Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/11 checked
10
servings
4 tbsp

butter

melted and divided

3 tbsp

bacon drippings

warm, divided

1.5 cup

stone-ground yellow cornmeal

0.5 cup

all-purpose flour

unbleached

1 tsp

salt

1 tsp

pepper

coarsely ground

0.5 tsp

baking powder

0.5 tsp

baking soda

1 unit

egg

lightly beaten

1.25 cup

buttermilk

0.5 cup

milk

Step 1
~3 min

Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).

Step 2
~3 min

Place 1 tablespoon of melted butter and 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet.

Step 3
~3 min

Heat the skillet in the oven for 5 minutes.

Step 4
~3 min

In a bowl, sift together the cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, baking powder, and baking soda.

Key Technique: Baking
Step 5
~3 min

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and milk.

Step 6
~3 min

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.

Step 7
~3 min

Whisk in the remaining 3 tablespoons of melted butter and 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings.

Step 8
~3 min

Pour the batter into the hot skillet.

Step 9
~3 min

Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and firm.

Step 10
~3 min

Cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.

Step 11
~3 min

Serve warm or cool completely on a wire rack.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

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.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

10 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be made a day ahead and reheated.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Low
Smell Intensity
Moderate
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with chili

Serve as a side dish with BBQ

Serve with a pat of butter and honey

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Chili
BBQ ribs
Collard greens

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Southern United States

Cultural Significance

A staple food of the South, often associated with family gatherings and comfort food.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Thanksgiving
Christmas
Juneteenth

Occasion Tags

Thanksgiving
BBQ
Potluck
Family Dinner

Popularity Score

75/100

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