Perfect Christmas Cornbread — The Southern Christmas Side

Cornbread is the Southern Christmas side. Cast iron technique. Crispy crust; tender interior.

The classic recipe (cast iron skillet)

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup flour
• 1/4 cup sugar (or skip for savory)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs

Method

1. Preheat oven to 425°F with cast iron skillet inside
2. Mix dry ingredients
3. Whisk wet ingredients
4. Combine
5. Add 2 tablespoons oil to hot skillet (sizzles)
6. Pour batter into hot skillet
7. Bake 20-25 minutes
8. Cool 5 min; turn out

Sweet vs savory

Sweet (Northern)

• Sugar in batter
• Cake-like texture
• Pairs with butter; honey

Savory (Southern)

• No sugar
• Crumbly texture
• Pairs with chili; collards

Variations

• Jalapeño-cheddar
• Bacon-cheddar
• Add cranberries (Christmas)
• Add fresh herbs

Cross-references

For perfect Christmas dinner rolls — adjacent.

For Christmas dinner ideas — broader.

For perfect Christmas mac and cheese — pairs.

For perfect Christmas ham — pairs.

Perfect Christmas cornbread is the Southern side. Cast iron crust. Sweet or savory. Pairs with everything.