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.
Ingredients
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2 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp beef drippings (or additional butter)
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1 ½ cups self-rising yellow cornmeal
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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1 tsp salt
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1 ¼ cups buttermilk
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2 eggs
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1 cup cooked beef bits, finely chopped
- 1 cup beef cracklings, roughly chopped
Instructions
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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.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, and salt.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and combine with buttermilk.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Fold in chopped beef bits and cracklings.
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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.
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Serve: Let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm with butter.
Notes
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Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the batter.
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Alternative Meats: You can use diced cooked sausage, turkey, or chicken in place of beef bits.
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Dairy-Free Option: Substitute plant-based milk and butter, and use flax eggs for a vegan-friendly version.
