Description
This southern cornbread recipe with beef tallow is a true classic! Featuring a crispy crust, fluffy interior, and deep, savory flavor, it’s perfect as a side dish for hearty Southern meals like collard greens, BBQ brisket, or chili. With step-by-step instructions, this recipe will bring the old-school cast-iron magic to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups cornmeal (stone-ground for texture)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or fine cornmeal for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons melted beef tallow (plus ¼ cup for skillet)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Skillet: Set oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a cast iron skillet inside to heat for 10 minutes. Add ¼ cup beef tallow and return skillet to oven for 5 minutes until sizzling.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, salt, and baking soda.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat eggs, buttermilk, and melted beef tallow until smooth.
- Combine: Gently mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Do not overmix; lumps are fine.
- Pour Batter: Carefully remove skillet from oven and pour sizzling tallow into the batter. Stir to combine, then pour batter into skillet (you should hear a sizzle).
- Bake: Return skillet to oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. For extra crunch, broil for 2 minutes.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes. Slice and serve warm with butter, honey, or alongside your favorite Southern dishes.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, replace the flour with fine-ground cornmeal.
- Add jalapeños or cheese for a flavorful twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250–300 kcal
- Sugar: 10–12g
- Sodium: 3.5g
- Fat: 6.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25–30g
- Trans Fat: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 12–15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: southern cornbread recipe, beef tallow, crispy cornbread, cast iron cornbread