Corn bread

Southern Cast Iron Cornbread (Skillet-Baked, Golden & Savory)

Exploring BBQ Staff
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True Southern cornbread is not cake. It is golden, savory, and baked in a cast iron skillet until the crust crackles. This is the kind of cornbread that soaks up brisket drippings, holds a puddle of BBQ sauce, and pairs perfectly with smoky beans. Some folks prefer it sweet, but in Texas we keep it corn-forward, buttery, crisp on the outside, and tender in the middle. This recipe belongs on every BBQ plate.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Course: Side Dishes
Cuisine: BBQ & Grilling, Southern BBQ, Texas BBQ
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Yellow cornmeal medium grind — ~150 g
  • ½ cup All-purpose flour 60 g
  • 1 cup Buttermilk or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar, rested 5 min — 240 ml
  • 2 large Eggs ~100 g
  • 1 tbsp Baking powder ~12 g
  • ½ tsp Baking soda ~2 g
  • ½ tsp Kosher salt ~2 g
  • ¼ cup Unsalted butter melted — 56 g (plus more for pan)
  • 1 tbsp 1–2 tbsp Bacon drippings optional (for the skillet) — 15–30 ml
Want it sweet? Add 1–2 tbsp Sugar or honey — 12–24 g / 15–30 ml to the batter.

Equipment

  • Cast Iron Skillet 9in
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Fork
  • Pastry Brush
  • Paper Towel

Method
 

Preheat & heat skillet:
  1. Place Cast-iron skillet in the oven while it preheats to 425°F (218°C).
  2. When hot, carefully add Bacon drippings or butter and swirl to coat bottom and sides.
Mix dry:
  1. In a Mixing bowl, whisk Yellow cornmeal, All-purpose flour, Baking powder, Baking soda, and Kosher salt.
Mix wet:
  1. In a small bowl, beat Eggs; stir in Buttermilk and Melted butter.
Combine:
  1. Pour Wet into Dry and gently stir just until combined (a few lumps are fine but don’t overmix).
Bake:
  1. Pour batter into the Sizzling skillet (listen for a light sizzle).
  2. Bake 20–25 minutes until deep golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  3. Cool 5–10 minutes, then slice into 8 wedges.

Notes

Recipe Card (Quick Facts)
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Bake (cast-iron skillet)
  • Cuisine: Southern BBQ
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
  • Total Time: ~35 minutes
  • Yield: 1 (9-inch) skillet, 8 wedges
  • Servings: 8

Description of the Finished Dish

Crisp edged, golden wedges with a buttery, corn-forward crumb and firm enough to dunk in beans, tender enough to eat straight from the skillet with a pat of butter.

Doneness & Texture Cues

  • Crust: Deep golden, crisp, slightly crackly from the hot fat.
  • Interior: Moist and tender, not dry or gummy.
  • Aroma: Nutty, toasty; lightly smoky if you used Bacon drippings.

Pro Tips

  • Sizzle test: If the batter doesn’t sizzle when it hits the pan, the skillet isn’t hot enough for that signature crust.
  • Corn-forward crumb: Using medium-grind cornmeal gives gentle texture without being gritty.
  • Smoker option: Bake indirect at 400–425°F (204–218°C) for 25–30 minutes with mild wood (pecan) for a subtle smoke kiss.
  • Clean wedges: Rest 10 minutes, then loosen edges with a thin spatula before slicing.

Variations

  • Jalapeño-cheddar: Fold in ½ cup Shredded cheddar - 57 g and 2 tbsp Diced pickled jalapeños - 30 ml.
  • Honey-butter finish: Brush top with 2 tbsp Melted butter + 1 tbsp Honey right out of the oven.
  • Green chili: Swap jalapeños for ¼ cup Diced roasted green chiles - 60 ml.

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Fridge: 2–3 days well wrapped; reheat at 325°F (163°C) until warm.
  • Freeze: Up to 1 month; thaw, wrap in foil, and warm in oven.
  • Leftovers: Crumble into Pinto beans or Baked beans or griddle slices with butter.

More Recipes to Round Out Your BBQ Plate

Looking for the perfect pairings to serve with this dish? Explore more from our kitchen:
  • Appetizers - Get your party started off right. Choose some good starter recipes.
  • Smoked Meats - brisket, ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and more
  • BBQ Sides - beans, slaw, potato salad, cornbread, and more
  • Sauces & Rubs - from tangy mop sauces to Texas-style dry rubs
  • Cocktails - Spice up your cook and party with easy cocktails.
  • Desserts - Finish off that amazing meal with a classic dessert.
Whether you are planning a weekend smoke or building a full BBQ spread, these recipes bring the pit to your plate.

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