Southern Comfort Cornbread: the Perfect Skillet Bake

Alright, let's get this bread! i'm talking cornbread recipe , the kind that makes you wanna slap your grandma (with love, of course!) it's comfort food at its finest.

Ever wonder how to create the best version of this southern staple? honestly, it's easier than you think!

Southern Comfort Cornbread: Your New Go-To

This sweet skillet cornbread recipe is all about bringing that southern charm right to your table. think slightly sweet, tender, and just begging for a pat of butter.

It's got roots deep in southern cooking, and it's been tweaked for even the most novice cooks. seriously, if i can do it, anyone can.

We're talking about a super easy homemade cornbread here. it’s a walk in the park. from start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 45 minutes, tops.

This recipe makes about 8 servings, perfect for a family dinner or a cheeky get-together with mates.

Why This Cornbread Rocks

You know, cornbread isn’t just delicious, it’s got a bit of a healthy side, too. cornmeal brings in some fiber, which is always a win.

Serve it up with chili, bbq ribs, or just with butter and honey. honestly, it's the perfect side dish for anything hearty.

This best cornbread recipe is special because it's so darn versatile and it will become yout old fashioned cornbread .

Now, about those ingredients...

Alright, let's talk ingredients and gear for the best cornbread recipe ! We're making Southern Comfort Cornbread , remember? Nothing fancy, just good ol' comfort food.

Main Players

Okay, so for this Sweet Skillet Cornbread Recipe , you'll need the following. I'm giving you both US and metric, because, you know, we're friends and I got you covered.

• Flour: 1 cup ( 120g ) plain flour. Quality isn't a massive deal here, just plain ol' all-purpose.
• Cornmeal: 1 cup ( 160g ) medium grind. This is key for that cornbready texture! Go for yellow unless you're feeling adventurous.
• Sugar: 1/4 cup ( 50g ). Granulated. This makes it a Sweet Skillet Cornbread, but feel free to adjust if you're not a sweet tooth.
• Baking powder: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ).
• Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5ml ).
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5ml ).
• Egg: 1 large egg. Free range if you can, they just taste better, honestly.
• Buttermilk: 1 cup ( 240ml ). Honestly? This is what makes the cornbread moist and dreamy.
• Vegetable Oil: 1/4 cup ( 60ml ). Anything neutral will do.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons ( 30g ) unsalted, melted for the skillet. Don't skip this!

Seasoning: Keep it Simple, Sweetheart

We're aiming for Old Fashioned Cornbread vibes here. No crazy stuff.

• Essential spice: A pinch of ground nutmeg can add a subtle warmth.
• Flavor enhancer: A teaspoon of vanilla extract in the wet ingredients.
• Substitutions: If you don't have buttermilk, sour milk will work in a pinch. Just add a teaspoon of lemon juice to milk and let it sit for five minutes.

Kit List: What You Actually Need

Right, don't go thinking you need a fancy kitchen! Here’s what’s essential:

• Cast iron skillet: 10 inch is ideal for this Buttermilk Skillet Cornbread . But, if you don't have one, no worries!
• Alternative: A 9 inch baking pan works. It just won't have the same crispy edges.
• Big bowl: For mixing. Obvious, I know!
• Whisk: Or a fork if you're feeling old-school.
• Measuring cups and spoons: You can eyeball it, but I wouldn't recommend it for baking.
• Oven mitts: Don't burn yourself!

Honestly, that’s all you need for a fantastic Easy Homemade Cornbread . If you want to get a bit wild, you could also make a Jalapeno Cornbread Cast Iron Skillet , or even a Jalapeno And Cheese Cornbread ! Let me know if you'd like to know some substitutions too!

Right then, let's get down to business and talk about the glorious art of making proper cornbread . not that dry, crumbly stuff your aunt mildred used to serve, mind you.

We're talking about southern comfort cornbread: the perfect skillet bake . this is the sweet skillet cornbread that dreams are made of.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place, Sorted!

Honestly, before you even think about turning on the oven, get your kit sorted. that's the essential mise en place , see? this cornbread recipe needs a hot oven.

Preheat that bad boy to 400° f ( 200° c) . pop your 10 inch cast iron skillet in there too. trust me, a hot skillet is the key to that crispy crust.

Think of it like building a house, good prep is the foundation!

Time saving tip? get everything measured out beforehand. sugar, flour, baking powder, the lot. it's so much easier when you're not faffing about mid-recipe.

And a quick reminder about safety, yeah? oven mitts are your best friends when handling that hot skillet. don't be a hero!

Sweet Skillet Cornbread Recipe: step-by-step Guide

Alright, listen up! Follow these steps and you'll have the best cornbread recipe ever. Promise!

1. Get your dry ingredients happy. Whisk 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour , 1 cup (160g) yellow cornmeal , 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar , 1 tablespoon baking powder , 1/2 teaspoon baking soda , and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a big bowl.
2. Wet stuff next. In another bowl, whisk 1 large egg , 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk , and 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil .
3. Now, gently fold the wet into the dry. Just until combined! Lumps are totally fine. Don't overmix, or you'll end up with tough cornbread, and nobody wants that.
4. Carefully take that screaming hot skillet out of the oven. Toss in 2 tablespoons (30g) melted butter . Swirl it around to coat the whole pan.
5. Pour your batter into the skillet. It should sizzle a bit that's a good thing!
6. Bake for 25- 30 minutes . You're looking for golden brown perfection and a skewer that comes out clean. Aim for an internal temperature of around 200- 210° F (93- 99° C) .

