Nightshade Free Skillet Cornbread
Cornbread is one of those deeply satisfying comfort foods that can feel off-limits when you're avoiding nightshades, simply because so many skillet recipes sneak in jalapeños, paprika, or chili-spiked mix-ins. This version keeps things beautifully clean — stone-ground yellow cornmeal, tangy buttermilk, eggs, and a touch of honey come together in a batter that's rich and golden without a single nightshade in sight. The real magic happens when the batter hits a screaming-hot cast-iron skillet greased with bacon fat or butter, creating those impossibly crispy, lacy edges that make skillet cornbread worth every minute of the wait. A hint of honey in the batter gives the crumb a subtle sweetness that plays perfectly against the savory, salty crust. The result is a thick, tender wedge with a crackly bottom and a soft, pillowy interior — the kind of thing you'll want to eat straight from the pan with a pat of melting butter. It's simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to anchor a weekend spread, and every ingredient is exactly what it says it is.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 2 tbsp bacon fat butter or unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups stone-ground yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk, well shaken
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 tbsp honey
For serving
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, for serving (optional)
- 1 tbsp honey, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet on the center rack of the oven and preheat to 425°F (220°C). Let the skillet heat for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the batter.
- 2
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!