Southern Cornbread & Beans Recipe

🌽 Southern Cornbread & Beans Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Beans:

• 2 cans (15 oz each) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• ½ medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups chicken broth
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, optional

For the Cornbread:

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup melted butter

Method:

1. Cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, then add the garlic.
2. Stir in the pinto beans, chicken broth, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne. Simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a cast-iron skillet or baking dish.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
5. Add the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter. Stir just until combined—don’t overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared skillet and bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Serve the warm cornbread with a generous spoonful of savory beans. Add a pat of butter on top for that classic Southern touch.