What ingredients do I need to make traditional Southern cornbread?

Traditional Southern cornbread requires simple ingredients: yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, buttermilk, eggs, and melted bacon grease or vegetable oil. Unlike Northern cornbread, it usually doesn’t include sugar, which keeps the flavor savory. Using buttermilk adds a tangy richness and helps the bread stay moist. For authentic flavor, avoid adding sweeteners and consider using cast iron skillets to bake for a crispy crust.

How do I get a crispy crust on Southern cornbread?

To achieve a crispy crust, preheat your cast iron skillet in the oven before adding the batter. Pour hot bacon grease or oil into the skillet just before adding the batter—this helps crisp the edges. Baking at 400-425°F for 20-25 minutes allows the cornbread’s exterior to brown nicely while keeping the inside tender. Avoid covering it during baking to keep steam from softening the crust.

Can I substitute buttermilk in Southern cornbread recipes?

Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken and curdle slightly. This homemade substitute mimics the tanginess and acidity of buttermilk, which activates the baking powder and helps the cornbread rise and stay moist.

How is Southern cornbread different from Northern cornbread?

Southern cornbread is typically savory, using no sugar and often cooked in bacon grease, resulting in a coarser texture and crispy crust. Northern cornbread recipes usually include sugar or sweeteners and more wheat flour, making the bread sweeter and softer. The cooking methods differ as well—Southern cornbread favors cast iron skillets, while Northern versions are commonly baked in a pan.

What are common mistakes to avoid when making Southern cornbread?

Common mistakes include overmixing the batter, which can make the cornbread dense; skipping preheating the skillet, leading to a less crispy crust; and adding sugar if aiming for an authentic Southern flavor. Also, using cold buttermilk or eggs can affect the texture. For best results, use room temperature ingredients, mix just until combined, and bake immediately in a hot, greased skillet.

Southern Cornbread Recipe For Moist, Easy Baking Every Time

Name: Southern Cornbread
Prep time: 7 min
Cook time: PT-489659H42M15S
Total time: PT-489659H42M15S
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 2 cups self-rising cornmeal mix; 2 eggs (or 1 extra-large egg); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or refined coconut oil, bacon grease, or lard); 1/4 cup oil for the skillet (use the same options: vegetable oil, refined coconut oil, bacon grease, or lard); 1 3/4 cups buttermilk or regular milk (start with 1 cup if using regular milk and add more as needed)

Description

🌽 This Southern Cornbread Recipe offers a moist, tender crumb with a crispy crust that pairs perfectly with classic Southern sides.
🔥 Using a well-heated cast iron skillet ensures a flavorful, golden texture every time you bake.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups self-rising cornmeal mix

2 eggs (or 1 extra-large egg)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or refined coconut oil, bacon grease, or lard)

1/4 cup oil for the skillet (use the same options: vegetable oil, refined coconut oil, bacon grease, or lard)

1 3/4 cups buttermilk or regular milk (start with 1 cup if using regular milk and add more as needed)

Instructions

1-Preheat: Set oven to 400°F

2-Mix: Combine ingredients

3-Bake: 25-30 minutes

Notes

🔥 Use a well-heated cast iron skillet with plenty of oil to achieve a crispy crust.
🥛 Start with 1 cup of regular milk and add more as needed to reach the right batter consistency.
🍯 Serve warm with traditional Southern sides or sweet jams for an authentic experience.

Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
Calories: 255 calories
Sugar: 2 grams
Sodium: 200 milligrams
Fat: 11 grams
Saturated Fat: 2 grams
Unsaturated Fat: 7 grams
Trans Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 34 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Protein: 7 grams
Cholesterol: 40 milligrams

Keywords: Southern Cornbread, Moist Cornbread, Cornbread Recipe, Simple Cornbread