This homemade crackling cornbread is warm, fluffy, and packed with bits of crunchy cracklings for a lovely twist! It’s a great side dish for soups or stews, and everyone will love it.
Plus, it’s super easy to whip up! I always make it when I want to impress guests without spending too much time in the kitchen. You’ll find it disappears fast at my house! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is your base for the cornbread. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend instead. Just make sure it’s suitable for baking!
Yellow Cornmeal: You want that classic cornbread texture. If you can’t find yellow cornmeal, white cornmeal works just as well. You can also use fine or medium grind depending on the texture you prefer.
Granulated Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness, but if you’re cutting back, you can reduce it or use honey instead for a natural sweetener. Just adjust the liquid ingredients if you do!
Pork Cracklings: These are what make this cornbread special! If you’re looking for a non-pork option, try crispy bacon bits or even sautéed mushrooms for a delicious alternative.
How Do I Ensure My Cornbread is Light and Fluffy?
A common challenge with cornbread is achieving that light, fluffy texture. Here are the steps to help you succeed:
- Mix the dry ingredients first to ensure even distribution of baking powder and salt.
- When combining wet and dry ingredients, stir gently. Overmixing can lead to dense cornbread.
- Make sure your skillet is hot before pouring in the batter. This helps create a nice crust.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Every oven is different, so check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time.
Homemade Crackling Cornbread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup pork cracklings, chopped (pork rinds or fried pork skin)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 to 25 minutes to bake. So, you can have delicious homemade crackling cornbread ready in about 30-35 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a 9-inch cast iron skillet inside the oven to heat up while you mix the batter. A hot skillet helps create that perfect crust!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until everything is well mixed.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter until everything is blended smoothly. This helps to incorporate air for a fluffy texture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir them together until just combined. Remember, don’t overmix—it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
5. Add the Cracklings:
Now, fold in the chopped pork cracklings gently. This adds a delightful crunch to your cornbread.
6. Prepare the Skillet:
Carefully take the hot skillet out of the oven and lightly grease it with butter or oil. This ensures your cornbread doesn’t stick!
7. Pour the Batter:
Pour the batter into the hot skillet, spreading it out evenly to ensure even baking.
8. Bake:
Bake your cornbread in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. It’s ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the slices to hold their shape!
10. Serve Warm:
Enjoy your crackling cornbread warm, either plain or with a dab of butter or a drizzle of honey. It’s sure to be a hit!
Enjoy your warm, crispy, and flavorful homemade crackling cornbread!
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Can I Use Different Types of Milk for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer a lower-fat option, you can use 2% milk or even almond milk as a dairy-free alternative. Just make sure to use unsweetened versions if using plant-based milk to maintain the flavor balance.
What Can I Substitute for Pork Cracklings?
If you want to go for a vegetarian option, try using crispy roasted chickpeas or sautéed onions for added texture and flavor. Alternatively, crispy bacon bits would also work well if you’re looking for a pork substitute.
How Do I Store Leftover Cornbread?
Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Make This Cornbread Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. However, for the best texture, I recommend baking it fresh and enjoying it warm from the oven when possible!