Keto Skillet Southern Cornbread with Bacon Grease
A crispy-edged Southern classic made in cast iron, this cornbread gets its savory depth from bacon grease heated to smoking in the skillet before the batter hits the pan. Stone-ground cornmeal and buttermilk create tender crumb with subtle tang, while the combination of baking powder and soda ensures a tender, cake-like interior beneath a golden-brown crust. Serve hot with butter as a side to barbecue, chili, or soul food dinners, or enjoy as breakfast bread with honey and jam.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Add bacon grease to skillet, coating bottom, then place in cold oven and preheat to 842°F.
- 2
Mix egg into buttermilk, then add cornmeal and mix well.
- 3
When oven reaches temperature after about 10 minutes, grease should be at smoking point.
- 4
Quickly stir salt, baking powder, and baking soda into batter.
- 5
Add batter all at once to hot skillet.
- 6
Bake until top just begins to brown, 15 to 20 minutes.
- 7
Turn bread out onto platter and serve hot with butter.
Tips
Use cast iron for authenticity and superior crust. Heating grease to smoking point before adding batter creates the signature crispy, browned exterior.
Stone-ground cornmeal gives better texture and flavor than regular cornmeal, but regular works in a pinch.
Stir leavening agents into batter just before adding to pan to maximize rise and prevent premature activation.
Good to Know
Keep covered at room temperature up to 2 days. Refrigerate in airtight container up to 5 days. Reheat wrapped in foil at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes.
Mix dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately up to 4 hours ahead. Combine and bake just before serving for best texture.
Serve hot with butter, honey, or jam. Pairs with chili, barbecue, fried chicken, greens, or beans.
Common Mistakes
Add leavening agents too early to avoid loss of rise and dense crumb.
Do not skip preheating bacon grease to smoking point to avoid pale, soft crust.
Do not overbake to avoid dry cornbread; check at 15 minutes.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
General Alternatives
less flavor complexity
FAQ
Can I use a different fat instead of bacon grease?
Yes. Vegetable oil, lard, or ghee work well. Use equal amounts. Bacon grease provides distinctive flavor, but other fats create good texture. Avoid olive oil, which has a competing flavor profile.
What if my oven doesn't have a preheat indicator and I don't know when 450 degrees is reached?
Wait 15-20 minutes for most ovens. Alternatively, watch the bacon grease carefully. It will begin smoking when temperature is right. Listen for a faint sizzle when batter hits pan.
How long can I keep cornbread and can I freeze it?
Room temperature storage lasts 2 days covered. Refrigerate up to 5 days in an airtight container. Freeze whole or sliced for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat directly from frozen at 350 degrees F.