Easy Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread Recipe

Looking for a comforting and delicious side dish? Try this easy cornbread recipe! It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or even as a snack on its own. The best part is, it’s made with simple pantry ingredients and can be whipped up in no time!

What is Cornbread?

Cornbread is a type of bread made primarily from cornmeal. It is a staple in the Southern United States and is typically made from a combination of cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, eggs, and sometimes butter or oil. Some variations also include additional ingredients such as cheese, jalapenos, or other vegetables. It can be served sweet or savory, it all depends on what you and your family like!

What to Serve With Cornbread?

Cornbread is a tasty dish that can be paired with a variety of different meals. Some popular options include:

1. Chili: Cornbread is a classic accompaniment to a hearty bowl of chili, providing a satisfying contrast of textures and flavors.
2. Soups and stews: Cornbread is a great way to add some extra heartiness to a bowl of soup or stew.
3. Barbecue: Cornbread is a common side dish at summer and barbecue gatherings.
4. Beans: Cornbread is often served with beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, as a staple side dish.
5. Salad: Cornbread can also be served as a side with a salad to give it a little more of a hearty touch.
6. Fried chicken or other poultry: Cornbread is a great side dish for fried chicken and other poultry dishes.
7. Vegetable dishes, like collard greens or okra dishes.
8. Dessert: Some people eat it sweet with butter, honey, syrup, or jams.

Why Cook Cornbread In a Cast Iron Skillet?

Cooking this easy cornbread recipe in a cast iron skillet can offer a few benefits over using a metal pan.

1. Better heat distribution: Cast iron is a wonderful heat conductor, meaning that heat is distributed evenly throughout the skillet. This results in a more evenly cooked cornbread that is less likely to have hot spots or burn on the edges.
2. Crisper crust: Cast iron skillets tend to get much hotter than metal pans, which results in a crispier crust on the cornbread.
3. Seasoning: Using a cast iron skillet can also add some extra flavor to your cornbread, using the oils and fats you cook with over time. This gives the cornbread a unique taste.
4. Durability: Cast iron skillets are very durable and can last for many years with proper care. They are also oven safe, so you can put them in the oven and make a skillet cornbread.
5. Non-Stick: If you season your cast iron skillet properly, it will become almost non-stick, so you don’t need to grease the skillet and your cornbread will come out easily.

Cast iron skillets do require some extra care through cleaning and maintenance. They are dishwasher safe and should be seasoned regularly to prevent rusting and sticking.

For proper cast iron maintenance and care read this blog post!

Easy Cornbread Recipe Ingredients:

• 1 1/3 cups cornmeal
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar as a buttermilk substitute)
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Easy Cornbread Recipe Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) and grease a cast iron skillet or 8×8 inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, egg, and vegetable oil.
4. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared skillet or baking dish.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Serve your warm cornbread with a dollop of butter, honey, or even some chili for a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s also a great side dish to go with soups, stews, or BBQ! Enjoy!