Southern Cast Iron Cornbread

🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes

🔥 Cook Time: 20–25 minutes

🍽️ Servings: 8 slices

---

🧰 Equipment

• 10-inch cast iron skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon

---

🧾 Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, traditional Southern style uses little to none)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or bacon grease (for skillet)

---

📝 Ingredient Notes

• Buttermilk gives tangy flavor and tender texture
• Bacon grease adds authentic Southern taste
• Skip sugar if you want a more traditional savory cornbread

---

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat the Skillet

• Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F)
• Place cast iron skillet inside with oil or bacon grease
• Let it heat until very hot (this creates that crispy crust)

---

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a bowl, whisk together:
  • Cornmeal
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Sugar (if using)

---

3. Mix Wet Ingredients

• In another bowl, whisk:
  • Eggs
  • Buttermilk
  • Milk
  • Melted butter

---

4. Combine

• Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients
• Stir gently until just combined (don’t overmix)

---

5. Bake

• Carefully remove hot skillet from oven
• Pour batter into sizzling skillet (you should hear a sizzle 🔥)
• Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown

---

6. Serve

• Let cool slightly
• Slice and serve warm

---

📊 Nutrition (Approx. per slice)

• Calories: 220–260
• Carbs: 28g
• Fat: 10g
• Protein: 5g

---

💡 Tips & Variations

• ✔ Add jalapeños + cheese for a spicy twist
• ✔ Mix in corn kernels for extra texture
• ✔ Brush top with melted butter after baking
• ✔ Serve with honey, butter, or alongside chili