Name: Tender Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons shortening (butter or bacon grease); 2 cups yellow cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 large egg; 1 1/2 cups whole milk

If you’re craving a warm, cozy side that’s got just the right balance of sweetness and that irresistible golden crust, this Tender Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread Recipe might become your new favorite. It’s classic, comforting, and surprisingly easy to whip up.

A round golden cornbread with a slightly browned top, baked in a black cast iron skillet, sits on a white marbled surface. One triangular slice has been removed, revealing a soft, moist yellow interior with a fine texture. A gray plate holds the missing slice topped with a square of melting yellow butter. To the top right, a white dish contains several slices of butter, and to the bottom right, a green bowl holds honey with a wooden honey dipper inside. A green and white checkered cloth is casually placed on the surface near the skillet. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Tender Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Tender Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Tender Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I genuinely love this recipe because it’s a perfect blend of simplicity and nostalgia—I always think of cozy family dinners when I make it. Plus, that crispy cast iron skillet crust is a game changer!

Perfectly tender crumb: The mix of baking powder and baking soda keeps it light yet moist.
Golden, crispy crust: Preheating the cast iron with shortening gives a satisfying crunch.
Simple pantry staples: No fancy ingredients needed, just what you probably already have on hand.
Easy to customize: Swap shortening for butter or bacon grease for a flavor twist.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, make sure your pantry has these basics ready. I always reach for yellow cornmeal that’s medium grind—perfect for that classic texture—and keep my shortening or butter options handy because that fat is key for crust perfection.

Flat lay of a small mound of yellow cornmeal, a small heap of all-purpose flour, a few granulated sugar crystals scattered neatly, a teaspoon of baking powder in a small white ceramic bowl, a teaspoon of baking soda in another small white ceramic bowl, one large brown egg with an uncracked shell, a small white ceramic bowl filled with whole milk, and a small white ceramic bowl containing solid shortening, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Shortening (butter or bacon grease): Melts perfectly in the skillet to create that signature crispy, golden edge.
Yellow cornmeal: Gives the cornbread its traditional grainy texture and slightly nutty flavor.
All-purpose flour: Adds structure and helps balance the crumb tenderly.
Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to complement, but not overpower.
Baking powder: Provides lift for a fluffy texture.
Baking soda: Works with baking powder to enhance rise and tenderness.
Large egg: Binds everything together, adding richness.
Whole milk: Keeps the batter moist and flavorful.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Tender Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread Recipe is how easily it adapts to your personal taste. Feel free to experiment with add-ins or swaps to make it truly yours—cornbread is as much about comfort as creativity!

Variation: I love adding a handful of sharp cheddar cheese and chopped jalapeños for a spicy, melty twist that pairs wonderfully with chili or barbecue.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to keep this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities, without sacrificing texture.
Sweetness Level: If you like your cornbread a bit sweeter, try adding an extra teaspoon of sugar or a drizzle of honey into the batter before baking.
Herby Touch: Stir in freshly chopped rosemary or thyme to give the cornbread an aromatic, savory edge—perfect for fall dinners.
Healthier Swap: Use olive oil instead of shortening for a lighter fat option with a subtle fruity flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Tender Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread Recipe

A clear glass bowl filled with a thick yellow batter with small lumps, and a metal whisk standing inside it. To the left, there is a white tray holding three brown eggs, one cracked open with shell pieces visible. Above the bowl, a clear measuring cup with some white liquid inside is placed on the white marbled surface. Below the bowl, there are two teal measuring spoons and part of a white plate with black measuring spoons. The setting is on a white marbled background with a rustic wooden finish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Melt the Shortening

Start by heating your oven to a steady 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place 3 tablespoons of shortening into a 12-inch cast iron skillet, then slide it into the oven as it warms. This step is crucial! Not only does the shortening melt evenly across the skillet's surface, but the cast iron gets super hot, helping create that signature crisp, golden crust we all crave. I recommend using bacon grease for a smoky flavor or butter for a richer taste—just make sure it’s melted and sizzling before adding the batter.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

While the skillet heats up, grab a large bowl and stir together 2 cups of yellow cornmeal, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon baking soda. Take your time to whisk these until they're fully blended—this ensures your leavening is even, giving you just the right lift and crumb texture.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients and Mix Gently

Crack 1 large egg into the dry mix and pour in 1 ½ cups of whole milk. Whisk everything together just until combined. You want a batter that's slightly lumpy—this helps keep the cornbread tender and moist once baked. Be careful not to overmix; stirring too much can make the bread dense and tough, and that's not what we're after here!

