Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple pantry staples only.
Dry
- 1 cup cornmeal (yellow)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional for slight sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons oil
For the skillet
- 2 tablespoons butter or bacon fat
Optional add-ins:
- Cheese
- Jalapeños
- Corn kernels
- Honey drizzle
## Why Cast Iron Is Important
Can you bake cornbread in a regular pan?
Sure.
But cast iron gives magic.
When preheated, it creates:
✔ instant sizzling
✔ crispy crust
✔ better browning
✔ deeper flavor
That crunchy edge you see in the photo?
Only cast iron does that.
Totally worth it.
## Step 1 – Preheat the Skillet
This is the secret step most people skip.
Put your empty cast iron skillet in the oven.
Preheat oven to:
220°C / 425°F
Let the skillet heat for at least 10–15 minutes.
Hot pan = crispy crust.
Cold pan = soft bottom.
Big difference.
## Step 2 – Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl combine:
- Cornmeal
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Sugar
Whisk well.
Even mixing = even rise.
Cornmeal gives texture.
Flour keeps it soft.
This balance makes perfect crumb.
## Step 3 – Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl whisk:
- Buttermilk
- Eggs
- Melted butter
- Oil
The butter adds flavor.
Oil adds moisture.
Using both gives best texture.
Buttermilk gives slight tang + tenderness.
It’s what makes cornbread taste homemade instead of dry.
## Step 4 – Combine Batter
Pour wet into dry.
Mix gently.
Don’t overmix.
Just stir until combined.
A few lumps are okay.
Overmixing makes tough bread.
We want soft and fluffy.
The batter should be thick but pourable.
Like pancake batter.
## Step 5 – Sizzle the Butter
Now the fun part.
Carefully remove hot skillet from oven.
Add butter or bacon fat.
It should sizzle instantly.
That sound?
That’s flavor happening 😄
Swirl to coat the pan completely.
This creates:
- Crispy edges
- Non-stick base
- Buttery crust
## Step 6 – Pour and Bake
Immediately pour batter into hot skillet.
It should sizzle around edges.
That’s EXACTLY what you want.
Spread evenly.
Return to oven.
Bake:
20–25 minutes
Until:
- Golden brown top
- Crispy edges
- Toothpick clean center
Your kitchen will smell insane at this point.
Warm, buttery, slightly sweet.
Comfort food heaven.
## Step 7 – Add Butter & Rest
Remove from oven.
Immediately add a small square of butter on top.
Let it melt slowly.
Rest 5–10 minutes before cutting.
This helps:
- Set crumb
- Keep moisture
- Slice cleanly
Cut too early = crumbly mess.
Patience pays off.
## Texture & Taste Breakdown
Let me describe the bite:
Outside → crispy & golden
Inside → soft & fluffy
Flavor → buttery, slightly sweet, rich corn taste
Not dry.
Not crumbly.
Just perfect balance.
Spread butter or honey?
Game over.
You’ll want 3 slices minimum.
## Delicious Variations You Can Try
Once you master the classic, get creative.
Cheesy Cornbread
Add 1 cup shredded cheddar
Jalapeño Version
Add chopped jalapeños
Sweet Honey Style
Add 2 tbsp honey to batter
Corn Lover
Add whole corn kernels
Bacon Cornbread
Mix crispy bacon bits
Garlic Herb
Add garlic powder + parsley
Endless upgrades.
Same base recipe.
## What to Serve With Cornbread
This bread goes with EVERYTHING.
Perfect pairings:
- Chili
- BBQ ribs
- Fried chicken
- Soups
- Stews
- Beans
- Eggs for breakfast
- Honey or jam for snack
Honestly? It’s good alone too.
Straight from pan.
No shame.
## Pro Tips for Perfect Cornbread
Tip 1
Always preheat skillet
Tip 2
Don’t overmix
Tip 3
Use buttermilk for softness
Tip 4
Don’t skip fat in pan
Tip 5
Eat warm (best texture)
Small tricks. Huge results.
## Storage Tips
If somehow you have leftovers 😄
Room temp:
1 day covered
Fridge:
3–4 days
Freezer:
2 months
Reheat:
Oven or skillet > microwave
Microwave softens crust.
Oven keeps it crispy.
## Final Thoughts
This cast iron skillet cornbread is one of those recipes everyone should know.
It’s:
Simple
Fast
Cheap
Comforting
And insanely delicious
Crispy edges + fluffy center + melting butter = pure happiness.