Description
Classic cast iron skillet cornbread with a golden crust and tender crumb, perfectly balanced sweetness, and a rich flavor from melted shortening. Ideal as a side dish or a comforting snack, this recipe yields 10 warm, buttery slices best served with honey.
Ingredients
Scale
Fat
- 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 and prepare skillet: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Add the shortening into a 12-inch cast iron skillet and place it in the oven. This will melt the shortening and preheat the skillet.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda until well combined.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the egg and milk to the dry ingredients and whisk gently to combine. Do not overmix; the batter should remain slightly lumpy for tender cornbread.
- Pour batter into skillet: Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and swirl the melted shortening around to coat evenly. Pour the batter into the skillet.
- Bake the cornbread: Place the skillet back in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when fully baked.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cornbread to cool for 5 minutes before slicing into 10 pieces. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with butter and honey.
Notes
- Use butter or bacon grease as a substitute for shortening to add extra flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense cornbread; a slightly lumpy texture is ideal.
- Ensure the cast iron skillet and shortening are hot before pouring batter for a crispy crust.
- Serve with honey and butter for a traditional Southern touch.
- Leftover cornbread can be wrapped tightly and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
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
