Cornbread – Southern Style

Southern style cornbread

Southern Cornbread

Classic Southern cornbread baked in a hot cast iron skillet for a crispy golden crust and tender, moist crumb inside. Made with simple pantry staples and buttermilk for authentic tang, this no-fuss recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every time. Easily customizable with popular add-ins like crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños, shredded cheddar, or green onions. Perfect served warm with butter and honey or alongside chili, collard greens, or barbecue.

Serves: 8

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment: 10-inch cast iron skillet

Southern style cornbread
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Southern Cornbread

Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword cornbread
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • Ingredients:
  • 2 cups self-rising cornmeal mix
  • 1 tablespoon sugar optional for slight sweetness
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt if your cornmeal mix is unsalted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted plus extra for the skillet

Instructions

  • Instructions:
  • Preheat oven to 425°F. Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats.
  • In a large mixing bowl whisk together the self-rising cornmeal mix, sugar if using, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl beat the eggs lightly then stir in the buttermilk and melted butter.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay for tender texture.
  • Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and add 1-2 tablespoons butter. Swirl to coat the bottom and sides.
  • Pour the batter into the hot skillet. It should sizzle.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  • Let cool in the skillet for 5 minutes then turn out onto a plate or serve directly from the skillet cut into wedges.

Notes

Pro tips:
Use a hot cast iron skillet for the best crispy crust. Buttermilk gives authentic Southern tang and tenderness. For extra richness substitute bacon grease for some of the butter. 
Popular mix-ins people love: crumbled cooked bacon, diced fresh or pickled jalapeños, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, diced green onions, corn kernels, or a handful of chopped pecans for crunch. Stir any add-ins into the batter just before pouring into the skillet. This simple classic-style recipe delivers the crispy edges and tender crumb that wins praise at tables and contests alik
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