Southern Cornbread Recipe with Beef Tallow
This Southern Cornbread Recipe with Beef Tallow combines the richness of beef tallow with stone-ground cornmeal for a crispy, golden crust and a soft, moist interior. Made with simple ingredients like whole milk, eggs, and a touch of sweetness, this cornbread delivers an authentic Southern flavor. Perfect for pairing with your favorite Southern dishes, it’s a must-try recipe for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup 120 grams stone-ground cornmeal.
- ½ cup 60 grams all-purpose flour.
- 4 tablespoons 60 grams beef tallow (melted, reserve some for heating the skillet).
- 2 large eggs.
- 1 cup 240 ml whole milk.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder.
- ½ teaspoon salt.
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar optional, based on preference.
Instructions
- Preparing the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if you're using it). In another bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until well combined. Melt the beef tallow and set aside two tablespoons for heating the skillet later.
- Combining the Ingredients: Gradually add the egg and milk mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until the ingredients are well combined. Be careful not to overmix. Then, add two tablespoons of melted beef tallow and stir gently until the batter is smooth and consistent.
- Heating the Skillet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a cast-iron skillet or baking pan in the oven with the remaining two tablespoons of beef tallow and let it heat for about 5 minutes until it's very hot.
- Baking: Pour the batter into the hot skillet carefully to avoid splattering the hot fat. Place the skillet in 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.
- Serving and Enjoying: Let the cornbread cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting it into pieces. Serve alongside your favorite Southern dishes like fried chicken or bean soup and enjoy the authentic flavor!