Description
This classic Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread recipe yields a moist, slightly sweet cornbread with a golden crust, perfect for serving warm with butter and honey. Made with simple pantry staples and baked in a preheated cast iron skillet, this traditional cornbread is an easy and comforting side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Fats
- 3 tablespoons shortening (butter or bacon grease)
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and skillet. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the 3 tablespoons of shortening into a 12-inch cast iron skillet and put the skillet in the oven. This will melt the shortening and preheat the skillet to ensure a crispy, golden crust.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of yellow cornmeal, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon baking soda. Stir them together until evenly blended.
- Add wet ingredients and combine. Crack in 1 large egg and pour 1 1/2 cups whole milk into the dry ingredients. Whisk everything together just until combined. The batter should be a bit lumpy; avoid overmixing to keep the cornbread tender.
- Prepare the skillet and pour batter. Carefully remove the hot cast iron skillet from the oven. Swirl the melted shortening to coat the entire bottom and sides evenly. Then pour the batter into the hot skillet, spreading it out gently.
- Bake the cornbread. Place the skillet back into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick in the center of the cornbread—it should come out clean.
- Cool and serve. Let the cornbread cool in the skillet for 5 minutes before slicing into 10 pieces. Serve warm or at room temperature with butter and a drizzle of honey for the perfect finish.
Notes
- Using a cast iron skillet is key for a crispy crust and even baking.
- You can substitute shortening with butter or bacon grease for added flavor.
- Don't overmix the batter; a few lumps help keep the bread tender.
- Check doneness with a toothpick to avoid under- or over-baking.
- Serve warm with butter and honey for a traditional taste.
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
