated cast iron skillet.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
Other
- 3 tablespoons shortening (butter or bacon grease)
Instructions
- Preheat Cast Iron Skillet: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the 3 tablespoons of shortening into a 12-inch cast iron skillet and put it in the oven to melt the shortening and thoroughly heat the skillet.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir until evenly blended.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and whole milk to the dry ingredients. Whisk gently until the batter is combined but still slightly lumpy; avoid overmixing to keep the cornbread tender.
- Prepare Skillet and Pour Batter: Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Swirl the melted shortening around the skillet to evenly coat the bottom and sides. Immediately pour the batter into the skillet.
- Bake Cornbread: Place the skillet back in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cornbread cool for 5 minutes before slicing into 10 pieces. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with butter and honey.
Notes
- This cornbread tastes just like grandma’s recipe, striking a perfect balance of slight sweetness and hearty corn flavor.
- For best texture and flavor, avoid overmixing the batter; slight lumps are ideal.
- Butter or bacon grease used as shortening adds richness and authentic flavor.
- Cast iron skillet preheating is crucial for a crispy crust and even baking.
- Serve with butter and honey for a classic Southern touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 235 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 135 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 22 mg
