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Crispy Cast Iron Cornbread Recipe with Bacon Drippings Easy and Perfect

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This crispy cast iron skillet cornbread uses bacon drippings for a smoky, savory crust with a soft, tender inside. Perfect for comfort food cravings and quick to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (120 g) yellow cornmeal (medium grind)
  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice/vinegar, let sit 5 minutes)
  • 4 tablespoons bacon drippings
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or neutral oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place your cast iron skillet in the oven as it heats up to get it hot (about 10 minutes).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Add buttermilk and whisk together.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. A few lumps are okay; do not overmix.
  5. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven using oven mitts. Add bacon drippings and vegetable oil to the skillet and swirl to coat the bottom and sides evenly. The drippings should sizzle.
  6. Immediately pour the batter into the skillet and spread evenly. You should hear a sizzle as the crust forms.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Check at 20 minutes to avoid over-baking.
  8. Let the cornbread rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to help it set and prevent crumbling.

Notes

Preheating the skillet is essential for a crispy crust. Do not overmix the batter to keep the cornbread tender. Use fresh baking powder for best rise. Let cornbread rest before slicing. For thicker crust, let drippings heat longer but avoid burning. Cast iron skillet is preferred for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: cornbread, cast iron skillet, bacon drippings, crispy cornbread, easy cornbread, comfort food, southern cornbread

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/crispy-cast-iron-cornbread-recipe-with-bacon-drippings-easy-and-perfect/