18 Southern Cornbread Recipe Bacon Grease Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Apr 11, 2024
Southern cornbread is a staple in many households, and for good reason. It's a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a side or eaten on its own. And while there are many variations of this beloved recipe, one ingredient that truly sets it apart is the use of bacon grease. Not only does it add a rich and smoky flavor, but it also gives the cornbread a crispy and golden crust. In this article, we'll share with you a professional and well-organized introduction to our southern cornbread recipe using bacon grease. So get ready to add a new level of deliciousness to your cornbread.
No Southern meal is complete without a side of warm and fluffy cornbread. This classic dish is a staple in Southern cuisine and pairs perfectly with tender, juicy Beer Can Chicken. There are many variations of Southern cornbread, but here are some of the best recipes to try:
2of 20
Simple Cast Iron Southern Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Bacon Grease, Large Egg, Vegetable Oil, Buttermilk
This cast iron skillet cornbread recipe is a crowd favorite. With a crispy crust and a soft, moist inside, it's the perfect balance of flavors and textures. To make this recipe even more delicious, try adding some shredded cheddar cheese or diced jalapenos for a kick.
3of 20
Anne Byrn's True Southern Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Bacon Grease, White Cornmeal, Buttermilk, All Purpose
This recipe comes from the queen of Southern cooking, Anne Byrn. Her secret ingredient? Buttermilk. It adds a tangy flavor to the cornbread and makes it extra moist. Serve this alongside your Beer Can Chicken for a true taste of the South.
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy some homemade Southern cornbread, this is the recipe for you. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this cornbread is quick to whip up and pairs perfectly with any meal. For a sweeter version, add a bit of honey to the batter.
5of 20
Mom's Southern Cornbread Dressing
Main Ingredients: Turkey Stock, Turkey Thighs, Large Yellow Onions
Cornbread dressing is a classic Southern side dish, typically served on holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas. But there's no reason you can't enjoy it with your Beer Can Chicken any time of the year. This recipe, passed down from generation to generation, will have you feeling like you're sitting at your mom's dinner table.
While not technically cornbread, these Southern biscuits are a perfect addition to your Beer Can Chicken meal. The flaky, buttery biscuits smothered in a rich and creamy gravy will have your taste buds singing. For an extra indulgent twist, add some crumbled bacon on top.
The combination of sweet corn, peppers, and bacon makes this dish a must-try for any Southern food enthusiast. By frying the corn in a skillet, you get a crispy and caramelized texture that pairs perfectly with the tender Beer Can Chicken. For a vegetarian option, substitute the bacon with some smoked paprika.
This savory gravy is the perfect accompaniment to your Beer Can Chicken and cornbread. Made with fresh tomatoes, onions, and a touch of sugar, this gravy is full of flavor and is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it over your chicken and cornbread for a deliciously Southern meal.
9of 20
Fried Green Tomato
Main Ingredients: Bacon Grease, Vegetable Oil, Large Egg, Milk, White
Another classic Southern dish, fried green tomatoes make a delicious and unique side dish for your Beer Can Chicken. The tangy and slightly tart flavor of the tomatoes pairs well with the juicy chicken, and the crispy coating adds a nice crunch. For an extra kick, sprinkle some cayenne pepper in the batter.
If you're looking for a creamy and comforting side dish, look no further than Southern creamed corn. This rich and indulgent dish is made with fresh corn, cream, and butter, making it the perfect complement to your Beer Can Chicken. For a healthier version, substitute the cream with coconut milk.
11of 20
Cast Iron Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, All Purpose Flour, White Sugar, Baking
There's something special about cooking cornbread in a cast iron skillet. This old-fashioned method creates a perfectly crispy and golden crust, while keeping the inside soft and moist. Serve this with your Beer Can Chicken for a true Southern experience.
12of 20
Red Beans and Rice
Main Ingredients: Red Beans, Bacon Grease, Tasso, Yellow Onions, Chopped
This classic Southern dish is a hearty and flavorful side to serve with your Beer Can Chicken. The combination of beans, rice, and spices creates a dish that will warm you up from the inside out. For a shortcut, use canned red beans instead of dried ones.
