Follow these steps for perfect results
butter
melted and divided
bacon drippings
warm, divided
stone-ground yellow cornmeal
all-purpose flour
unbleached
salt
pepper
coarsely ground
baking powder
baking soda
egg
lightly beaten
buttermilk
milk
Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
Place 1 tablespoon of melted butter and 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet.
Heat the skillet in the oven for 5 minutes.
In a bowl, sift together the cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, baking powder, and baking soda.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and milk.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
Whisk in the remaining 3 tablespoons of melted butter and 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings.
Pour the batter into the hot skillet.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and firm.
Cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.
Serve warm or cool completely on a wire rack.
Expert advice for the best results
For a sweeter cornbread, add 2-3 tablespoons of sugar to the batter.
Don't overmix the batter; it should be slightly lumpy.
Serve with butter, honey, or sorghum molasses.
Everything you need to know before you start
10 minutes
Can be made a day ahead and reheated.
Serve warm slices on a rustic plate.
Serve with chili
Serve as a side dish with BBQ
Serve with a pat of butter and honey
Acidity cuts through the richness of the cornbread.
Discover the story behind this recipe
A staple food of the South, often associated with family gatherings and comfort food.
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