Step 4: Pour Batter into the Hot Skillet

Carefully remove your sizzling skillet from the oven—use oven mitts because it will be very hot! Swirl the melted shortening around the bottom and up the sides to create a non-stick, flavorful barrier. Immediately pour your batter into the skillet and spread it out gently with a spatula. The heat from the skillet starts cooking the edges, setting the stage for that fantastic crust.

Step 5: Bake for a Golden Finish

Pop the skillet back into the oven and bake for exactly 30 minutes. Around the 28- to 30-minute mark, check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cornbread. If it comes out clean, you’re good to go! The top should be beautifully golden, and the edges crisp—if it’s too soft or wet, bake a few minutes longer but watch closely.

Step 6: Cool Briefly and Serve Warm

Once out of the oven, let the cornbread rest in the skillet for 5 minutes. This short cooling time helps it set just enough for easier slicing. Cut into 10 generous slices, serve warm (or at room temperature if you prefer), and spread with butter and a drizzle of honey for that perfect sweet and savory balance. Trust me, this simple finish brings out the best in your Tender Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread Recipe!

Top Tip

Mastering this Tender Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread Recipe is all about a few little tricks that make a big difference. I’ve learned through experience that attention to detail here really pays off.

Preheat the Skillet: Ensuring your cast iron skillet is piping hot before pouring in the batter creates that perfect golden crust that everyone loves. It’s worth the extra care and timing.
Don’t Overmix: I always remind myself to whisk the batter just until combined. A few lumps remain in the batter, which keeps the cornbread tender instead of dense.
Use the Right Fat: Whether shortening, butter, or bacon grease, the fat melts and coats the skillet beautifully, giving your cornbread a savory edge and crisp edges that make every bite delicious.
Check with a Toothpick: The simple toothpick test prevents you from overbaking. Removing the cornbread right when the toothpick comes out clean guarantees moistness inside while crispy outside.

How to Serve Tender Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread Recipe

A thick triangular slice of golden cornbread sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface. On top of the slice is a melting yellow pat of butter and honey is flowing down from a wooden honey dipper held above, dripping in a thin stream onto the butter and cornbread. The cornbread's texture looks crumbly and moist, with a darker golden crust at the base. In the background, a black baking dish with more cornbread can be seen, slightly out of focus, resting on a green and white checkered cloth. The scene is bright and cozy with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch, try topping your warm slices of cornbread with a pat of butter that melts right in and a drizzle of honey to complement the subtle sweetness. You can also add dollops of whipped cream cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a fresh twist.

Side Dishes

This classic cornbread pairs wonderfully with hearty southern favorites like collard greens, smoky baked beans, or classic chili. It also brightens up any barbecue plate or cozy stew, making it a versatile side dish for family dinners and holiday meals alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, wrap your leftover cornbread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days — perfect for quick snacks or last-minute sides.

Freezing

To keep cornbread longer, you can freeze it. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Frozen cornbread stays good for up to 3 months without losing that tender texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pop slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. This method helps restore that crispy crust while keeping the inside moist and soft. Microwaving works too, but you might lose some crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use butter instead of shortening for this cornbread?

Absolutely! Butter works great and adds a lovely richness to the cornbread. Just melt it in the skillet as you would with shortening to create that golden crust.

Why shouldn’t I overmix the batter?

Overmixing develops gluten in the flour and can make your cornbread tough and dense. Keeping some lumps in the batter ensures a tender, moist crumb that's simply delightful.

Can I bake this cornbread without a cast iron skillet?

While a cast iron skillet helps create the signature crispy crust and even baking, you can bake it in a regular oven-safe baking dish. Just be sure to melt the fat in the pan first and bake at 400°F for the same time.

How do I know when the cornbread is done baking?

The best way is the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center and if it comes out clean, your cornbread is perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about a warm slice of this Tender Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread Recipe fresh from the oven. It’s simple, reliable, and full of old-fashioned charm—just like the cornbread my grandma used to make. Whether you’re serving it up with a hearty stew or just enjoying it plain with butter and honey, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. Happy baking!