Ben Mims’ Perfect Cornbread
Photo: Brian Woodcock
If you’re wondering how one can possibly make classic cornbread even better, we can provide two helpful hints: cook it in a cast-iron skillet and brown your butter. That’s just what recipe developer Ben Mims did when he created this recipe to pair along with his Cornbread Pudding with Whiskey Caramel Sauce. This cornbread recipe doesn’t call for even a teaspoon of sugar—savory cornbread enthusiasts will be happy to know. Ben Mims’ Perfect Cornbread is a no-frills, good-as-it-gets recipe for a Southern classic that you won’t be able to pass up. Another tactic we’ve found to catapult cornbread to best-ever status is getting that skillet nice and piping hot before adding in the batter. This helps a thick crust form around the edges from the get-go—a must-have as far as we’re concerned. While this recipe is used in our Cornbread Pudding with Whiskey Caramel Sauce, don’t be surprised if your family starts to request it à la carte. It’s just that good.
How to Make It
Step 1
Preheat oven to 425°. Whisk together first 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk together buttermilk and eggs; stir into cornmeal mixture just until combined. Heat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it just begins to smoke. Add butter, and stir until butter is melted. Stir melted butter into cornbread batter. Pour batter into hot skillet.
Step 2
Bake at 425° for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden and cornbread pulls away from sides of skillet. Invert cornbread onto a wire rack; serve warm
