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Grandmother's Buttermilk Cornbread

Grandmother’s Buttermilk Cornbread

This Southern classic is savory, buttery, and baked to golden perfection in a cast iron skillet. Made with buttermilk, cornmeal, and simple pantry staples, it’s the kind of cornbread worth passing down for generations.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal (stone-ground, if possible)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1–2 tbsp unsalted butter or bacon drippings (for skillet)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven with 1–2 tbsp butter or bacon drippings.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Stir until just combined—do not overmix.
  4. Carefully remove hot skillet from oven. Swirl melted butter to coat the pan, then pour in the batter. It should sizzle.
  5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
  6. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter or honey.

Notes

  • Use a cast iron skillet for best crust and flavor.
  • No buttermilk? Use 1 1/4 cups whole milk + 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice (let sit 5 minutes).
  • Add jalapeños, cheese, or creamed corn for a twist.
  • Double the recipe for a 9×13-inch pan—bake 5–10 minutes longer.
  • Author: Selena Trump
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish, Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 340mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: southern cornbread, cast iron cornbread, buttermilk cornbread, savory cornbread