Grandma's Down-Home Southern Cornbread

Grandma S Down Home Southern Cornbread

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Introduction: Grandma's Down-Home Southern Cornbread
Ever crave that real southern comfort? i'm talking about southern cornbread recipe , the kind that warms you from the inside out.
This ain't that sweet, cake-like stuff. this is proper authentic southern cornbread recipe , y'all!
This buttermilk skillet cornbread recipe takes me right back to my grandma's kitchen. it's dense, crumbly, and bursting with pure corn flavor.
And honestly, it’s so easy even i can't mess it up!
A Taste of the South
Old fashioned cornbread is a staple in southern cuisine. it's been passed down through generations. we are keeping the tradition alive, one crispy-edged slice at a time.
Think "downton abbey" meets "dukes of hazzard" – class and comfort!
This recipe is easy to make in about 35 minutes. it serves 8, perfect for a family dinner or a friendly get-together.
This is the easy homemade cornbread recipe you've been searching for.
Why This Recipe Rocks
One of the best things? this no sugar added cornbread recipe is naturally lower in sugar. enjoy that great corn flavour.
It's perfect alongside chili on a cold night, or with bbq on a summer afternoon. the crispy crust cornbread recipe will be amazing.
Ready to grab your ingredients? Let's do this.
Gather Your Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to create the best cast iron cornbread recipe :
- 1 cup (125g) yellow cornmeal, preferably stone ground cornmeal cornbread
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the pan
- 1 teaspoon (5g) baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil, plus more for greasing the pan
A cast iron skillet is key for that perfect crust! We'll also need bowls, a whisk, and measuring cups. Now we are ready to bake the amazing jalapeno cornbread cast iron skillet
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of this southern cornbread recipe . my grandma's down-home southern cornbread recipe is the only one you'll ever need, trust me.
It's all about quality ingredients and having the right tools. think "downton abbey" meets "dukes of hazzard", classic but with a kick!
Ingredients & Equipment
Forget that Yankee cornbread. This is real authentic southern cornbread recipe . It's dense and slightly crumbly with that deeply satisfying corn flavour. No sugar, that's a cardinal sin.
Main Ingredients
Let's gather what you need for this stone ground cornmeal cornbread . These measurements are your guidelines to success.
- 1 cup (125g) yellow cornmeal, stone-ground is best.
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour.
- 1 teaspoon (5g) baking powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) baking soda.
- 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt.
- 1 large egg .
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil.
For the cornmeal, go for stone-ground if you can find it. The texture is amazing. Quality buttermilk is a game-changer, too. It’s all about the flavour.
Seasoning Notes
Okay, so here's where you can add some flair. My jalapeno cornbread cast iron skillet version is a family favourite.
- A pinch of cayenne pepper is a good start.
- Essential herbs: Rosemary, thyme, or sage chopped fresh gives it that extra flavor!
- Add jalapeños for a spicy twist.
Don't forget the salt. It enhances all the flavors. It's about balance, innit?
Equipment Needed
You don't need fancy gadgets for this easy homemade cornbread . Just the basics:
- A 10-inch cast iron skillet . Seriously, this is key.
- Mixing bowls (like, two is perfect).
- A whisk (or a fork if you're feeling rebellious).
- Measuring cups and spoons (obviously).
If you don't have a cast iron skillet, use a baking pan. but, it won't be quite the same. that crispy crust cornbread recipe comes from the cast iron.
Honestly, it makes all the difference! i got mine second-hand at a country fair, been making my old fashioned cornbread there for ages.
You know? it's just got that vibe.
Okay, let's get down to business. i'm gonna spill all my secrets for a killer southern cornbread recipe . honestly, this recipe is so good, it's practically a family heirloom.
It's my grandma's down-home southern cornbread recipe that's been passed down for generations.
Cooking Method: The Southern Cornbread Way
This recipe is all about honoring tradition while keeping things simple. We're talking about buttermilk skillet cornbread magic. Forget that sweet stuff you get up North, this is the real deal.
Prep Steps: Gettin' Ready for Cornbread Glory
- Essential Mise en Place: First, gather your ingredients. Measure out 1 cup of stone ground cornmeal cornbread , 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 large egg, 1 cup of buttermilk, and 1/4 cup of vegetable oil. Honestly, having everything ready before you start makes life so much easier.
- Time-Saving Organization Tips: I like to pre-measure my dry ingredients into one bowl and my wet ingredients into another. Makes mixing a breeze.
- Safety Reminders: Oven's getting HOT. Don't burn yourself. Handle that cast iron skillet with oven mitts, okay? Remember where your tea towels are.
Step-by-Step Process: Bake Like a Pro
- Preheat & Prep : Preheat oven to 425° F ( 220° C) . Put your 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats. Seriously, don't skip this.
- Combine Dry: Whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Whisk Wet : In another bowl, whisk egg, buttermilk, and oil.
- Combine Wet & Dry : Pour wet ingredients into the dry. Stir just until combined. A few lumps are fine .
- Grease & Bake : CAREFULLY take out the hot skillet. Put a tablespoon of oil in there, swirl it around. Pour in the batter.
- Bake: Bake for 20- 25 minutes . Toothpick comes out clean? You're golden.
