Southern cornbread muffins are a staple in many Southern households, and for good reason. This classic recipe combines the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, creating a mouthwatering treat that pairs well with any meal. But what sets this particular recipe apart from others is the use of bacon grease, adding an extra layer of depth and richness to each bite. If you're ready to take your cornbread game to the next level, keep reading for the full recipe and step-by-step instructions.
Welcome to our collection of the top 20 Beer Can Chicken recipes! We've scoured the internet and tested countless recipes to bring you the best and most delicious ways to cook a whole chicken on a beer can. And what better way to do it than with a Southern twist? In this section, we'll be exploring some mouth-watering Southern cornbread recipes that pair perfectly with Beer Can Chicken.
No Southern meal is complete without a side of warm, fluffy biscuits and creamy gravy. These recipes are perfect for soaking up all the delicious juices from your Beer Can Chicken. Whether you prefer a classic buttermilk biscuit or a unique twist with added ingredients like cheese or herbs, we've got you covered.
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Simple Cast Iron Southern Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Bacon Grease, Large Egg, Vegetable Oil, Buttermilk
Nothing beats a classic Southern cornbread baked in a cast iron skillet. This recipe is simple yet flavorful, with a perfectly crisp crust and a moist and tender center. With just a few ingredients, you can create a mouth-watering side dish that will elevate your Beer Can Chicken to a whole new level.
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Anne Byrn's True Southern Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Bacon Grease, White Cornmeal, Buttermilk, All Purpose
For a truly authentic Southern cornbread experience, try this recipe from Anne Byrn, the author of "The Cake Mix Doctor" series. With a touch of buttermilk and a hint of sugar, this cornbread is a perfect balance of sweet and savory. And the best part? It's ready in just 30 minutes!
If you're looking for a delicious and unique way to serve corn, look no further than this Southern fried corn recipe. Fresh corn kernels are sautéed in butter and bacon drippings, then seasoned with herbs and spices for a mouth-watering side dish that will pair perfectly with your Beer Can Chicken.
This creamy and tangy tomato gravy is the perfect accompaniment to your Beer Can Chicken. Made with diced tomatoes, onions, and bacon, this savory sauce adds an extra layer of flavor to any meal. Serve it over biscuits or mashed potatoes for a truly Southern experience.
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Fried Green Tomato
Main Ingredients: Bacon Grease, Vegetable Oil, Large Egg, Milk, White
Fried green tomatoes are a classic Southern dish that pairs perfectly with Beer Can Chicken. These tangy and crispy bites are made with firm green tomatoes dipped in a buttermilk and cornmeal batter, then fried to perfection. Serve them as a tasty appetizer or side dish to complement your main course.
For a creamy and delicious side dish, try this Southern-style creamed corn recipe. Fresh corn kernels are simmered in a rich and savory cream sauce, then topped with crispy bacon and fresh herbs. This dish is the perfect addition to any meal, especially when paired with Beer Can Chicken.
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Cast Iron Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, All Purpose Flour, White Sugar, Baking
Another classic Southern cornbread recipe that is a must-try is this cast iron cornbread. The cast iron skillet gives it a perfectly crisp crust, while the inside remains moist and fluffy. This recipe is versatile and can be easily customized with added ingredients like cheese, jalapenos, or herbs.
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Red Beans and Rice
Main Ingredients: Red Beans, Bacon Grease, Tasso, Yellow Onions, Chopped
For a hearty and flavorful side dish, try this traditional Southern red beans and rice recipe. Red beans are simmered with onions, peppers, and spices for a delicious and comforting dish that pairs perfectly with Beer Can Chicken. This dish is a staple in Southern cuisine and is sure to be a hit at your next meal.
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Southern Style Skillet Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Shortening
Take your biscuits to the next level with this Southern-style skillet biscuit recipe. These biscuits are baked in a cast iron skillet, giving them a perfectly crisp crust and a soft and fluffy interior. Serve them alongside your Beer Can Chicken for a delicious and comforting meal.
