**Crackling Cornbread: A Southern Delight with a Crispy Twist**
In the realm of Southern cuisine, few dishes evoke comfort and nostalgia quite like crackling cornbread. This delectable treat is a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring a tender, moist interior encased in a crispy, crackly crust that shatters with every bite. Its unique name derives from the distinctive crackling sound it makes when broken apart, a testament to its perfect balance of crunch and softness. This article presents a collection of crackling cornbread recipes that cater to various dietary preferences and skill levels, ensuring that everyone can indulge in this Southern staple. From classic recipes that honor tradition to innovative takes that add a modern twist, these recipes offer a culinary journey through the world of crackling cornbread. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this article has something for everyone, inviting you to savor the irresistible charm of this iconic Southern dish.
CRACKLING CORN BREAD
This recipe came to The Times in 2010, part of a Pete Wells's Cooking With Dexter column about Laura Ingalls Wilder. "She also described cooking and eating as attentively and movingly as any author I know," he wrote of the "Little House on the Prairie" writer. Inspired, he bought a copy of "The Little House Cookbook," by Barbara M. Walker, whose recipe for cracklings relies on just pork fat and an optional seasoning. He incorporates cracklings into this corn bread, but cooked bacon is also a worthy substitute for that porky flavor.
Provided by Pete Wells
Categories easy, quick, side dish
Time 25m
Yield Serves 8
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Put the butter or bacon grease in an 8- or 9-inch cast-iron skillet and set over a medium-low flame. Heat until the bubbling subsides.
- Meanwhile, combine the dry ingredients in a bowl and gradually stir in the buttermilk. Add the eggs and cracklings or bacon. Stir in the melted butter or grease and pour the batter into the hot skillet. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool 15 minutes, then invert over a plate or cooling rack. Serve warm. The cracklings respond especially well if the corn bread is toasted the next day.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 242, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 26 grams, Fat 13 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 6 grams, SaturatedFat 5 grams, Sodium 357 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams
CRACKLING CORN BREAD
To most of you Nothherners this bread may seem a bit unusual, but to many of us Southerners, we were introduced to this bread as kids by our parents & grand parents. I have no idea how this recipe was derived, but when the hogs were killed and they had the rind or skin from the pigs they would dry it out, fry it till it were...
Provided by Rose Mary Mogan
Categories Other Breads
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- 1. This recipe is from my cookbook in a section called MAMA'S RECIPES a collection of Southern favorite recipes that my mom made when I was growing up as a kid.
- 2. PREHEAT OVEN TO 400 DEGREES F. Grease a 9 inch or 8X8 size baking dish. Mix dry ingredients in a medium size bowl and set aside. Then in another bowl beat together the wet ingredients, milk, eggs, vegetable oil until blended. Then pour into the dry mixture, and stir until it is combined. Stir in the pork rinds; mix but do not beat. Pour into prepared skillet or baking dish and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown.
- 3. NOTE: If cracklings are not readily available, use fried pork rinds(skins) usually found in the snack food section.
CRACKLING CORN BREAD
Categories Bread Bake Thanksgiving Cornmeal Fall Bon Appétit
Yield Makes one 10-inch-diameter corn bread
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Sauté chopped bacon in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat until brown and crisp. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels; drain. Reserve 6 tablespoons drippings from skillet. Brush 10-inch-diameter ovenproof skillet with 2 tablespoons reserved drippings. Place skillet in oven to heat.Whisk cornmeal, salt, baking soda and baking powder in medium bowl to blend. Add buttermilk, egg and remaining 4 tablespoons reserved drippings. Whisk until just blended; mix in sautéed bacon. Pour batter into hot skillet. Bake corn bread until firm to touch and golden, about 25 minutes. Turn corn bread out onto rack and cool. (Corn bread can be prepared 1 day ahead. Wrap in foil; store at room temperature.)
CRACKLING CORN BREAD DRESSING
Categories Side Bake Thanksgiving Stuffing/Dressing Bacon Pecan Celery Fall Sage Bon Appétit
Yield Makes 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Sauté bacon in heavy large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels; drain. Reserve 1/4 cup drippings; brush 13x9x2-inch baking dish with some remaining bacon drippings (or melted butter, if needed).
- Crumble corn bread into large bowl. Mix in celery, onion, pecans, sage, and reserved 1/4 cup bacon drippings and bacon. Season with pepper. Beat eggs and broth in medium bowl to blend; stir into dressing mixture. Transfer dressing to prepared dish. Bake dressing until cooked through and golden, about 35 minutes.
Tips:
- Use fresh cornmeal: Fresh cornmeal will give your cornbread a more flavorful and authentic taste.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter will make your cornbread tough and dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet: A well-seasoned cast iron skillet will help to create a crispy, golden crust on your cornbread.
- Preheat the oven and skillet: Preheat the oven and skillet before adding the batter. This will help to ensure that the cornbread cooks evenly.
- Cook the cornbread until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean: This will ensure that the cornbread is cooked all the way through.
- Let the cornbread cool slightly before serving: Let the cornbread cool slightly before serving this will help to prevent it from crumbling.
Conclusion:
Crackling cornbread is a delicious and versatile side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of meals. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like it sweet or savory, there is a crackling cornbread recipe out there for you. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy side dish, give crackling cornbread a try. You won't be disappointed!
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