Cast Iron Cornbread (Crispy Crust + Easy Recipe)
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Cast Iron Cornbread is a classic rustic side dish recipe that only takes a few simple ingredients to whip up. Baking cornbread in a cast iron skillet creates a crispy golden outer crust while keeping the inside soft and tender. Serve up this skillet cornbread with a batch of chili, barbecue chicken, or enjoy it on its own with some honey butter.
Cast Iron Cornbread
Looking for that perfect side dish for the family dinner, neighbor get-together or just craving a slice of cornbread?
Ditch the boxed mix and make a batch of homemade cornbread in your cast iron pan.
This recipe is not for a sweet, cake-like cornbread, but rather a nice balanced cornbread that is just right for adding a slather of honey butter or drizzle with maple syrup.
Why Bake Cornbread in Cast Iron
Besides the fact that it is absolutely nostalgic and you feel like a pioneer when using cast iron, it really is the best pan for cornbread.
The cast iron has a non-stick finish that helps the cornbread release easily from the pan after it is cooked.
Cast iron also distributes the heat evenly as it bakes so the cornbread is baked evenly throughout. Cast iron is my go-to choice for making a perfect cornbread.
How to Cook Cornbread in Cast Iron Pan
Now that I’ve convinced you to dust off that old cast iron skillet. Let’s talk about how to make buttermilk cornbread in a cast iron skillet.
- Preheat the Oven-Set your oven to 425º F. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes while it heats.
- Mix the Batter-In a large mixing bowl, add all the cornbread ingredients. Stir until just combined—don’t over mix.
- Grease Your Skillet-Use butter or oil to grease the bottom and sides of your cast iron skillet. No need to preheat the skillet first.
- Pour & Bake-Pour the batter into the greased skillet and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Cool Slightly & Serve-Let the cornbread cool for a few minutes before slicing into wedges. Serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite main dish!
Leftovers and Storage
If you have any leftovers of this cornbread, place it in an air tight container or zip top bag, and store it on the counter for up to three days. This can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
This is also so good reheated in the microwave. Just heat for about 30 seconds, and drizzle over some honey or maple syrup.
Recipe FAQs and Tips
For this recipe, you don’t need to preheat the skillet. But if you want an extra crispy crust, you can place the skillet in the oven while it preheats, then carefully pour in the batter.
Yes! Just make a quick buttermilk substitute by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before using.
Make sure your skillet is well-seasoned and greased with butter or oil if needed. This will help the cornbread release easily and create that beautiful golden crust.
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still taste delicious.
Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread Video
➡️ See this easy skillet cornbread come together step-by-step!
What to Serve with Cast Iron Cornbread
Not sure what to serve with a slice of cornbread? Let me give you a few suggestions that go great with cornbread:
Recommended Equipment
Cast Iron Cornbread
Equipment
- Cast Iron Pan (10 inch)
Ingredients
- 1½ cups cornmeal
- ½ cup flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup butter, melted and cooled
- 1¼ cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425℉. Butter or grease a 10 inch cast iron pan if needed.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the cornbread ingredients and mix for at least 1 minute with a wooden spoon.
- Allow the batter to rest for at least 10 minutes.
- Pour the batter evenly into a well-seasoned 10" cast iron pan.
- Bake 25-30 minutes until cooked through and a toothpick comes out clean.
Video
Notes
- Nutrition facts are just an estimate and provided as a courtesy.
