The Best Southern Skillet Cornbread Recipe

Nothing beats the golden, crispy crust and tender crumb of homemade skillet cornbread. This classic Southern cornbread recipe is simple, quick, and perfect for serving alongside your favorite comfort foods. Made in a cast iron skillet, this cornbread has a rich flavor, thanks to the hot bacon grease or vegetable oil that gives it its signature crispy edges.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – This recipe comes together in minutes with just a few pantry staples.
• Authentic Southern Flavor – Cooking in a cast iron skillet enhances the taste and texture.
• Versatile – Enjoy it with butter, honey, or paired with your favorite soups and stews.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup self-rising cornmeal
• 2 tablespoons self-rising flour
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
• 2 heaping tablespoons bacon grease (or vegetable oil)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place an 8-inch cast iron skillet in the oven with 2 tablespoons of bacon grease or vegetable oil and allow it to heat.
2. Prepare the batter – In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, egg, and buttermilk. Stir until smooth. The batter should be slightly thinner than pancake batter.
3. Add the hot grease – Carefully pour some of the hot bacon grease or oil from the skillet into the batter and mix well.
4. Bake – Pour the batter into the hot skillet and return it to the oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Serve – Let it cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy with butter, honey, or your favorite spread!

Tips for the Perfect Cornbread

• Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet – This ensures a crispy crust and even baking.
• Don’t skip the hot grease – Adding hot bacon grease to the batter enhances the flavor and creates a deliciously crispy texture.
• Check for doneness – The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

What to Serve with Southern Cornbread

• Classic Chili – A warm bowl of chili and a slice of cornbread is the ultimate comfort meal.
• Collard Greens – Pair it with some slow-cooked greens and a splash of vinegar for a true Southern experience.
• Fried Chicken – A crispy, juicy piece of fried chicken with a side of cornbread is a match made in heaven.

This easy skillet cornbread recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Southern Skillet Cornbread

Enjoy this easy, crispy, and flavorful Southern cornbread fresh from the oven!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup self-rising cornmeal
• 2 tbsp self-rising flour
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup buttermilk or milk
• 2 heaping tbsp bacon grease or vegetable oil

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 425°F and place an 8-inch cast iron skillet with bacon grease or oil inside to heat.
• In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, egg, and buttermilk until smooth.
• Carefully add some of the hot grease to the batter and stir.
• Pour batter into the hot skillet and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
• Let cool slightly, then serve warm with butter or honey.