Classic and essential, this Southern cornbread recipe is a staple of dinners and potlucks.

For one, it requires just 10 minutes of hands-on prep time.

And it uses something Southerners have a lot ofbacon drippingsfor incredible flavor.

Southern Living Skillet Cornbread sliced to serve with butter

Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

writes community member goldens2luv.

It is perfectly crisp, moist, and golden brown.

This one, Im committing to memory!"

Southern Living Skillet Cornbread ingredients

Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Learn how to make this classic Southern cornbread recipe.

Because corn is so prevalent among Southern crops, cornbread has long been a regional staple.

Why Do Southerners Not Put Sugar in Cornbread?

Southern Living Skillet Cornbread dry ingredients mixed together

Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Place bacon drippings in a 9-inch cast-iron skillet; heat in oven 5 minutes.

Stir together eggs and buttermilk; add to dry mixture, stirring just until moistened.

Remove skillet from oven; tilt skillet in all directions to coat bottom.

Southern Living Skillet Cornbread with eggs and buttermilk added

Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Pour hot drippings into batter, whisking to blend.

Pour batter into hot skillet.

Bake and serve:

Bake at 425F for 27 minutes or until golden brown.

Southern Living Skillet Cornbread adding the bacon drippings to the batter

Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Invert cornbread onto a serving plate; cut into wedges.

Serve hot with butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Southern-style cornbread is tender and moist.

Southern Living Skillet Cornbread batter poured into hot pan before baking

Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Some Southerners do not like sweet cornbread.

They prefer any “sweetness” come from the corn itself.

Others will add a pinch for a more balanced cornbread.

Southern Living Skillet Cornbread after baking

Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Southern Living Skillet Cornbread cut into wedges to serve

Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall