Tennessee Granny Spills the Beans—You’ll Wish You’d Known Her Cornbread Trick Sooner!
A Tennessee grandmother shares her simple but game-changing cornbread trick. Try this method for the best homemade cornbread! 🌐 #News #NashvilleTN #Tennessee #Lifestyle
NASHVILLE, TN — Sally J. is a lovable grandmother from Nashville, Tennessee who has been making cornbread for decades. She swears by a simple trick that takes this Southern staple to the next level. If you’ve ever wondered how to make the fluffiest, most flavorful cornbread, Sally’s secret might just change the way you bake forever.
The Secret to Perfect Cornbread
Sally’s method is surprisingly simple but makes a big difference: she preheats her cast-iron skillet in the oven before pouring in the batter. This technique creates a crisp, golden crust while keeping the inside soft and moist. The moment the batter hits the hot skillet, it sizzles, forming a crunchy bottom layer that gives every bite a satisfying texture.
Ingredients for Sally’s Cornbread
To make this classic Southern cornbread, you’ll need:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon bacon grease (for the skillet)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Skillet – Place a cast-iron skillet in the oven and preheat to 425°F. Let the skillet heat up for at least 10 minutes.
Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using).
Prepare Wet Ingredients – In another bowl, beat the eggs, then mix in buttermilk and melted butter.
Combine – Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Grease the Skillet – Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and add bacon grease, swirling to coat the bottom and sides.
Pour and Bake – Immediately pour the batter into the skillet and return it to the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Serve – Let the cornbread rest for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm with butter or honey.
FAQs: Perfect Cornbread
Q: Can I make this without a cast-iron skillet?
A: Yes, but the crust won’t be as crispy. A heavy-duty baking dish can work, but preheating is still recommended.
Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk?
A: You can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for five minutes before using.
Q: Can I add other ingredients?
A: Absolutely! Many people enjoy mixing in jalapeños, shredded cheese, or cooked crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
Q: How should I store leftover cornbread?
A: Wrap it tightly in plastic or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze.
RELATED TOPICS: Food | Lifestyle | Tennessee
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