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Hoecake
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, Egg, Milk, Bacon Grease
For a unique and delicious twist on traditional cornbread, try this hoecake recipe. Made with cornmeal and buttermilk, these thin and crispy cakes are perfect for sopping up all the delicious juices from your Beer Can Chicken. Top them with butter and honey for a sweet and savory treat.
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Buttermilk Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Buttermilk, Eggs
This buttermilk skillet cornbread is another classic Southern recipe that is sure to be a hit. The buttermilk adds a tangy and creamy flavor, while the cast iron skillet gives it a perfect crispy crust. Serve it warm with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey for a delicious side dish.
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Southern-Style Green Beans
Main Ingredients: Green Beans, Bacon, Bacon Grease, Beef Bouillon Cubes
Green beans are a staple in Southern cuisine, and this recipe is a must-try. Fresh green beans are simmered in a flavorful broth with bacon, onions, and spices, creating a delicious and comforting side dish. Serve it alongside your Beer Can Chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.
For a hearty and indulgent side dish, try this Southern chicken fried steak recipe. Tenderized steak is coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried to perfection, creating a crispy and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with Beer Can Chicken. Serve it with a creamy gravy for dipping.
Black-eyed peas are a Southern tradition, and this recipe is an essential part of any meal. These peas are slow-cooked in a savory broth with bacon, onions, and spices, creating a delicious and hearty side dish that is perfect for pairing with Beer Can Chicken.
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Southern Fried Cabbage With Sausage
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Smoked Sausage, Diced Ham, Large Yellow Onion
Fried cabbage is a classic Southern dish, and this recipe adds a delicious twist with the addition of sausage. The cabbage is sautéed with onions, peppers, and spices, then combined with crispy sausage for a flavorful and filling side dish. Serve it alongside your Beer Can Chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.
Fried green tomatoes are a Southern staple, and this recipe takes them to the next level. Thick slices of green tomatoes are coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried to a crispy golden brown. Serve them as a tasty side dish or snack to complement your Beer Can Chicken.
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Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Main Ingredients: Fresh Green Beans, Smoked Ham Hocks, Chicken Broth
For a simple and delicious side dish, try this slow cooker Southern green beans recipe. Fresh green beans are slow-cooked with bacon, onions, and spices, creating a flavorful and tender dish that pairs perfectly with Beer Can Chicken. And the best part? It's easy and hands-off!
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Country Homestyle Cornbread
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Buttermilk, Honey, Bacon Grease
Last but certainly not least, we have another classic Southern cornbread recipe. This country homestyle cornbread is made with simple ingredients and baked to perfection in a cast iron skillet. Serve it warm with a pat of butter for a comforting and delicious side dish to accompany your Beer Can Chicken.
Why Use Bacon Grease?
There's no denying that bacon grease adds a distinct and delicious flavor to any dish. But when it comes to cornbread, the addition of this magical ingredient takes it to a whole new level. Not only does it add a smoky and savory element to the muffins, but it also helps create a crispy and golden crust that is irresistible. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a little bit of bacon in their cornbread?
How to Incorporate Bacon Grease into the Recipe
Now that you know why bacon grease is a game changer in this cornbread muffin recipe, let's talk about how to use it. First, you'll need to cook up some bacon in a skillet until it's nice and crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside to cool. Do not discard the bacon grease! Instead, use it as the fat in the recipe, replacing any butter or oil that may typically be used. Not only will this give your muffins a rich and savory flavor, but it's also a great way to use up leftover bacon grease.
Other Tips for the Perfect Southern Cornbread Muffins
Now that you have the secret ingredient, here are a few other tips to ensure your cornbread muffins turn out perfectly. First, make sure to preheat your oven and warm up your muffin tin before pouring in the batter. This will help create that crispy crust we all love. Also, be sure to not overmix the batter, as this can result in dense and tough muffins. Finally, if you want a little extra sweetness in your muffins, consider adding a drizzle of honey over the top before baking.
In Conclusion
Incorporating bacon grease into your Southern cornbread muffin recipe is a delicious and easy way to elevate this classic dish. Not only does it add a rich and savory flavor, but it also helps create a crispy and golden crust that will have your taste buds dancing. So the next time you make cornbread, don't forget to save your bacon grease and give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you.
