About the Recipe
Buttermilk cornbread, a quintessential Southern dish, is renowned for its moist, tender crumb and crispy, golden-brown crust. This delightful combination is typically achieved by baking the batter in a preheated cast-iron skillet. The star ingredient, buttermilk, imparts a distinctive tangy flavor that harmonizes with the natural sweetness of the cornmeal. Its acidity also contributes to the creation of a light and fluffy texture.
The flavor profile of buttermilk cornbread can vary from completely savory to slightly sweet, depending on the specific recipe. This versatility makes it an ideal side dish that complements a wide range of hearty meals, including chili, soups, stews, and Southern classics like collard greens or fried chicken. Often served warm, it pairs perfectly with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
Ingredients
¾ cup masa harina or corn flour
2 cups medium grind corn meal
½ cup oat flour
¼ cup tapioca flour
1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon sea salt
2 ½ cups buttermilk
6 tablespoons butter melted
1 tablespoon sugar
2 large eggs
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 420 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet inside the oven to preheat for at least 15 minutes.
Next, place butter in the cast-iron skillet and return it to the oven to melt.
In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, masa harina, oat flour, tapioca flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, and sugar.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs. Gradually add the buttermilk mixture to the cornmeal mixture, stirring until everything is well combined. Slowly pour in the melted butter, stirring continuously until the batter is smooth and well blended.
Pour the batter into the preheated skillet.
Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the cornbread cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cornbread onto a wire rack and let it cool completely.
Notes