Cast-Iron Skillet Cornbread - freshly baked bread

Cast-Iron Skillet Cornbread

Cornbread & Biscuits

Cornbread baked in a sizzling-hot cast-iron skillet for a crispy, golden crust on the bottom and sides.

Prep Time

5 min

Bake Time

25 min

Servings

10

Calories

200

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a cast-iron skillet or baking pan.

  2. 2

    Mix Dry

    Combine cornmeal/flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

  3. 3

    Add Wet

    Stir in buttermilk, melted butter, and egg until just combined.

  4. 4

    Bake

    Pour into prepared pan. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and set.

Baker's Notes

The number one rule of biscuits: cold butter, cold buttermilk, and work the dough as little as possible. Every extra fold develops gluten and costs you flakiness.

Baker Thomas Moreau

About This Recipe

There's something almost primal about cornbread baked in a screaming-hot cast-iron skillet — the moment you pour that batter in, you hear it hiss and sizzle, and that's the sound of magic happening. The result is a cake-like interior with a crackly, caramelized crust along the bottom and edges, studded with the sweetness of cornmeal and the tang of buttermilk.

It's a staple across Canada because it does double duty: equally at home alongside poutine and smoked meats, or slathered with honey butter at a weekend brunch. The beauty is in how little fuss it takes — five minutes of mixing, twenty-five in the oven, and you've got something that tastes like home.

Tips for the Best Cast-Iron Skillet Cornbread

Le secret, c'est de préchauffer votre poêlon à vide pendant que le four monte en température, puis d'y verser la pâte directement sur la fonte fumante. Et surtout, ne mélangez pas trop la pâte : quelques grumeaux sont non seulement acceptables, ils garantissent un pain moelleux plutôt que compact.

What to Serve With It

Servez-le avec une bonne couche de beurre, accompagné d'un bol de chili, de saucisses fumées ou d'un rôti de porc. Pour une touche québécoise, napez-le de sirop d'érable ou accompagnez-le de confiture de bleuets — il se marie parfaitement avec le café ou le cidre.

Storage & Reheating

Conservez les restes dans un contenant hermétique à température ambiante jusqu'à deux jours, ou au réfrigérateur jusqu'à quatre jours. Réchauffez les tranches quelques minutes dans une poêle chaude pour retrouver le croustillant, ou au micro-ondes si vous êtes pressé.

Nutrition Facts

200

cal

7g

Protein

4g

Fat

35g

Carbs

2g

Fiber

203mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour and baking powder?+

Yes, but reduce or omit the baking powder since self-rising flour already contains it. Watch the salt too, as self-rising flour is usually salted.

What if I don't have buttermilk?+

Make a quick substitute by adding one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then filling the rest with milk. Stir and let sit for five minutes before using.

Can I freeze this cornbread?+

Absolutely. Wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in a skillet to restore the crust.

Why does my cornbread turn out dry?+

Most likely it's been overbaked or overmixed. Start checking at twenty minutes, pull it when the edges are golden and the center just sets, and mix only until the batter comes together.

Can I make this in a regular baking pan instead of cast iron?+

You can, but you won't get the same signature crispy crust. A regular pan works fine — just grease it well and expect a softer, more uniform texture all around.

Tips & Tricks

  • Don't overmix the batter — a few lumps are fine and prevent tough cornbread.
  • A preheated cast-iron skillet gives the best golden crust.
  • Cold butter is the secret to flaky biscuits — freeze it and grate it in.

Reviews (3)

André G.★★★★★

Just like from the bakery! The crust is crispy and the crumb is soft. Bravo for this extraordinary recipe.

Chantal D.★★★★★

Easy to prepare and so delicious! Even my picky kids went for seconds. This bread has become a staple in our home.

Pierre T.★★★★★

Excellent recipe. I followed the instructions to the letter and the result was perfect. My wife loved it. The best homemade bread I've made.