The secret to ultimate diner-style cornbread is getting your cast iron skillet piping hot before the batter hits the pan. This creates a beautifully golden, crispy bottom crust while keeping the inside incredibly moist and fluffy.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20-25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Yields: 8 slices
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- Cornmeal: 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- Flour: 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: \frac{1}{2} teaspoon
Wet Ingredients:
- Buttermilk: 1 cup (adds moisture and tang)
- Eggs: 2 large eggs
- Butter: \frac{1}{2} cup unsalted butter, melted (divided)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Skillet
- Place a 9-inch or 10-inch cast iron skillet inside your oven.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) with the skillet inside. Letting the skillet heat up with the oven is the crucial trick to getting that signature crispy bottom crust!
Step 2: Mix the Batter
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 cup cornmeal, 1 cup flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and \frac{1}{2} teaspoon salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 1 cup buttermilk and 2 eggs. Slowly pour in most of the melted butter (reserve about 1–2 tablespoons of the melted butter to grease the hot skillet later), whisking constantly so the warm butter doesn’t cook the eggs.
- Merge: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula just until combined and no dry flour spots remain. Do not overmix, or the cornbread will become dense.
Step 3: The Sizzle and Pour
- Carefully remove the hot cast iron skillet from the oven using a thick oven mitt (remember, the handle will be extremely hot!). Place it on the stovetop.
- Pour the reserved 1–2 tablespoons of melted butter directly into the hot skillet. Swirl it around carefully to coat the bottom and up the sides of the pan. It should sizzle immediately.
- Quickly pour your cornbread batter into the center of the sizzling skillet. Use your spatula to smooth out the top surface. You should hear it crackle around the edges—this is a good sign!
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
- Carefully place the loaded skillet back into the preheated oven.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is beautiful golden-brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let it cool in the skillet for about 5–10 minutes.
- Slice into wedges and serve warm with an extra pat of butter or a drizzle of honey on top!