A perfectly tender, golden-crusted Southern staple ready in 30 minutes
KEY INFO
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary: Vegetarian (vegan options available)
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- 9-inch cast iron skillet (or metal cake pan)
- 2 mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork
- Oven mitts
- Cooling rack
INGREDIENTS
- 1½ cups yellow cornmeal (180g)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup sugar (50g)
- 1¼ cups buttermilk (300ml) [or regular milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice]
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ⅓ cup melted butter (75g) [or vegetable oil]
- 2 tablespoons butter for skillet
METHOD
- Place cast iron skillet in oven and preheat to 425°F (220°C)
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar
- In a separate bowl, beat egg, then mix in buttermilk and melted butter
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring just until combined – small lumps are okay
- When oven reaches temperature, carefully remove hot skillet and add 2 tablespoons butter, swirling to coat sides
- Pour batter into hot skillet (it should sizzle)
- Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean
- Let cool in pan for 5 minutes before slicing
CRUCIAL TIPS
- Don’t overmix the batter – this leads to tough cornbread
- Room temperature ingredients blend better
- Skillet must be hot when adding batter for that crispy crust
- Look for golden brown edges pulling away from pan
STORAGE & VARIATIONS
Storage:
- Room temperature: 2 days in airtight container
- Refrigerator: Up to 1 week
- Freezer: Up to 3 months, wrapped well
Classic Variations:
- Sweet: Add extra 2 tablespoons sugar
- Savory: Add 1 cup shredded cheese and jalapeños
- Vegan: Use plant milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar, flax egg, oil
- Gluten-free: Replace flour with 1:1 GF blend
The mark of perfect cornbread? A golden-brown crust that’s slightly crispy, with a tender, moist interior that isn’t crumbly or dry. Follow these measurements exactly for consistent results every time.