13of 20
Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
This skillet cornbread is a staple in Southern households. The recipe is simple, but the result is a deliciously fluffy and buttery cornbread that pairs perfectly with a serving of Beer Can Chicken. For a twist, add some crumbled cooked sausage to the batter.
14of 20
Southern Style Skillet Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Shortening
If you're a fan of flaky and buttery biscuits, this recipe is a must-try. Made in a cast iron skillet, these biscuits have a crispy exterior and a soft and tender inside. Serve them alongside your Beer Can Chicken for a Southern-style feast.
15of 20
Hoecake
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, Egg, Milk, Bacon Grease
This simple and rustic cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine. Made with just cornmeal, water, and salt, this recipe dates back to the early days of Southern cooking. For a sweeter version, add a bit of sugar to the batter.
16of 20
Buttermilk Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Buttermilk, Eggs
Buttermilk adds a tangy and rich flavor to this skillet cornbread, making it a perfect side dish for your Beer Can Chicken. The cast iron skillet creates a crispy crust, while the buttermilk keeps the inside moist and tender. For a twist, add some chopped green onions to the batter.
This classic Southern dish is the ultimate comfort food. Tenderized steak is coated in a seasoned breading and fried to perfection, creating a crispy and flavorful exterior. Serve it with your Beer Can Chicken for a hearty and delicious meal.
Black-eyed peas are a staple in Southern cuisine and for good reason. Their creamy texture and earthy flavor make them the perfect accompaniment to your Beer Can Chicken. For added flavor, cook them with some smoked ham hock or bacon.
19of 20
Southern Fried Cabbage With Sausage
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Smoked Sausage, Diced Ham, Large Yellow Onion
This simple and tasty dish is a great way to incorporate some veggies into your Beer Can Chicken meal. The cabbage is cooked in a skillet with sausage and seasonings, creating a flavorful and hearty side dish. For a vegetarian option, omit the sausage or substitute it with some smoked tofu.
20of 20
Southern-Style Green Beans
Main Ingredients: Green Beans, Bacon, Bacon Grease, Beef Bouillon Cubes
Green beans are a classic side dish in Southern cooking, and this recipe takes them to the next level. The beans are cooked with bacon, onions, and seasonings, creating a delicious and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with your Beer Can Chicken. For a healthier option, use turkey bacon instead of pork.
Why Bacon Grease?
When it comes to southern cornbread, there are a few key ingredients that are non-negotiable: cornmeal, flour, salt, and buttermilk. But the one ingredient that truly sets it apart is the use of bacon grease. This flavorful fat is a by-product of cooking bacon and is often saved and used in traditional southern cooking. And while you may be tempted to substitute it with other fats such as butter or oil, trust us, you don't want to miss out on the unique flavor and texture that bacon grease brings to this dish.
The Flavor Factor
One of the main reasons why bacon grease is a must-have in our southern cornbread recipe is its incredible flavor. Bacon is known for its smoky and savory taste, and when the grease is added to the cornbread batter, it infuses the entire dish with its deliciousness. This adds a depth of flavor that simply cannot be replicated with other fats. Plus, the small bits of bacon that may be left in the grease also add a crunchy texture to the cornbread, making each bite a delight.
Golden and Crispy Crust
Another benefit of using bacon grease in our cornbread recipe is the golden and crispy crust it creates. When the hot grease is poured into the preheated cast-iron skillet, it creates a sizzle and a layer of fat that coats the bottom of the pan. When the cornbread batter is poured in, it immediately starts to cook and crisp up, resulting in a beautiful and crunchy crust. This is what gives southern cornbread its signature appearance and texture.
How to Use Bacon Grease in Cornbread
Using bacon grease in cornbread is simple and easy. First, you'll need to cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it's crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside to cool. Then, pour the hot bacon grease into a measuring cup and let it cool slightly. In the meantime, mix together the dry ingredients for your cornbread batter. Once the bacon grease has cooled, add it to the batter along with the buttermilk and mix until just combined. Pour the batter into a preheated cast-iron skillet and bake according to your recipe's instructions.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, adding bacon grease to your southern cornbread recipe is a game-changer. Not only does it bring a delicious and unique flavor to the dish, but it also creates a beautiful and crispy crust. So next time you're making cornbread, don't forget the bacon grease. Your taste buds will thank you.
