Get ready to transform your kitchen into a Southern culinary paradise with the most mouthwatering, soul-warming cornbread you've ever tasted! This isn't just any ordinary bread – this is a legendary Southern classic that promises a perfect balance of crispy edges, tender crumb, and rich, buttery flavor that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a curious beginner, this buttermilk cornbread recipe is about to become your new obsession, bringing a slice of Southern hospitality right to your dinner table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Place a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or heavy baking pan in the oven while it preheats to create a hot surface for crispy cornbread edges.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well blended and no lumps remain.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and add 1-2 tablespoons of additional vegetable oil, swirling to coat the bottom and sides of the pan.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cornbread tough.
- Immediately transfer the batter to the hot, oiled skillet, which will help create a crispy, golden-brown crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cornbread cool in the skillet for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving warm.
Tips
- Cast-Iron is King: Always use a cast-iron skillet for the most authentic crispy edges and even heating. If you don't have one, a heavy baking pan will work, but cast-iron is traditional.
- Hot Pan Technique: Preheating the pan with oil creates that signature crispy crust Southern cooks are famous for. Don't skip this step!
- Don't Overmix: Gently combine wet and dry ingredients just until they're incorporated. Overmixing leads to tough, dense cornbread.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh baking powder and high-quality buttermilk for the best flavor and rise.
- Serve Warm: Cornbread is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, preferably with a pat of butter melting on top.
- Storage Tip: If you have leftovers, store at room temperature in an airtight container and consume within 2-3 days for maximum freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 45mg
