Southern Cornbread
Southern Cornbread is a savory, dense quick bread that is a staple of the American South, traditionally made with cornmeal, buttermilk, eggs, and fat such as lard or bacon grease. Unlike its sweeter Northern counterparts, this version is typically baked in a cast-iron skillet to create a signature crispy, golden-brown crust. It is often served as a side dish to accompany hearty meals like chili, beans, or fried chicken.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is primarily a source of carbohydrates and fat, providing a moderate amount of protein and essential minerals like iron and magnesium. A typical serving generally falls within the range of 150 to 250 calories, depending on the specific amount of fat used in the preparation.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbs | 32 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.3 mg |
| Folate | 60 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 2.0 mg |
| Phosphorus | 100 mg |
| Magnesium | 20 mg |
| Selenium | 6 mcg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.1 mg |
Per 1 piece (approx. 85 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
A defining characteristic of authentic Southern Cornbread is the complete absence of sugar, which allows the natural, earthy flavor of the cornmeal to shine through. The use of a preheated cast-iron skillet is a unique culinary technique that essentially fries the bottom of the bread, creating a distinctively crunchy texture that is highly prized in Southern cuisine.
