Skillet Cornbread – The quintessential comfort food, perfect as a side for your favorite chili or a hearty soup, and incredibly easy to make in just 30 minutes!
There’s nothing quite like a warm, golden slice of homemade cornbread to elevate a meal. This simple yet satisfying quick bread is a staple in many kitchens, and when baked in a cast iron skillet, it transforms into something truly special. The magic lies in the perfectly crispy edges, a delightfully fluffy interior, and a rich, buttery flavor that complements a wide array of dishes.
This Skillet Cornbread isn’t just a side dish; it’s an experience. Imagine dipping a warm piece into a steaming bowl of Best Instant Pot Chili or soaking up the flavorful broth of a 20-Minute Chicken Tortilla Soup. Its versatility makes it an indispensable recipe for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals. And the best part? From start to finish, you’ll have this incredible bread on your table in under half an hour, requiring no special equipment beyond a trusty skillet.
The Enduring Appeal of Skillet Cornbread
Cornbread holds a special place in American culinary history, particularly in the Southern states, where it’s a cherished tradition. Traditionally made with cornmeal as its primary grain, it represents simplicity, resourcefulness, and hearty sustenance. The method of baking it in a cast iron skillet, heated with melted butter or oil, is not merely a stylistic choice; it’s fundamental to achieving its signature characteristics.
The preheated skillet plays a crucial role. When the batter hits the hot, buttered surface, it immediately begins to crisp and caramelize, forming a glorious golden-brown crust that is both tender and wonderfully crunchy. This “rustic” edge, as the original recipe notes, is a hallmark of truly great skillet cornbread and cannot be easily replicated in a standard baking pan. This simple technique transforms a basic quick bread into a masterpiece of texture and flavor.
Beyond its delightful crust, the interior of this cornbread offers a perfect contrast: it’s moist, fluffy, and full of natural corn flavor. The careful balance of all-purpose flour and yellow cornmeal, combined with leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda, ensures a tender crumb that holds its shape beautifully when sliced, never crumbling apart. The addition of buttermilk contributes to its tender texture and provides a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the cornmeal and a hint of sugar.
Why This Skillet Cornbread Recipe Stands Out
This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. It embodies the essence of comfort food – straightforward, satisfying, and universally loved. Here’s what makes it a standout:
- Speed and Simplicity: In just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of bake time, you’ll have a delightful bread ready to serve. It’s the ultimate hassle-free baking experience.
- Perfect Texture: The combination of melted butter in a hot skillet creates a gorgeously crispy exterior, while the batter yields an incredibly fluffy and tender crumb. It strikes the ideal balance between a sturdy, sliceable bread and a light, airy texture.
- Versatile Pairing: While it’s a classic partner for chili and soups, this cornbread is equally delicious with BBQ, roasted meats, or even as a base for a savory breakfast with eggs and bacon.
- No Fancy Equipment: All you need is a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a 10 or 11-inch cast iron skillet. No stand mixer, no bread machine, just honest, traditional baking.
For a Mexican-inspired feast, serve this cornbread alongside Easy Chicken Enchiladas and Black Beans and Rice. It offers a wonderful contrast to the rich, spicy flavors, making every bite an absolute delight.
Essential Ingredients for Your Skillet Cornbread
Creating this delicious skillet cornbread requires a handful of common pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture:
- Butter: Not only adds richness to the batter but also creates that irresistible crispy crust when melted in the hot skillet. Unsalted butter is preferred for better control over the overall saltiness.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cornbread, ensuring it holds together and doesn’t become too crumbly.
- Yellow cornmeal: The star of the show! It gives the cornbread its distinctive texture and classic corn flavor. Opt for fine or medium-ground yellow cornmeal for best results.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory notes of the cornmeal and enhances browning. Adjust to your preference for a sweeter or more savory cornbread.
- Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cornbread rise, contributing to its light and fluffy texture.
- Baking soda: Reacts with the acidity in the buttermilk to create additional lift and a tender crumb.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors and preventing the cornbread from tasting bland.
- Large eggs: Act as a binder, adding moisture and richness, and helping the cornbread achieve a cohesive structure.
- Buttermilk: Provides a tangy flavor and reacts with baking soda to create a light, tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then filling the rest with regular milk to make 1 cup. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles.
- Vegetable or canola oil: Adds moisture and helps keep the cornbread tender. It also contributes to the rich, golden crust.
How to Make Skillet Cornbread: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Making homemade skillet cornbread is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a consistently perfect result every time:
- Preheat your oven and prepare the skillet: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter into your 10 or 11-inch cast iron skillet and set it aside. This step is crucial for achieving that desirable crispy bottom.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that all the leavening agents and flavorings are evenly distributed throughout the dry mixture.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate small mixing bowl or a 2-cup measuring cup, whisk together the beaten eggs, vegetable or canola oil, and buttermilk until well combined.
- Heat the skillet with butter: Once your oven is preheated, carefully place the skillet with butter inside for about 2 minutes. The butter should melt and become hot, coating the bottom and sides of the pan. This hot butter creates the perfect non-stick surface and an amazing crust.
- Finish the batter: Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Swirl the melted butter around the pan to ensure it’s fully coated. Add the wet ingredients mixture to the dry ingredients and stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will lead to a more tender cornbread. Overmixing can result in a tough texture.
- Bake to golden perfection: Pour the cornbread batter directly into the hot, buttered skillet. Spread it evenly if needed. Place the skillet back into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The cornbread is ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. (In my experience, 18 minutes is often the magic number for a perfectly baked cornbread!)
- Cool and serve: Allow the cornbread to cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing it into wedges. This brief cooling period helps it set, making it easier to cut and ensuring it doesn’t fall apart. Serve warm and enjoy!
Skillet Cornbread Recipe
Pin Recipe
10
20
30
10 people
218 kcal
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 c all-purpose flour
- 1 c yellow cornmeal
- 3 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs beaten
- ¼ c vegetable or canola oil
- 1 c buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Place 2 tablespoon of butter into your 10 or 11 inch skillet. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt).
- In a small mixing bowl or a 2-cup measuring cup, whisk together eggs, oil and buttermilk.
- If your oven is ready, place the skillet inside for 2 minutes or until the butter is melted.
- Swirl the butter around the pan to coat it.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon. Do not overmix!
- Pour the batter into the skillet.
- Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until the top is golden and the toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (my magic number was 18 minutes).
- Cool in pan before serving. Cut in wedges.
Notes
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 26g |
Protein: 4g |
Fat: 10g |
Saturated Fat: 2g |
Cholesterol: 41mg |
Sodium: 277mg |
Potassium: 210mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 5g |
Vitamin A: 160IU |
Calcium: 78mg |
Iron: 1.3mg
Tips for the Best Skillet Cornbread
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher cornbread. Mix until just combined; a few lumps are fine.
- Hot skillet is key: Preheating the cast iron skillet with butter creates that incredible crispy bottom crust. Don’t skip this step!
- Use good quality cornmeal: The flavor of your cornmeal will significantly impact the final taste. Yellow cornmeal tends to offer a slightly sweeter, richer flavor, while white cornmeal is milder.
- Adjust sugar to taste: If you prefer a less sweet, more savory cornbread, you can slightly reduce the amount of granulated sugar. For a sweeter version, add an extra tablespoon.
- Check for doneness: The toothpick test is reliable. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cornbread is ready.
Serving Suggestions and Flavor Variations
This Skillet Cornbread is wonderfully versatile. While traditionally served with savory dishes, it can also be enjoyed with a drizzle of honey for a slightly sweet treat.
Savory Pairings:
- Chili and Soups: The classic choice! Its robust flavor and satisfying texture are a natural match for hearty stews and chili.
- BBQ: A perfect accompaniment to pulled pork, grilled chicken, or smoked ribs.
- Fried Chicken: Southern comfort food at its finest.
- Beans and Greens: A traditional pairing with black-eyed peas, collard greens, or pinto beans.
- Breakfast: Serve warm with scrambled eggs, bacon, and a dash of hot sauce for a hearty start to your day.
Creative Variations:
- Cheesy Cornbread: Fold in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese into the batter before baking.
- Jalapeño Cornbread: For a spicy kick, add 1-2 finely diced jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat) to the batter. You can also include some cheese for a cheesy jalapeño version.
- Sweet Corn: Stir in 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen (thawed) corn kernels for extra texture and sweetness.
- Herb-infused: Add 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh herbs like chives, rosemary, or thyme for an aromatic twist.
Storage and Reheating
While skillet cornbread is best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven, you can easily store and reheat leftovers:
- Storage: Once completely cooled, wrap the cornbread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: For extended storage, wrap individual slices or the entire cooled cornbread tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, wrap the cornbread in foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also quickly warm individual slices in a microwave for 20-30 seconds, though this may soften the crust.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skillet Cornbread
What kind of skillet should I use?
A 10 or 11-inch cast iron skillet is ideal for this recipe. Cast iron retains heat exceptionally well, ensuring a consistently crisp and evenly browned crust. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a heavy oven-safe baking dish of similar size can be used, but the crust may not be as crisp.
Can I use self-rising cornmeal?
This recipe calls for plain yellow cornmeal, and the leavening agents (baking powder and baking soda) are added separately. If you use self-rising cornmeal, you would need to adjust or omit the baking powder and baking soda, as self-rising cornmeal already contains them. This could affect the final texture and rise, so it’s generally best to stick to the recipe’s specified ingredients.
My cornbread came out dry. What went wrong?
Dry cornbread is usually a sign of overbaking or too little liquid. Make sure to follow the baking time closely and rely on the toothpick test for doneness. Also, ensure your measuring cups are accurate, especially for liquid ingredients like buttermilk and oil.
Can I make this recipe into muffins?
Absolutely! This batter works beautifully for cornbread muffins. Simply grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners. Fill each cup about two-thirds full and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes at the same temperature (400°F / 200°C), or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
What’s the difference between Northern and Southern cornbread?
Traditionally, Southern cornbread is made with little to no sugar, a higher ratio of cornmeal to flour, and often cooked in a hot cast iron skillet with bacon fat, resulting in a savory, dense, and crispy bread. Northern cornbread often includes more sugar and flour, making it sweeter and more cake-like. This recipe strikes a delicious balance, with a hint of sweetness that appeals to most palates while retaining the rustic charm of a skillet-baked cornbread.
More Easy Bread Recipes:
If you loved this Skillet Cornbread, be sure to explore these other fantastic and easy bread recipes to complement your meals:
- Parmesan Skillet Bread
- Easy Garlic Bread
- Zucchini Cornbread Muffins
- Easy Skillet Pizza Rolls
- Garlic Parmesan Skillet Rolls
- Homemade Cornbread Mix
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this Skillet Cornbread recipe is a must-try. Its ease, speed, and undeniable deliciousness make it a perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy the comfort and satisfaction of a truly homemade classic!