Southern Skillet Cornbread

Introduction

Cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine, and nothing beats the taste of a freshly baked skillet cornbread. The combination of crispy edges and a moist, tender center makes it a perfect side dish for any meal. Whether you’re serving it with fried chicken, chili, or just enjoying it on its own, Southern skillet cornbread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we will walk you through the process of making this classic dish, along with some variations and tips to enhance its flavor and texture.

Ingredients

To make Southern skillet cornbread, you will need the following ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups cornmeal

– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

– 1 teaspoon baking powder

– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1 cup buttermilk

– 1/2 cup milk

– 2 large eggs

– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven while it preheats.

2. In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vegetable oil.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

5. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Swirl the oil around to coat the bottom and sides of the skillet.

6. Pour the cornbread batter into the hot skillet, spreading it evenly.

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the cornbread cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Variations

While traditional Southern skillet cornbread is delicious on its own, you can also experiment with different variations to add some extra flavor to your bread. Here are a few ideas:

Cheesy Cornbread:

Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the cornbread batter before baking. The melted cheese will create pockets of gooey goodness throughout the bread.

Jalapeno Cornbread:

For a spicy kick, finely chop 2-3 jalapeno peppers (seeds removed) and add them to the batter. The heat from the peppers will give your cornbread a zesty twist.

Bacon and Onion Cornbread:

Cook 4-6 slices of bacon until crispy, then crumble them into the batter. Finely chop one medium-sized onion and sauté it until caramelized, then add it to the batter as well. This savory combination will take your cornbread to the next level.

Tips

– Preheating the skillet before pouring in the batter helps create a crispy crust on the bottom of the cornbread.

– For a lighter texture, make sure not to overmix the batter. Stir until just combined to avoid developing too much gluten.

– Leftover cornbread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.

Conclusion

Southern skillet cornbread is a timeless classic that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. With its crispy edges and moist center, it’s the perfect accompaniment to a hearty dinner or a delicious snack on its own. By following the simple steps and incorporating some variations and tips, you can create a cornbread that will impress your family and friends. So grab your cast-iron skillet and get ready to enjoy the delightful flavors of Southern skillet cornbread.