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southern cornbread recipe

Easy Southern Cornbread Recipe with Beef Tallow for Beginners


  • Author: Thomas Culino
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

 

This Southern Cornbread is golden, crispy on the edges, and perfectly moist on the inside. Made without sugar for a true Southern-style taste, this cornbread pairs beautifully with chili, barbecue, or a hearty bowl of greens. Baked in a cast-iron skillet, it has a crisp crust that makes it absolutely irresistible!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups cornmeal (preferably stone-ground)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 2 tablespoons bacon grease or additional butter (for the skillet)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a cast-iron skillet in the oven while it preheats.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
  3. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk and eggs until well combined. Slowly whisk in the melted butter.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and add the bacon grease or butter. Swirl to coat the bottom.
  6. Pour the batter into the hot skillet, spreading evenly. The batter should sizzle when it hits the pan.
  7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese or chopped jalapeños.
  • To make it dairy-free, substitute buttermilk with a mix of 1 cup almond milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar.
  • For a sweeter version, add 1–2 tablespoons of sugar or honey
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Cuisine: Southern / American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 190
  • Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Protein: 5g

Keywords: southern cornbread recipe