Description

Craving real Southern cornbread? 🤤🔥 This cornbread with beef tallow is crispy on the outside, moist on the inside, and packed with authentic flavor! Made the traditional way in a cast iron skillet, this recipe is a game changer! 🥘

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

✔️ 2 cups stone-ground cornmeal (yellow or white)
✔️ ½ cup all-purpose flour (for texture)
✔️ 1 tsp salt
✔️ 1 tsp baking soda
✔️ 1½ tsp baking powder

Wet Ingredients:

✔️ 1¾ cups buttermilk (adds moisture and slight tang)
✔️ 2 eggs, lightly beaten (for structure)
✔️ 3 tbsp melted beef tallow (for flavor & texture)

For the Crispy Crust:

✔️ 2 tbsp beef tallow (heated in the skillet before adding batter)

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat Oven & Skillet:

Place a cast iron skillet in the oven at 450°F (232°C) for 10 minutes.

2️⃣ Prepare the Batter:

In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted beef tallow.
Gently mix wet and dry ingredients until just combined (don’t overmix!).

3️⃣ Preheat the Beef Tallow:

Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven.
Add 2 tbsp beef tallow, swirling to coat the bottom (it should sizzle!).

4️⃣ Bake the Cornbread:

Immediately pour the batter into the skillet.
Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

5️⃣ Cool & Serve:

Let the cornbread rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Serve with butter, honey, or alongside chili and BBQ!

Notes

Can be made ahead of time and frozen for up to 3 months.
Works with bacon grease or lard instead of beef tallow.
Add-ins: cheese, jalapeños, or bacon for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Southern Cornbread Recipe Beef Tallow