Description
Savory Southern cornbread delivers pure comfort straight from Ree Drummond’s kitchen. Rich with buttermilk and golden corn meal, this classic side dish promises warm, hearty goodness that connects you to rustic American culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoons (2.5 ml) salt
- ½ teaspoons (2.5 ml) baking soda
- ½ teaspoons (2.5 ml) baking powder
Fats and Liquid Ingredients:
- ¼ cup (60 grams) shortening, plus extra for greasing the skillet
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk
Binding Ingredient:
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Create a uniform dry foundation by thoroughly whisking cornmeal, all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder in a spacious mixing vessel until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In a separate container, vigorously blend buttermilk, whole milk, and fresh egg until the liquid mixture achieves a consistent texture and color.
- Delicately incorporate the liquid ingredients into the dry mixture, using gentle folding motions with a silicone spatula to prevent overworking the batter, which could result in dense cornbread.
- Activate the oven and set the temperature to 400°F (204°C). Simultaneously, position a cast-iron skillet on medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of vegetable shortening, ensuring complete coverage of the skillet’s interior surface.
- Once the shortening is hot and slightly bubbling, carefully pour the prepared batter into the skillet, listening for a satisfying sizzle upon contact, which indicates proper temperature.
- Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven and bake for 22-27 minutes, monitoring until the surface turns a rich golden-brown and a thin knife inserted at the center emerges completely clean.
- Remove the skillet from the oven, allowing the cornbread to rest and settle for 3-4 minutes, then confidently slice into triangular or square portions for serving alongside softened butter or sweet honey.
Notes
- Elevate your cornbread game by starting with room temperature ingredients for seamless blending and even baking.
- Melt shortening directly in a cast iron skillet to guarantee a jaw-dropping, caramelized bottom crust that screams Southern tradition.
- Mix ingredients gently to preserve the delicate structure, preventing a dense, tough result that nobody wants on their plate.
- Buttermilk works magic by introducing tanginess and ensuring a moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Experiment with flavor boosters like jalapeños, corn kernels, or cheese to transform this classic side into a show-stopping accompaniment for soups, chili, or as a standalone comfort food.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 186 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 215 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 37 mg