This Pioneer Woman Cornbread recipe is your ticket to authentic Southern cornbread, and it’s incredibly easy to make! If you’re looking for a delicious, no-fuss side to complement your favorite soups, stews, or BBQ, look no further. This recipe, inspired by Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman herself, delivers a flavorful, slightly crumbly cornbread with a delightful crispy crust. Forget overly sweet, cakey versions – this is the real deal, perfect for anyone craving that genuine Southern taste. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a must-have for your recipe collection.
Pioneer Woman Cornbread Recipe as shared by Ree Drummond, ready to enjoy
At our house, cornbread is a staple, especially when chili is on the menu. It’s just not right to have one without the other! We decided to try the Pioneer Woman’s cornbread recipe from her cookbook, and it quickly became a new favorite. Being similar to our go-to recipe, we knew from the start it would be a winner.
What sets this Pioneer Woman cornbread apart is its texture and flavor profile. Unlike sweet cornbreads that resemble cake, this recipe leans towards a more traditional, savory taste. It boasts a satisfyingly grainy texture and a beautifully crisp outer crust, achieved by pouring the batter into a preheated cast iron skillet. The result is a cornbread that’s not sweet, allowing the natural corn flavor to shine through, making it the perfect accompaniment to savory dishes. We found it absolutely irresistible with a generous slather of butter!
The simplicity of this recipe is another major plus. It’s so straightforward that even kitchen novices can master it. The magic begins with melting shortening in a cast iron skillet while you prepare the batter. The batter itself is a simple mix of cornmeal, flour, salt, buttermilk, milk, egg, baking powder, and baking soda. Once the skillet is hot, you pour in the batter and bake. That’s all there is to it! This recipe proves that authentic, delicious cornbread doesn’t need to be complicated.
Golden brown Pioneer Woman Cornbread baked in a cast iron skillet, showcasing its crispy crust
This easy cornbread recipe is incredibly versatile. While it’s fantastic with soups and stews, it also pairs wonderfully with grilled meats and vegetables. Personally, I love using it as the base for my Cornbread Dressing during the holidays. In short, this Pioneer Woman Cornbread is a year-round favorite in our kitchen. Here are a few recipes from the blog that we particularly enjoy serving with this from-scratch cornbread:
Hearty black-eyed pea chili served with a slice of Pioneer Woman cornbread, a perfect Southern comfort food pairing
Black Eyed Pea Chili
This Black Eyed Pea Chili is seriously delicious and incredibly easy to make! All you need is a slice of warm cornbread to complete this hearty meal.
Slow Cooker Crack Potato Soup
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Slow Cooker Crack Potato Soup, loaded with cheddar cheese, bacon, and ranch. This soup is undeniably addictive and even better with cornbread for dipping.
Kansas City BBQ Chicken
Elevate your grilling game with Kansas City BBQ Chicken! Seasoned with an easy dry rub and slathered in BBQ sauce, this chicken is fantastic alongside a piece of savory cornbread.
Turkey Noodle Soup
Warm up with the ultimate comfort food: Turkey Noodle Soup. Packed with turkey, spinach, tomatoes, and noodles in a rich turkey broth, it’s made even better with a side of homemade cornbread.
Pioneer Woman’s Cornbread Recipe
Author: Plain Chicken
Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Pioneer Woman’s Cornbread – authentic southern cornbread! Easy to make and incredibly delicious! Shortening, corn meal, flour, salt, buttermilk, milk, egg, baking powder, and baking soda combine to create this quick side dish, ready in under 30 minutes. A must-have to serve with your favorite soups and stews!
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp shortening
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450ºF (232°C).
- Place shortening in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet and place in the preheating oven to melt.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, milk, and egg. Add baking powder and baking soda to the wet ingredients and stir gently.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Pour the melted shortening into the batter, stirring constantly to combine.
- Pour the batter into the hot skillet, smoothing the surface with a spatula if needed.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Enjoy this taste of Southern comfort with the Pioneer Woman Cornbread recipe! It’s easy, authentic, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
