Easy Cornbread in the Cast-Iron Skillet

cast iron pan with golden brown cornbread in it.

4.75 from 4 votes

Easy Cornbread in the Cast-Iron Skillet

This recipe for cornbread in a cast-iron skillet is delicious, easy to make, and ready in 30 minutes. The moist and fluffy interior and the crispy crust make it irresistible.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegetarian

Servings:

Calories: 311kcal

Author: Adina

Equipment

Cast-iron skillet 12 inches/30 cm.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon bacon drippings, lard, or butter
1 ½ cups yellow cornmeal 200 g
1 cup all-purpose flour 125 g
¼ cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 75 g, Note 2
½ teaspoon fine sea salt or Kosher
1 tablespoon baking powder
⅓ cup unsalted butter 75 g
1 cup buttermilk 250 ml
1 large egg

Instructions

Preheat: Set the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Place bacon drippings, lard, or butter in the cast-iron skillet. Place the skillet in the oven and preheat the oven and the skillet while you make the batter.
Melt butter in a small saucepan. Let cool for a couple of minutes while you mix the rest of the ingredients.
Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl.
Mix wet ingredients: Stir the buttermilk into the melted butter. Combine well, add the egg and whisk again.
Combine: Pour butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir shortly until the batter is just combined. Don't overmix.
Bake: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Caution: it is very hot and heavy! Pour the batter into the pan. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden. Check with a toothpick inserted in the middle of the bread; it should come out clean.

Notes

Use a digital kitchen scale in baking; it ensures the best results (Amazon affiliate link).
You can use light brown sugar as well.
Possible additions: 4-5 slices cooked and crumbled bacon, about 2 tablespoons fresh corn kernels, 2 tablespoons finely sliced green onions, or finely chopped jalapenos to taste, 3 tablespoons grated cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped dried fruit, like raisins or cranberries.

Nutrition