Bacon fat cornbread
Bacon fat cornbread is a savory, moist Southern staple that uses rendered bacon drippings in place of oil or butter for a deep, smoky flavor. It typically includes cornmeal, flour, eggs, buttermilk, and a generous spoonful of bacon fat, often baked in a cast-iron skillet. This dish is a classic comfort food from the American South, where using flavorful animal fats was both practical and delicious.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This cornbread is relatively high in fat and carbohydrates, with a moderate amount of protein from the eggs and buttermilk. A single piece (about 2x2 inches) provides roughly 200-250 calories, along with some iron and B vitamins from the cornmeal and bacon fat.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 4.5 g |
| Carbs | 28 g |
| Fat | 17 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Calcium | 90 mg |
| Potassium | 110 mg |
| Phosphorus | 120 mg |
| Vitamin A | 120 IU |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.1 mg |
| Folate | 30 mcg |
| Selenium | 6 mcg |
Per 1 piece (approx. 80 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it represents resourceful Southern cooking, where saving and reusing bacon fat was a way to add flavor and avoid waste. Nutritionally, while high in saturated fat, the use of traditional cornmeal offers some whole-grain benefits like fiber and antioxidants.
