Crackling Cornbread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cornbread is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, from the crispy cracklings to the rich, buttery interior. The addition of cooked beef bits gives it an extra smoky depth, while the buttermilk makes it moist and tender. It’s the ultimate comfort food that pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp beef drippings (or more butter)
• 1 ½ cups self-rising yellow cornmeal
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup cooked beef bits, finely chopped
• 1 cup beef cracklings (roughly chopped)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Skillet: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Add butter and beef drippings to a 10-inch cast iron skillet. Place the skillet in the oven while it preheats to melt the fats.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs.
4. Combine: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Stir in chopped beef bits and cracklings by hand.
5. Bake: Remove the skillet from the oven, swirling it to coat the bottom and sides with the melted fats. Pour the cornbread batter into the hot skillet and sprinkle the remaining cracklings on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Serve: Slice and serve while warm with butter.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Total Time: 40 minutes (10 minutes prep, 30 minutes cook)

Variations

• Add-ins: You can experiment with adding cooked ground beef, Cajun seasoning, or diced bell peppers for added flavor.
• Vegan Option: Replace the butter, eggs, and dairy with plant-based alternatives for a vegan twist.

Storage/Reheating

• To Store: Wrap leftover cornbread tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• To Freeze: Cool completely and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

FAQs

Can I use regular cornmeal?

Yes, but self-rising cornmeal provides better texture and lift.

How can I make this cornbread spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.

Can I skip the beef and cracklings?

Yes, but they add a delicious savory flavor and texture to the bread.

Can I make this in a baking dish instead of a skillet?

Absolutely, a 9-inch baking dish works fine—just adjust the baking time slightly.

Can I use another type of meat?

Yes, diced cooked chicken or turkey can work well too.

Conclusion

Crackling Cornbread is a delicious Southern staple made even better with rich, flavorful beef bits and crispy cracklings. It’s perfect for pairing with hearty stews or simply enjoyed on its own warm from the oven. This easy recipe is sure to become a comforting favorite!

Crackling Cornbread

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Category: Bread, Side Dish, Southern Recipes
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

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Description

Crackling Cornbread is a Southern classic made with crispy beef cracklings, tender cornbread, and rich beef drippings for a deeply savory flavor and irresistible texture. Perfect as a side dish for soups, stews, or chili, this hearty cornbread is crisp on the outside and moist on the inside—a true comfort food staple.

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Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp beef drippings (or additional butter)

• 1 ½ cups self-rising yellow cornmeal

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 ¼ cups buttermilk

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup cooked beef bits, finely chopped

• 1 cup beef cracklings, roughly chopped

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Instructions

• Preheat Oven & Skillet: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place butter and beef drippings in a 10-inch cast iron skillet and set it in the oven while it preheats.

• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, and salt.

• Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and combine with buttermilk.

• Combine Ingredients: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Fold in chopped beef bits and cracklings.

• Bake: Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and swirl to coat with melted fats. Pour the batter into the skillet and sprinkle extra cracklings on top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

• Serve: Let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm with butter.

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Notes

• Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the batter.

• Alternative Meats: You can use diced cooked sausage, turkey, or chicken in place of beef bits.

• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute plant-based milk and butter, and use flax eggs for a vegan-friendly version.