Are you ready to experience the magic of Southern cooking? This recipe for cast iron cornbread is more than just a side dish; it's a journey back in time, a taste of tradition, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Forget dry, crumbly cornbread – this recipe delivers a deliciously moist, subtly sweet, and perfectly textured loaf, baked to golden perfection in a trusty cast iron skillet. It's incredibly easy to make, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, and guaranteed to become a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire. Get ready to elevate your meal game with this simple yet stunning recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place your cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats; this will help create a wonderfully crisp crust. This is a key to achieving that perfect Southern cornbread texture.
Mixing the Batter:
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In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure all the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and egg until well blended.
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Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are perfectly okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough cornbread.
Baking the Cornbread:
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Carefully remove the hot cast iron skillet from the oven (use oven mitts!). Lightly grease the skillet with extra butter or cooking spray.
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Pour the batter into the hot skillet and spread evenly.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes, as ovens can vary.
Serving Suggestions:
- Let the cornbread cool slightly in the skillet before cutting and serving. It's delicious on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with chili, soups, stews, or even alongside a simple salad for a healthy meal.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Cast Iron Cornbread:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cornbread. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Use a hot skillet: Preheating the skillet in the oven ensures even cooking and a wonderfully crisp crust.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to test for doneness; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.
- Let it cool slightly: Allowing the cornbread to cool slightly in the skillet before cutting helps prevent it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Jalapeño Cornbread: Add ½ cup of diced jalapeños to the batter for a spicy kick.
- Cheddar Cornbread: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist.
- Sweet Corn Cornbread: Add 1 cup of frozen or canned corn kernels to the batter for extra sweetness and texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250
- Fat: Around 10g
- Carbohydrates: Around 40g
- Protein: Around 4g
This Southern cast iron cornbread recipe is a testament to the simplicity and deliciousness of classic Southern cuisine. It's a quick dinner idea that’s both satisfying and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy the incredible taste and texture that only cast iron cooking can deliver! Try it today and share your experience!