Cracklin’ Bread: A Crispy-Edged Southern Classic with Real Pork Flavor
If you’ve never tasted Cracklin’ Bread, you’re in for a true taste of Southern tradition. Made with crisp bits of pork skin and fat (aka cracklins), creamy buttermilk, and a healthy splash of bacon grease, this cornbread variation is bold, rustic, and utterly craveable. It’s skillet-cooked comfort food at its finest—and a must-try for any cornbread lover.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something unmistakably satisfying about the crackle of pork nestled into a hot, golden skillet of cornbread. The pork cracklins add crunch, flavor, and texture, while the buttermilk and bacon grease give the bread a moist, rich finish with crispy edges. It’s the kind of bread that turns a simple meal into a feast—and it’s just as good straight from the pan as it is the next day.
Ingredients
- 2 cups self-rising cornmeal
- 1 cup pork cracklins
- 1 cup buttermilk (plus more if needed for texture)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons bacon grease
Swaps and Notes
- No cracklins? You can use chopped cooked bacon in a pinch, but you’ll miss the signature crunch.
- Use regular cornmeal plus 1 teaspoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt if self-rising is unavailable.
- A well-seasoned cast iron skillet is key for that signature crispy crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat to 450°F (232°C).
- Melt Bacon Grease: Place bacon grease in a cast iron skillet and warm over medium heat until melted.
- Mix Batter: In a bowl, combine cornmeal, eggs, and buttermilk. Stir until just combined, adding more buttermilk to reach a slightly thin batter.
- Add Cracklins: Fold in pork cracklins and pour in the melted bacon grease. Stir again to mix thoroughly.
- Bake: Pour batter into the hot skillet, spreading evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden on top.
- Cool & Serve: Remove from oven, loosen edges with a butter knife, and flip onto a plate. Serve hot, topped with butter.
Tips for Success
- Let the skillet get hot before adding batter—this ensures a crispy crust.
- Don’t overmix the batter—keep it light for the best texture.
- For extra indulgence, top slices with a pat of butter or drizzle with honey.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This rich, hearty cornbread pairs well with:
- Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole – Southern meets Southwestern comfort
- Crockpot Nacho Dip – Try dipping warm slices for a bold combo
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – For a party platter that’ll disappear fast
Storage & Leftovers
Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to restore that crispy texture. You can also freeze slices individually for longer storage.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Wontons – A crispy companion to this Southern bread
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs – Follow your savory with something sweet
Final Thoughts
Cracklin’ Bread is more than just cornbread—it’s a heritage recipe full of rich flavor, crispy edges, and savory bites of pork. Whether you serve it with a meal or enjoy it solo with a slab of butter, it’s sure to bring Southern comfort right to your kitchen.
Tried it? Let me know what you think and follow for more heritage-inspired eats and Southern staples from the ChefManiac kitchen! 🧈🍞🐖
