Skillet Cornbread with Cheddar and Corn Recipe

If you’ve ever longed for that perfect, cozy bread to accompany your chili nights or Sunday dinners, you’re going to adore this Skillet Cornbread with Cheddar and Corn Recipe. I absolutely love how this cornbread gets crispy edges and a tender, cheesy crumb that’s packed with sweet bursts of corn – it’s honestly a game changer for any cornbread lover. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to get it right the first time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to balance savory, sweet, and tender textures. Using buttermilk and melted butter creates that moist crumb, whereas cheddar adds a wonderful richness and the corn provides bursts of natural sweetness. Here are a few notes on some key players:

• Yellow Cornmeal: This is the star for authentic cornbread flavor, so don’t substitute with white cornmeal if you can help it.
• All-Purpose Flour: Just a touch to give the bread structure without making it too dense.
• Baking Powder: This little lift-maker ensures your cornbread rises nicely and stays fluffy.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the savory notes.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances all the other flavors without being overpowering.
• Buttermilk: Key for that tender crumb and slight tang – it really amps up the flavor.
• Salted Butter: Melted for richness, just cooled a bit so it doesn’t cook the eggs when mixing.
• Large Eggs: These bind everything together and add moisture.
• Vegetable Shortening: This is for coating your skillet to get the perfect crust; you can also use lard or bacon grease if you like that extra depth.

Variations

I love tweaking this Skillet Cornbread with Cheddar and Corn Recipe to keep it exciting, and trust me, you’ll enjoy playing around with additions that suit your taste buds or the season.

• Jalapeño Kick: Adding chopped fresh jalapeños gives it a gentle heat that my family absolutely adores – perfect with chili nights.
• Bacon Bits: Crisp cooked bacon stirred into the batter adds smoky, savory goodness that turns this cornbread into a meal.
• Herbs & Spices: A sprinkle of fresh chives or smoked paprika can elevate it depending on what you’re serving alongside.
• Vegan Version: You can swap buttermilk for a non-dairy alternative mixed with vinegar and use vegan butter; just pick a binder to replace eggs like flax or applesauce.

How to Make Skillet Cornbread with Cheddar and Corn Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Skillet Ready & Oven Preheated

Start by heating your oven to 425°F and place your 9-inch cast iron skillet inside to get it sizzling hot. This step is key — when you pour the batter in that hot skillet, it immediately starts creating a caramelized crust that you’ll rave about.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

While the skillet is warming, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and kosher salt in a large bowl. This dry combo sets the stage for your cornbread’s texture and flavor, so make sure everything is well combined.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, melted and slightly cooled butter, and beaten eggs until smooth. Cool the butter enough to avoid cooking the eggs, which helps keep the texture nice and tender.

Step 4: Combine and Stir Gently

Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir just until everything comes together. No need to overwork the batter – you’ll notice some small lumps, but that’s exactly how you want it for tender cornbread. Overmixing can make it tough.

Step 5: Coat the Hot Skillet and Add Batter

Carefully remove the screaming hot skillet from the oven (use oven mitts, it’s thrillingly hot!). Add the vegetable shortening and swirl it around the pan to coat every inch. The shortening melts quickly and creates that crispy, golden crust you crave. Pour in the batter and spread it evenly.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for about 15 to 18 minutes until the cornbread is golden brown on top, pulling away slightly from the skillet edges. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. That peek of golden crust and cheesy bits poking through means it’s ready!

Step 7: Cool Slightly, Slice, and Serve

Give your cornbread about 10 minutes to settle in the skillet before slicing into wedges. This pause lets the cheddar set a bit but keeps the entire thing moist and tender. Grab your favorite butter or honey to drizzle on top, or just enjoy it as is!

How to Serve Skillet Cornbread with Cheddar and Corn Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and top slices with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey – it’s such a fantastic combo with the cheddar and corn already inside. Sometimes I sprinkle chopped chives or a bit of smoked paprika right before serving for a pop of color and flavor.

Side Dishes

This cornbread pairs like a dream with beans cooked low and slow, chili, or smoky barbecued meats. I’ve found even a simple green salad or coleslaw balances the richness perfectly for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday tables or potlucks, I like to serve the cornbread in its skillet right on the table for rustic charm. You can also cut into small squares and top each with a dollop of jalapeño cream cheese for a fun appetizer twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover cornbread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container on the counter at room temperature. It stays delicious for up to 5 days – perfect for quick snacks or reheating with meals.

Freezing

If I know I won’t finish it within a few days, I slice and wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. Frozen cornbread keeps well for up to 3 months, and it thaw quickly for a quick treat.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to revive the crisp crust and warm the cheesy center. You can do microwave too, but it softens the crust more than I like.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Skillet Cornbread with Cheddar and Corn Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen — the kind of recipe I turn to when I want something comforting but a little special. I love the combination of textures and flavors, and I’m sure you’ll find it becomes a household favorite too. Don’t hesitate to try it with your own twist, but either way, you’re in for a treat that brings everyone to the table with smiles. Grab your skillet, get cozy, and enjoy every cheesy, golden bite!

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