This crispy skillet cornbread recipe is a perfect blend of texture and flavor that will leave you craving for more. Made with simple ingredients and cooked in a skillet, it gets a delightful crispy crust that complements the moist and fluffy interior. This versatile cornbread can be an accompaniment to any meal, making it a must-try for all home cooks.
Photos of Crispy Skillet Cornbread Recipe
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, like flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, and butter. The less common ingredient is cornmeal, but it's easily available in the baking aisle of any supermarket. It's crucial for this recipe as it gives the cornbread its distinctive flavor and texture. Also, make sure to use a good quality vegetable oil for the best results.
Crispy Skillet Cornbread Ingredients
Vegetable oil: A common cooking oil that works as a perfect medium for baking cornbread, enhancing its color and texture.
All purpose flour: It provides the backbone structure for the cornbread.
Sugar: It adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavor of the cornmeal.
Baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent, making the cornbread rise and become fluffy.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors of the cornbread.
Cornmeal: Gives the cornbread its unique flavor and texture.
Milk: Adds moisture to the batter, contributing to a tender cornbread.
Eggs: They create structure and stability within the batter and also add moisture.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness, flavor, and helps in achieving the golden brown crust.
One reader, Genovera Schoonover says:
This crispy skillet cornbread recipe is a game-changer! The texture is perfect, and the flavor is unmatched. The crispy edges are a delightful surprise, and it's so easy to make. I've received countless compliments every time I've made it. It's a must-try for any cornbread lover!
Key Techniques for Perfecting Crispy Skillet Cornbread
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees: This step is crucial to ensure that the oven reaches the correct temperature before baking the cornbread.
Warm the cast-iron skillets over moderate heat: This helps to prepare the skillets for the batter and ensures even cooking of the cornbread.
Sift the dry ingredients: Sifting the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together helps to remove any lumps and aerate the mixture, resulting in a lighter texture for the cornbread.
Stir in the cornmeal: Incorporating the cornmeal into the dry ingredients ensures an even distribution of the grains throughout the batter.
Add the milk and eggs and stir lightly: Gently stirring the milk and eggs into the dry ingredients helps to combine the wet and dry components without overmixing, which can result in a tough texture.
Add the melted butter and stir just until blended: Incorporating the melted butter into the batter ensures a rich and moist cornbread.
Scrape the batter into the hot skillets: Transferring the batter into the preheated skillets ensures a crispy crust and even cooking.
Bake the cornbreads for about 18 minutes: Monitoring the baking time is essential to achieve the desired texture and doneness of the cornbread.
Turn the cornbreads out onto a rack to cool: Allowing the cornbread to cool on a rack helps to prevent the bottom from becoming soggy and ensures even cooling.
Make ahead: The unmolded cornbreads can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days: This step provides information on how to store the cornbread if preparing in advance.
How To Make Crispy Skillet Cornbread
Crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, this skillet cornbread combines simple ingredients for an easy baked dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3tbspvegetable oil
- 1½cupsall purpose flour
- ¼cupsugar,plus 2 tbsp
- 2tbspsugar
- 2tbspbaking powder
- 2tspsalt
- 2½cupscornmeal,preferably stone-ground
- 2cupsmilk
- 4large eggs
- 6tbspunsalted butter
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Warm 2 9-inch cast-iron skillets over moderate heat. Add 1½ tablespoons of the oil to each and heat.
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Meanwhile, in a bowl, sift the flour with the sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the cornmeal. Add the milk and eggs and stir lightly. Add the melted butter and stir just until blended.
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Scrape the batter into the hot skillets; the oil should bubble. Transfer the skillets to the oven and bake the cornbreads for about 18 minutes, or until the centers spring back when gently pressed. Turn the cornbreads out onto a rack to cool.
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Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 2002.46kcal
- Fat: 77.35g
- Saturated Fat: 31.50g
- Trans Fat: 1.60g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 30.56g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 9.29g
- Carbohydrates: 280.74g
- Fiber: 10.21g
- Sugar: 53.56g
- Protein: 44.26g
- Cholesterol: 487.99mg
- Sodium: 1741.55mg
- Calcium: 1378.74mg
- Potassium: 850.81mg
- Iron: 16.32mg
- Vitamin A: 585.21µg
Expert Advice for Achieving the Perfect Crispy Crust
When making this crispy skillet cornbread, it's crucial to preheat your cast-iron skillets before adding the batter. This step ensures a crispy, golden crust on your cornbread. Additionally, when adding the wet ingredients to the dry, stir just until blended. Overmixing can result in a dense and tough cornbread. Lastly, don't forget to test the doneness of your cornbread by gently pressing the center. If it springs back, it's done. If it leaves an indentation, it needs more time in the oven.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Cornbread in a Skillet
Prep ahead: Prepare the dry ingredients the night before and store them in an airtight container to save time on the day of baking.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly mix the dry ingredients and incorporate the butter into the cornbread batter.
Double batch: Consider making a double batch and freezing the extra cornbread for future use. This will save time on busy days.
Preheat skillets: Preheat the skillets in the oven while you prepare the batter to save time during the baking process.
Non-stick spray: Use non-stick spray instead of oil to grease the skillets for a quicker and easier cleanup.
Even slices: Use a serrated knife to ensure even and clean slices when cutting the cornbread.
Substitute Ingredients For Crispy Skillet Cornbread Recipe
vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for vegetable oil in this recipe.
