Skillet Cornbread

Skillet Cornbread is such a versatile recipe. I’ve many it dozens of time and I’m not sure I’ve made it the same way twice. It depends on what I have on hand and what I’m serving to go it with. I might add chopped bacon, sliced green onions or shredded Cheddar cheese. This time I added dollops of cream cheese, creamy and sweet! So, don’t be afraid to mix it up and be creative.

This is the best basic Skillet Cornbread recipe. And there are so many tasty add-ins to try, like bacon bits, green onions, red peppers, chives, cheese, jam or diced ham. And baking it in a cast iron skillet gives it crunchy edges and makes it golden brown.

While you can bake this recipe in a 9-inch deep dish pie plate, I almost always make it in a 10-inch cast iron skillet, like this one from Lodge. Prepare the pan for use according to the directions from the manufacturer. It bakes evenly and gives the cornbread a beautiful golden brown bottom.

Skillet Cornbread Recipe

What’s needed?

• 8.5-ounce box of Jiffy corn muffin mix
• 15-ounce can cream-style corn (or whole kernel corn)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup milk
• 4 ounces of cream cheese, cut into 8 pieces (any flavor, we like vegetable or chive cream cheese)

How to make Skillet Cornbread?

• Preheat a cast iron skillet in a 350 degree oven.
• Add all ingredients, except cream cheese, to a medium bowl and mix until combined.
• Lightly spray the skillet with cooking spray. Pour the mixture into the skillet (or a 9-inch pie pan) for baking.

• Cut the cream cheese into 8 small blocks and add them to the top in a circle pattern. (You can also do this with jam instead of cream cheese. The jam will sink in when baking and get enclosed by the cornbread.)
• Sprinkle some parsley or Italian Seasoning lightly across the top of the cornbread.

• Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 25-30 minutes. It will be golden brown and firm to the touch. The cream cheese is a nice creamy contrast to the sweet, crunchy corn. So, so good!

I served this Skillet Cornbread with pork ribs and Spanish rice. It is also a great side dish for a wonderful salad or a steaming bowl of homemade vegetable soup. I hope you use this basic recipe and find ways to make it your own.