Description
This crispy Southern cornbread recipe made with beef tallow delivers golden edges and savory depth, thanks to old-fashioned beef fat and a hot cast iron skillet. Perfect as a side or a centerpiece, this traditional cornbread is rich in flavor and irresistibly crunchy on the outside.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups self-rising cornmeal mix
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup beef tallow (plus 2–3 tablespoons for greasing the skillet)
- 1/4 cup melted butter (optional for richness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and place a cast iron skillet with 2–3 tablespoons of beef tallow inside to heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the self-rising cornmeal mix, buttermilk, eggs, melted butter (if using), salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and swirl the melted beef tallow to coat the entire surface.
- Pour the batter into the skillet—it should sizzle immediately, which helps create a crisp, golden crust.
- Place the skillet back into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cornbread rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving warm.
- Enjoy your Southern cornbread recipe with beef tallow alongside greens, chili, or fried chicken for a comforting, classic meal.
Notes
- Make sure your cast iron skillet is fully preheated to get the crispiest crust.
- You can substitute beef tallow with bacon grease or lard if needed, though the flavor will change slightly.
- For a spicier twist, stir in chopped jalapeños or add shredded cheddar cheese to the batter.
Letting the batter rest for 5–10 minutes before baking helps hydrate the cornmeal. - If using non-self-rising cornmeal, add 2 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp baking soda to the dry mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American (Southern)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Slice
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: southern cornbread recipe beef tallow, crispy cornbread skillet, traditional southern cornbread, beef fat cornbread, cornbread with animal fat, cast iron cornbread, savory cornbread recipe