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used as a healthier alternative, adding a nutty flavor and additional nutrients to the cornbread.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener, adding a subtle floral note to the cornbread.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda: Baking soda can be used as a leavening agent, but it requires an acidic ingredient such as buttermilk to activate its rising properties.
cornmeal - Substitute with polenta: Polenta can be used as a coarser alternative to cornmeal, adding a slightly different texture to the cornbread.
milk - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can add a tangy flavor and tender texture to the cornbread.
unsalted butter - Substitute with vegetable shortening: Vegetable shortening can be used as a non-dairy alternative, providing a similar fat content for the cornbread.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Crispy Skillet Cornbread
Cast-iron skillet: A heavy-duty skillet that retains and distributes heat evenly, perfect for achieving a crispy crust on the cornbread.
Sifter: Used to sift the dry ingredients together, ensuring a smooth and uniform texture in the cornbread batter.
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the dry and wet ingredients to form the cornbread batter.
Whisk: Ideal for blending the wet and dry ingredients together, ensuring a smooth and lump-free batter.
Oven: Used for baking the cornbread to perfection, creating a crispy exterior and moist interior.
Cooling rack: Allows the cornbread to cool evenly and prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.
Storing and Freezing Crispy Skillet Cornbread for Later
To store the cornbread, let it cool completely to room temperature before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help prevent moisture from seeping in and making the bread soggy.
Wrapped tightly, the cornbread can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, consider storing it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cornbread for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Tip: Slice the bread before freezing so you can easily thaw individual portions as needed.
To thaw frozen cornbread, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 2 hours. Alternatively, you can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
To reheat the cornbread, wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds, or until warm.
If you find that the cornbread has lost some of its crispiness after storing or freezing, you can refresh it by placing it under the broiler for a minute or two, or by toasting it in a toaster oven until crispy.
How To Reheat Leftover Cornbread
To reheat leftover crispy skillet cornbread, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will help to warm the cornbread thoroughly without drying it out or making it too crispy.
Wrap the cornbread loosely in aluminum foil. This will help to prevent the cornbread from drying out while it reheats and will also help to keep it moist and tender.
Place the wrapped cornbread on a baking sheet and put it in the preheated oven. Depending on the size of your cornbread pieces, it should take about 10-15 minutes to reheat thoroughly.
Alternatively, you can reheat the cornbread in a skillet on the stovetop. Place the cornbread in a skillet over medium-low heat and cover it with a lid. This will help to trap the moisture and prevent the cornbread from drying out. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cornbread is heated through.
If you want to add a little extra flavor and moisture to your reheated cornbread, you can brush it with some melted butter or drizzle it with a little honey before serving.
For a quicker option, you can also reheat the cornbread in the microwave. Place a damp paper towel over the cornbread to help keep it moist, and microwave it on high for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on the size of the piece.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to reheat the cornbread until it is just warm and not hot, as overheating can cause it to dry out and become tough.
Interesting Trivia About Crispy Skillet Cornbread
The crispy skillet cornbread recipe is a classic Southern dish that is often served as a side dish with barbecue or chili. It is known for its crispy crust and tender, moist interior. This recipe can be easily customized by adding ingredients such as jalapeños, cheese, or bacon for extra flavor. It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various meals. Cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine and has been enjoyed for generations. It is a delicious and comforting addition to any meal.
Budget-Friendly: Making Crispy Skillet Cornbread at Home
This skillet cornbread recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, and the recipe yields two 9-inch cornbreads, making it suitable for a family of four. The cost for the ingredients is approximately $10, making it an economical choice. The versatility of cornbread also adds value, as it can be served as a side dish or enjoyed on its own. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delicious outcome.
Is Crispy Skillet Cornbread a Healthy Choice?
This crispy skillet cornbread recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. The recipe contains a significant amount of refined flour, sugar, and fat from the vegetable oil, butter, and whole milk. These ingredients contribute to the high calorie content and may raise concerns about excessive consumption of saturated fats and simple carbohydrates.
However, there are several ways to make this recipe healthier without compromising its taste and texture:
- Replace a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour to increase the fiber content and nutritional value
- Reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe, as the cornmeal already provides a natural sweetness
- Substitute the whole milk with low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative like almond milk to decrease the saturated fat content
- Use a healthier oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil, instead of vegetable oil
- Incorporate additional ingredients like fresh corn kernels, diced bell peppers, or chopped jalapenos to add more vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the cornbread
By making these adjustments, you can create a more nutritious version of the crispy skillet cornbread while still enjoying its satisfying taste and texture. Remember, moderation is key, and this cornbread can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when paired with other nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Editor's Take on This Crispy Skillet Cornbread Recipe
The recipe for crispy skillet cornbread is a classic and delicious choice. The combination of cornmeal, milk, and eggs creates a moist and flavorful cornbread, while the use of cast-iron skillets adds a delightful crispy texture. The addition of sugar provides a perfect balance of sweetness, making it a versatile side dish for any meal. The simplicity of the recipe allows for easy preparation, and the make-ahead option adds convenience. Overall, this recipe is a winner for its taste, texture, and ease of preparation.
Enhance Your Crispy Skillet Cornbread Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Traditional Cornbread Recipes
Why trust this Crispy Skillet Cornbread Recipe:
This recipe for crispy skillet cornbread is a tried and true classic, guaranteed to satisfy your craving for a delicious and comforting side dish. The combination of cornmeal and butter creates a rich and flavorful base, while the addition of milk and eggs ensures a moist and tender texture. The use of cast-iron skillets allows for even heat distribution, resulting in a perfectly crispy crust. With simple yet essential ingredients like all purpose flour and sugar, this recipe is a trustworthy choice for anyone seeking a delightful cornbread experience.
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