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November 1, 2021 Bread

Easy Buttermilk Cornbread

The Perfect Buttermilk Cornbread

There’s something truly special about the rustic charm and unbeatable flavor of cornbread made in a cast iron skillet. This recipe brings together the perfect blend of ingredients to create a moist, slightly sweet, and wonderfully golden cornbread that pairs perfectly with any meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty chili or enjoying it with a dollop of butter and honey, this buttermilk cornbread is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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Cornbread in a cast iron skillet with chili and a checkered napkin

Essential Ingredients for Buttermilk Cornbread

  1. Cornmeal: The primary ingredient that gives cornbread its distinctive texture and flavor. It provides a slightly gritty texture and a rich, corn flavor.
  2. Flour: Adds structure to the cornbread, ensuring it holds together. Using corn flour can enhance the corn flavor, while all-purpose flour offers a neutral base.
  3. Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory corn flavor and enhances the overall taste.
  4. Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cornbread rise, making it light and fluffy.
  5. Baking Soda: Works in tandem with the buttermilk to create a tender crumb by providing additional lift.
  6. Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients, bringing out the natural sweetness of the cornmeal and balancing the overall taste.
  7. Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess to the cornbread, helping to tenderize it and create a soft texture.
  8. Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness, contributing to the cornbread’s structure and stability.
  9. Butter: Adds richness and moisture, providing a tender and flavorful crumb.

Each ingredient in this buttermilk cornbread recipe plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and moisture.

How to make buttermilk cornbread

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a 9-inch cast iron skillet in the oven to heat up as well. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy crust.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Make sure the butter has cooled slightly to prevent it from cooking the eggs.
  4. Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be slightly lumpy.
  5. Prepare the Skillet: Carefully remove the hot cast iron skillet from the oven. You can add a little bit of butter or oil to the skillet to ensure the cornbread doesn’t stick, although a well-seasoned skillet should be sufficient.
  6. Bake: Pour the batter into the hot skillet, spreading it out evenly. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Allow the cornbread to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy it warm with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or your favorite cornbread toppings.

Tips for Perfect Cornbread

  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the batter mix together more smoothly and evenly.
  • Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can result in a dense and tough cornbread. Stir until the ingredients are just combined.
  • Preheat the Skillet: This step is key for that perfect crispy crust on the bottom and sides of your cornbread.
  • Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add in some shredded cheese, chopped jalapeños, or corn kernels to customize your cornbread.

How to Store  & Reheat Leftover Cornbread

Properly storing leftover cornbread ensures it stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here are some tips to help you keep your cornbread tasting its best:

Short-Term Storage (1-2 Days):

  1. Cool Completely: Allow the cornbread to cool completely at room temperature before storing. Storing warm cornbread can create condensation, leading to sogginess.
  2. Wrap It Up: Wrap the cornbread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  3. Use an Airtight Container: Place the wrapped cornbread in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag to keep out air and moisture.
  4. Room Temperature: Store the wrapped and contained cornbread at room temperature if you plan to eat it within a day or two.

Long-Term Storage (Up to 3 Months):

  1. Cool Completely: As with short-term storage, ensure the cornbread is completely cooled.
  2. Wrap in Plastic Wrap: Tightly wrap the cornbread in plastic wrap to protect it from freezer burn.
  3. Double Wrap: For extra protection, wrap the plastic-wrapped cornbread in aluminum foil or place it in a resealable freezer bag.
  4. Label and Freeze: Label the package with the date and freeze it. Cornbread can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating Cornbread:

  1. Room Temperature Cornbread:
    • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cornbread on a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
    • Microwave: Place a slice of cornbread on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat for 20-30 seconds or until warmed through.
  2. Frozen Cornbread:
    • Oven: Thaw the cornbread in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the cornbread on a baking sheet, cover with aluminum foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
    • Microwave: Thaw the cornbread in the refrigerator overnight. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 30-40 seconds or until warmed through.

Properly storing and reheating your leftover cornbread will help maintain its delicious flavor and texture, so you can enjoy it just as much the next day (or even weeks later)!

Can I make this in a larger pan?

Yes! We make this as a double batch in a large baking dish, no pre-heating needed. It comes out perfect! Be sure to test the center with a toothpick. When it comes out clean, it means it is done. You really want the top to have a brown crust like this. The center will be tender and perfect with butter and honey!

Cornbread in a clear pan with a blue napkin

This buttermilk cornbread recipe is a staple that you’ll want to make again and again. The cast iron skillet not only adds a beautiful golden crust but also gives the cornbread a unique flavor that you just can’t achieve with a regular baking dish. Happy baking!

 

Cornbread in a cast iron skillet with chili and a checkered napkin

Cast Iron Cornbread

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
Course: bread
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cornbread
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 291kcal
Author: Bruce and Dina Miller

Equipment

  • Cast Iron Pan

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups cornmeal
  • 1 cup flour can use AP, but we like to use Corn Flour
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 Tbls baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups buttermilk
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup butter melted and cooled

Instructions

Instructions for buttermilk cornbread:

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place 9 inch cast iron skillet in the oven to heat.
  • Whisk the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. 
  • Whisk the buttermilk, eggs, and butter in a separate bowl. 
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing. Spread the batter into the cast iron pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Nutrition

Serving: 1piece | Calories: 291kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 662mg | Potassium: 191mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 311IU | Calcium: 152mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

Try these other savory breads!

  • Easy Yeast Rolls for Beginners
  • Buttermilk Biscuits
  • Easy Homemade New York Bagel Recipe: Crispy & Chewy
  • German Pretzel Buns
Big fluffy biscuits
bagels on a cooling rack with a blue napkin
4 German Pretzel buns on a wire cooling rack with a blue napkin underneath

Categories: Bread

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ned says

    January 3, 2025 at 8:13 am

    5 stars
    Cornbread in a cast iron skillet is literally the best, and you have one of the best recipes I’ve ever had for it. Thank you so much for sharing!

    Reply
    • Bruce and Dina MillerBruce and Dina Miller says

      January 3, 2025 at 3:33 pm

      Ned,

      Wow, such a compliment! We really appreciate that!

      Dina and Bruce

      Reply

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