5.0 from 12 votes
Southern Cornbread Recipe
A classic old-fashioned Southern cornbread recipe -- just like Grandma made it!
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 272 kcal
Course:
Side Dish , Bread
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 2 cups white or yellow self-rising cornmeal mix (not plain cornmeal)
- 2 large eggs (or 1 extra-large egg)
- 1 ½ cups whole buttermilk, well shaken
- ¼ cup (½ of a stick) salted butter, melted (use unsalted butter if you prefer a less-salty cornbread)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or bacon grease, for coating the skillet
Instructions
- Heat an 8-inch, 9-inch, or 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven while you preheat the oven to 450°F. If you don't have a cast iron skillet, you can use an 8-inch or 9-inch rectangular baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk or stir together the cornmeal, eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter. Stir just until combined; do not over-mix.
- Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Add the oil to the hot skillet; spread to coat on the bottom and sides (I use a pastry brush for this). Pour the batter into the greased skillet.
- Bake until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cornbread comes out clean, about 15 minutes.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Make sure that you're using self-rising cornmeal mix -- not plain cornmeal. The self-rising mix includes some flour, salt, and leavening agents in addition to the cornmeal.
- An 8-inch or 9-inch cast iron skillet yields thicker cornbread; however, a 10-inch cast iron skillet also works fine.
- Use full-fat buttermilk rather than a lower-fat alternative. The fat in the liquid adds richness to the batter and helps to keep the cornbread moist.
- Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before baking, if you have the time. This allows the leavening agents to activate and incorporate more air.
- Don’t over-mix the batter or it will become too dense, and you'll end up with dry cornbread.
- To check if the cornbread is done, insert a toothpick into the center and make sure it comes out clean. Don't cook for too long, or it can dry out.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1slice
Calories
272kcal
(14%)
Carbohydrates
33g
(11%)
Protein
6g
(12%)
Fat
13g
(20%)
Saturated Fat
6g
(30%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
3g
Monounsaturated Fat
3g
Trans Fat
0.3g
Cholesterol
61mg
(20%)
Sodium
669mg
(28%)
Potassium
166mg
(5%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
433IU
(9%)
Calcium
187mg
(19%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 272
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1slice | |
| Calories | 272kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 33g | 11% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 61mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 669mg | 28% |
| Potassium | 166mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 433IU | 9% |
| Calcium | 187mg | 19% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.