Classic Southern Buttermilk Cornbread
This Classic Southern Buttermilk Cornbread is a cherished family recipe that has been passed down through generations. Made with high-quality, stone-ground white cornmeal and spiced up with just a hint of sugar and salt, this cornbread produces a moist and flavor-packed base that complements any Southern meal. The addition of buttermilk creates a delightful tanginess and ensures a tender crumb. Baking the cornbread in a preheated, well-seasoned cast-iron skillet gives it a perfectly crispy, golden crust that many adore. Serve it warm, straight from the oven, topped with creamy butter or as a side to complement your favorite barbecue dishes – it’s sure to become your go-to comfort food!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggs
3 (beaten)
Buttermilk
2 cups (none)
White cornmeal
2 cups (stone-ground preferred)
Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Baking powder
2 teaspoons (none)
Butter
1/4 cup (melted)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven to heat for about 10 minutes - this helps achieve that coveted crispy crust.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the stone-ground white cornmeal, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Stir the mixture until it is evenly combined.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, beaten eggs, and melted butter until smooth and well incorporated.
4
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are fine.
5
Carefully remove the preheated skillet from the oven, greasing it liberally with butter to ensure a non-stick surface. Pour the cornbread batter into the hot skillet, spreading it evenly.
6
Return the skillet to the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7
Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before carefully inverting the skillet to release the cornbread. Serve warm, slathered with butter for that ultimate Southern experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Southern Buttermilk Cornbread?
It is a moist and flavor-packed bread made with stone-ground white cornmeal and buttermilk, traditionally baked in a cast-iron skillet for a crispy crust.
What kind of cornmeal is best for this recipe?
Stone-ground white cornmeal is preferred for the most authentic Southern texture and flavor.
Why is a cast iron skillet recommended for baking?
Baking in a preheated, well-seasoned cast-iron skillet creates a perfectly crispy, golden-brown crust.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How long should the skillet preheat in the oven?
Place the 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven for about 10 minutes before adding the batter to help achieve a crispy crust.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 3 beaten eggs.
What is the purpose of buttermilk in this cornbread?
Buttermilk provides a delightful tanginess and ensures the cornbread has a tender crumb.
Is this Southern cornbread recipe very sweet?
No, it only uses 1 teaspoon of sugar to provide a hint of sweetness that complements the savory corn flavor.
How much buttermilk is used in the batter?
The recipe calls for exactly 2 cups of buttermilk.
What leavening agents are used to make the bread rise?
The recipe uses a combination of 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
How much butter is added to the cornbread batter?
You should add 1/4 cup of melted butter to the wet ingredients.
How do I combine the wet and dry ingredients?
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until they are just combined.
Should the cornbread batter be perfectly smooth?
No, you should avoid overmixing the batter; having some lumps is perfectly fine for the final texture.
How do I prepare the skillet before pouring the batter?
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and grease it liberally with butter to ensure a non-stick surface.
How long does the cornbread take to bake?
It typically takes between 20 to 25 minutes to bake in the oven.
How can I tell if the cornbread is fully cooked?
The cornbread is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Should I let the cornbread cool before trying to remove it?
Yes, let it cool for a few minutes after baking before carefully inverting the skillet to release the bread.
What is the best way to serve this cornbread?
It is best served warm, straight from the oven, and slathered with creamy butter.
What types of dishes pair well with this cornbread?
This cornbread is a perfect side dish for barbecue, chili, or any traditional Southern comfort meal.
Can I use yellow cornmeal instead of white cornmeal?
Yes, while the recipe specifies white stone-ground cornmeal, yellow cornmeal can be used as a substitute.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavor profile.
Does this recipe follow a specific tradition?
Yes, it is a cherished family recipe passed down through generations, making it a classic Southern staple.
What size skillet is ideal for this recipe?
A 10-inch cast iron skillet is the recommended size for these ingredient proportions.
What is the first step in the preparation process?
The first step is to preheat your oven and the cast iron skillet simultaneously.
Why is it recommended to invert the skillet?
Inverting the skillet after cooling for a few minutes allows the cornbread to be released cleanly from the pan for serving.
Should the butter be melted or softened for the batter?
The 1/4 cup of butter should be melted before being whisked with the buttermilk and eggs.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 8 total ingredients: eggs, buttermilk, white cornmeal, baking soda, baking powder, butter, salt, and sugar.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a go-to comfort food because of its moist texture and golden crust.
What makes the cornbread crumb so tender?
The chemical reaction between the buttermilk and the leavening agents ensures a tender, moist crumb.
Can this cornbread be served with barbecue?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a great complement to your favorite barbecue dishes.