If you’re looking for a slice of pure Southern comfort, you need to try this Southern Skillet Cornbread Recipe. Imagine golden, crisp edges with a tender crumb inside, all brought to life in a sizzling cast iron skillet. It’s the cornerstone of countless family dinners, holiday feasts, and backyard barbecues alike. This recipe is fast, easy, and uses simple ingredients that deliver incredible flavor and texture every time. Whether you enjoy it slathered in butter, drizzled with honey, or as the perfect companion to soup or chili, there’s just nothing quite like it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Southern Skillet Cornbread Recipe shine is the balance of homestyle pantry staples and a couple of key flavor-makers. Each ingredient has its moment to shine, and together, they create an unforgettable bite—crisp on the outside, fluffy within, totally irresistible.
- Yellow Cornmeal: The heart and soul of cornbread, giving it a signature color and that classic Southern bite.
- All-purpose Flour: Helps hold the cornbread together and balances out the cornmeal for just the right texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Just a touch for a subtle hint of sweetness that brings out the corn’s natural flavor.
- Baking Soda: Our secret to lofty rise and a perfect crumb—don’t skip it.
- Salt: Crucial for bringing all the flavors into harmony.
- Buttermilk: Adds a tangy kick and keeps the crumb perfectly moist (no dry cornbread here!).
- Large Eggs: They bind everything together and contribute to a rich, fluffy texture.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Makes for a tender, buttery crumb while layering on warmth and flavor.
- Bacon Grease or Butter (for greasing the skillet): Ensures a crisp, golden crust and lends a touch of savory depth.
How to Make Southern Skillet Cornbread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Skillet
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F. Place your 10-inch cast iron skillet inside the oven as it heats. This step is the secret to that beloved crispy crust—don’t skip it! Letting the skillet get super hot means the batter will sizzle when it hits, ensuring the perfect texture from edge to edge.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
While the skillet heats, whisk together the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Blending your dry ingredients well ensures every bite of your Southern Skillet Cornbread Recipe is evenly seasoned and bakes up just right.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk your buttermilk and eggs until smooth and lightly frothy. Stir in the melted butter to add richness and flavor. Combining the wet ingredients first helps everything blend smoothly into the batter later on.
Step 4: Bring Batter Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Take care not to overmix; a few lumps are okay! Overmixing can make the cornbread tough rather than tender. This step is where the magic comes together—your batter should look thick and creamy.
Step 5: Grease the Hot Skillet
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven (use oven mitts—cast iron gets blazing hot!) and swirl in the bacon grease or extra butter. Make sure it coats the entire bottom and the sides, which will help release the cornbread later and guarantees that signature golden crust.
Step 6: Bake
Immediately pour your cornbread batter into the sizzling skillet, then return it to the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top and a toothpick inserted into the center that comes out clean. The smell at this point will have your family hovering around the kitchen!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let your Southern Skillet Cornbread Recipe cool in the skillet for a few minutes. This not only makes slicing easier but also helps set that delectable crust. Slice into wedges and serve warm—get ready for the compliments!
How to Serve Southern Skillet Cornbread Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches make a world of difference. Top your slices with a pat of creamy butter, a drizzle of local honey, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley add a pop of color and freshness. Each option brings out a new personality in your Southern Skillet Cornbread Recipe, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Side Dishes
This cornbread just begs to be served alongside hearty mains. Pair it with a steaming bowl of chili, creamy chicken stew, or smoky collard greens to capture genuine Southern hospitality. It’s also a fantastic companion for barbecued meats or your favorite potluck spreads.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting a gathering? Cut the cornbread into bite-sized squares for easy snacking, use it as a base for open-faced sandwiches, or crumble leftovers into salads and soups for crunch. You can even create a Southern Skillet Cornbread Recipe bread pudding custom-tailored with your favorite mix-ins!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra cornbread tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is toasty, store it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh and moist for up to five days. Just be sure it’s wrapped well to retain every bit of tenderness.
Freezing
Have more than you need? The Southern Skillet Cornbread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw on the counter or in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked goodness, warm leftover cornbread in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. For a quick fix, a few seconds in the microwave will do, but reheating in the oven helps revive that magic crust.
FAQs
Can I make this Southern Skillet Cornbread Recipe without a cast iron skillet?
Absolutely! While cast iron gives the best crust, you can use any oven-safe baking dish—just be sure to preheat it and grease well for similar results.
What’s the difference between Northern and Southern cornbread?
Southern Skillet Cornbread Recipe often uses little to no sugar, a higher ratio of cornmeal, and is cooked in a skillet for a crispier crust, while Northern versions tend to be sweeter and more cake-like.
Can I add extra flavors or mix-ins?
Definitely! Stir in things like chopped jalapenos, shredded cheddar cheese, or fresh corn kernels for a twist. The recipe is endlessly customizable to suit your cravings.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, simply mix a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into regular milk and let it sit a few minutes. It will provide the tang and texture needed for authentic Southern Skillet Cornbread Recipe results.
How do I prevent the cornbread from sticking to the skillet?
Preheating the skillet and thoroughly greasing it with bacon fat or butter before adding your batter are the keys to easy release and a gorgeous crust every time.
Final Thoughts
Nothing brings folks together quite like homemade cornbread still warm from the oven. With this Southern Skillet Cornbread Recipe, you’re not just making bread—you’re sharing a little slice of tradition with every bite. Give it a try, share it with the people you love, and let it become your new comfort classic, too!
Print
Southern Skillet Cornbread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Southern Skillet Cornbread recipe yields a classic, golden cornbread with a crisp crust and tender crumb. Perfect for serving alongside hearty stews, BBQ, or simply slathered with butter and honey.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons bacon grease or additional butter for greasing the skillet
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven to heat.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Grease the Skillet: Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven, add bacon grease or butter, and swirl to coat the bottom and sides.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the hot skillet and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a sweeter cornbread, add up to 1/4 cup sugar.
- For added texture, fold in 1/2 cup of corn kernels or shredded cheddar cheese.
- Preheat the skillet for a crisp crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