- Cool & Serve: Let it cool a bit before you cut into it. Trust me.
Pro Tips: Secrets from the South
- Hot Skillet, Crispy Crust : The hot skillet is ESSENTIAL. Don't even think about skipping it. This is how you get that fantastic crispy crust.
- Don't Overmix : Overmixing is a cardinal sin when making cornbread. It'll make it tough. Nobody wants tough cornbread.
- For the authentic southern cornbread recipe , use buttermilk. It adds a certain tang you just can't get any other way. Looking for a no sugar added cornbread recipe ? This is it.
This easy homemade cornbread is my go-to. whether it's with chili, bbq, or just a pat of butter, you simply can't go wrong.
Enjoy this old fashioned cornbread and let me know what you think!. you know what i mean? oh my gosh , you are going to love this jalapeno cornbread cast iron skillet recipe, a true culinary journey.
Recipe Notes for Perfect Southern Cornbread
Honestly, nailing a great southern cornbread recipe isn't rocket science. But a few things can make or break it. It's all about that texture and taste, you know? Think comforting, not cakey.
Serving Up Southern Charm
Plating and presentation ideas
Forget fancy, y'all. this authentic southern cornbread recipe is best served straight from the cast iron skillet. you know, rustic! cut it into wedges.
Plop it on a plate. or, if you're feeling really southern, right in your hand.
Complementary sides or beverages
Buttermilk skillet cornbread screams for chili. also, collard greens. bbq is a no-brainer. sweet tea is the only acceptable beverage, bless your heart.
It also goes great with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives.
Storage Tips for Maximum Yum
Refrigeration guidelines
Leftover cornbread? Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic. Pop it in the fridge. It'll last 2-3 days. Honestly, though, it rarely lasts that long at my place.
Freezing options (if applicable)
Yep, you can freeze it! wrap individual slices in plastic wrap. then, toss them in a freezer bag. it will keep for about 2 months.
It's a handy tip to have up your sleeve.
Reheating instructions
Warm it in the oven ( 350° f/ 175° c) for 10 minutes. it's also good in a skillet with a bit of butter.
The microwave works in a pinch, but it can get a little rubbery.
Cornbread: Your Way
1-2 dietary adaptations
Going dairy-free? Use plant-based milk instead of buttermilk. Add a splash of lemon juice. This will curdle it up nicely. For a bit of spice, try Jalapeno Cornbread Cast Iron Skillet .
Seasonal ingredient swaps
In the fall, a bit of pumpkin puree is divine. summer? fresh corn kernels for an extra burst of flavor.
Swap vegetable oil for melted bacon grease. oh my gosh!. that will add an extra layer of flavor!
Nutritional Goodness (Simplified!)
Simplified nutrition information
Each slice is around 210 calories. It gives you 5g of protein and 2g of fibre. It has 12g of fat. 22g of carbs.
Key health benefits
Cornmeal is a good source of fiber. Buttermilk adds probiotics. However, this is mostly comfort food, folks! We're not pretending it's a salad.
So there you have it! my old fashioned cornbread . with these notes, you're well on your way to becoming a cornbread master.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. have some fun. remember, even if it's not perfect, it's still easy homemade cornbread !
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Southern cornbread recipe dry and crumbly? Is it supposed to be like that?
Traditional Southern cornbread is known for being a bit drier and more crumbly than its sweeter, Northern counterparts. However, overly dry cornbread usually means you've either overbaked it, used too much cornmeal, or didn't use enough liquid. Make sure you're measuring ingredients accurately, and don't overmix the batter! Think Goldilocks - you want the batter just right.
Can I add sugar to this Southern cornbread recipe?
Well, bless your heart! While adding sugar to cornbread is common in some regions, it's generally frowned upon in the South. True Southern cornbread is savory, relying on the natural sweetness of the cornmeal. Adding sugar will change the fundamental flavor profile of this classic bread, but hey, it's your kitchen. If you must, start with a tablespoon or two and taste before baking.
Why do you preheat the skillet in the oven for this Southern cornbread recipe?
Preheating the cast iron skillet in the oven is absolutely key! It creates a beautifully crispy crust that's characteristic of good Southern cornbread. The hot skillet immediately starts cooking the batter when it's poured in, giving you that delightful texture contrast between the crispy outside and the soft inside. Skipping this step is like going to Wimbledon and forgetting your racket.
How should I store leftover Southern cornbread?
To keep your leftover cornbread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. For best results, slice the cornbread before freezing and wrap each slice individually. Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave.
What can I serve with this Southern cornbread recipe?
Southern cornbread is incredibly versatile. It's a fantastic accompaniment to chili, collard greens, BBQ, or any hearty Southern meal. You can also enjoy it with a simple pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or even crumbled into a bowl of milk (if you're feeling particularly nostalgic!). Think of it as the bread basket's versatile star.
Is Southern cornbread healthy? What about nutrition?
Cornbread, like most baked goods, should be enjoyed in moderation. It contains carbohydrates, some protein, and healthy fats (depending on the oil used). It’s also a source of fiber, especially if you use stone-ground cornmeal. However, it can be high in calories and sodium. Check the nutritional information provided, adjust the portion size, and pair it with a healthy meal for a balanced diet.