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Cheesy Skillet Cornbread: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Side Dish

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As the days get shorter and the evenings cooler, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, cheesy side dish to complement your late summer or fall meals. This Cheesy Skillet Cornbread is loaded with sharp cheddar cheese, fresh corn, and a hint of green chilies, making it the perfect companion for hearty dishes like chili, BBQ, or stew. Baked in a cast-iron skillet, this cornbread has a crispy, golden crust and a moist, flavorful interior that’s sure to please any crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Skillet Cornbread

  • Rich and Cheesy: This cornbread is packed with Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese, which adds a bold, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of fresh corn.
  • Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
  • Versatile Side Dish: Whether you’re serving it with a bowl of chili, alongside some BBQ ribs, or as a snack on its own, this cornbread is a hit at any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 Cup Yellow Cornmeal: The base of your cornbread, providing that classic texture and flavor.
  • ½ Cup All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a light, tender crumb.
  • 1 Tbsp Baking Powder: Ensures your cornbread rises properly.
  • 1 Tbsp Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory ingredients.
  • 1 Tsp Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, savory flavor.
  • ½ Tsp Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the cornbread.
  • 1½ Cups Shredded Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Divided Use): This cheese melts beautifully into the cornbread, giving it a rich, cheesy flavor.
  • 1 (4-oz.) Can Diced Green Chilies, Drained: Adds a mild heat and a touch of tanginess.
  • ¼ Cup Diced White Onions: For a bit of sweetness and crunch.
  • ¼ Cup Chopped Green Onions: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
  • 1 Cup Buttermilk: Keeps the cornbread moist and adds a slight tang.
  • 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, Melted (Divided Use): Adds richness and helps create that crispy crust.
  • 1 Large Egg: Binds the ingredients together.
  • 1½ Cups Fresh Corn, Sliced Off the Cob (About 2 Ears): Adds sweetness and texture, making this cornbread truly special.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven and preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Preheating the skillet helps create a crispy, golden crust on the cornbread.

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2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, garlic powder, and kosher salt until the ingredients are well combined.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients: To the dry mixture, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, diced green chilies, diced white onions, chopped green onions, buttermilk, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, the large egg, and fresh corn kernels. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cornbread tough.

4. Prepare the Skillet: Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Brush the butter evenly over the bottom and sides of the skillet. This step is crucial for preventing the cornbread from sticking and for achieving that perfect crispy crust.

5. Add the Batter: Pour the cornbread batter into the prepared skillet, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the batter.

6. Bake: Place the skillet back in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cornbread comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are okay, but it shouldn’t be wet).

7. Cool and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the cornbread cool slightly before serving. This cornbread is best served directly from the skillet to keep it warm. Just remember to use a hot pad when placing the skillet on the table!

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Skillet Cornbread is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes:

  • Chili: The cornbread’s cheesy, slightly spicy flavor is the perfect match for a hearty bowl of chili.
  • BBQ: Serve it alongside your favorite BBQ meats for a delicious, comforting meal.
  • Stews: This cornbread is great for soaking up the rich, savory broth from a slow-cooked stew.

Tips for Success

  • Fresh Corn: Using fresh corn cut straight from the cob really enhances the texture and flavor of this cornbread. If fresh corn isn’t available, you can substitute with frozen corn (just make sure it’s thawed and drained).
  • Cheese Variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. A spicy pepper jack or a smoky gouda would also work wonderfully in this recipe.
  • Cast-Iron Skillet: Using a cast-iron skillet is key to achieving a crispy crust. If you don’t have one, you can use a regular baking dish, but the texture won’t be quite the same.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Skillet Cornbread is more than just a side dish; it’s a show-stopper that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. With its rich, cheesy flavor, a hint of spice from the green chilies, and the sweetness of fresh corn, this cornbread is the perfect complement to any meal, especially as the weather turns cooler. Give it a try at your next family dinner or gathering, and watch it disappear before your eyes!

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