Sweet Skillet Cornbread: Pro Tips and Tricks

Honestly, a few tricks make this sweet skillet cornbread recipe even better.

First, never overmix. it ruins everything. second, buttermilk is key! it makes the cornbread lovely and moist. if you don't have any, just add a tablespoon of lemon juice to milk and let it sit for five minutes.

Want to try jalapeno cheddar cornbread ? chuck in some chopped jalapeños and cheddar. for a southern cornbread recipe , don't be shy with the buttermilk.

Making this ahead? no problem! just bake it a day before and reheat gently. store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

It's the easy homemade cornbread that is always a winner.

Alright, here's the "Recipe Notes" section for our killer cornbread recipe , blog style!

Recipe Notes: Cornbread Nirvana

Alright, buckle up buttercups! we've got recipe notes for this sweet skillet cornbread recipe that'll turn you into a cornbread boss.

Honestly, even if you've never baked before, you got this. i was a total disaster in the kitchen once, you know?

Serving Like a Southern Belle

So, how do we serve this easy homemade cornbread masterpiece? first, presentation, darling! cut it into wedges straight from the cast iron skillet , that gives it that rustic, comforting feel.

A little pat of butter melting on top? chef's kiss! now, thinking about sides? southern cornbread recipe demands bbq, right? or a hearty chili.

Don't forget sweet stuff! some honey or maple syrup on the side? mmm, lovely.

Storing Secrets (Because There's Never Enough Cornbread)

Okay, listen up! storing this best cornbread recipe correctly is crucial. pop the leftover buttermilk skillet cornbread in an airtight container.

Fridge is best, it'll keep for about 3 days. want to freeze it? wrap individual slices tightly in foil and then place in a freezer bag.

It'll last for a month or two. reheating? oven is best, but microwave works in a pinch. little secret: pop it in the oven with a cube of ice on top of the sweet skillet cornbread .

Steams it back to life, i swear!

Cornbread Chameleon: Variations Galore

Wanna spice things up? let's talk variations! craving that jalapeno cheddar cornbread kick? just chuck in some diced jalapeños and cheddar to the batter.

For a gluten-free cheddar jalepeno cornbread , use a gluten-free flour blend. boom! sorted. you can even swap out some of the sugar for honey if you're feeling fancy! want a savory cornbread ? ditch the sugar.

Nutrition ish (Because We Care...Sort Of)

Okay, so, roughly speaking, each slice of this sweet cornbread recipe is about 250 calories. it's got about 5g of protein, 12g of fat, and 30g of carbs, with around 8g of sugar.

Remember this is approximate as it depends on what ingredients you use! but honestly, who's counting when jalepeno cornbread cast iron skillet tastes this good? remember old fashioned cornbread also has health benefits such as providing you with energy and fiber.

So there you have it, my dear! Enjoy baking up your very own Jalapeno And Cheese Cornbread or even Jalapeño Cheese Cornbread ! I know, you can do this and create an awesome Cheese Jalapeno Cornbread ! Now go bake that cornbread recipe Jalapeno Cheddar and make me proud!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my cornbread recipe dry and crumbly? Is there a fix?

Dry cornbread is a common woe, but easily avoided! The main culprits are overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure you're not baking it for longer than the recommended time. Also, be careful when measuring flour spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag.

A little extra buttermilk can also help add moisture.

Can I make this cornbread recipe ahead of time? What's the best way to store it?

Absolutely! Cornbread is great for making ahead. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to a month.

Just thaw it out before reheating in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) to restore some of its warmth and texture. Think of it like a good vintage wine, let it breathe!

My cornbread is too sweet. How can I adjust this cornbread recipe to be less sweet?

Southern cornbread often has a touch of sweetness, but it's all about preference! Reduce the sugar in the recipe by half, or even eliminate it entirely for a more savory version. You can also try using a coarser ground cornmeal, which tends to have a less sweet taste.

Some folks even like adding a pinch of chili powder for a contrasting flavor, like a bit of spice in a Downton Abbey episode!

Can I add anything extra to this cornbread recipe? What are some fun variations?

Cornbread is a fantastic blank canvas! Get creative with mix-ins like chopped jalapeños and cheddar cheese for a spicy kick, or try adding cooked bacon and green onions for a savory twist. For a sweeter variation, consider adding blueberries or cranberries.

Just be sure not to add too much moisture, or you'll end up with a soggy result. It's your culinary masterpiece, feel free to channel your inner Monet!

Can I make this cornbread without buttermilk? What can I substitute?

Buttermilk adds a wonderful tang and tenderness, but don't fret if you're out! A great substitute is milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar stirred in. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to curdle slightly before using. You can also use plain yogurt thinned with a little milk.

It won’t be exactly the same, but it'll still give you a lovely cornbread, like a respectable cover version of your favorite song.