Source

https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016965-brown-butter-skillet-cornbread

Change Log

  • Honey can be omitted if recipe is to be savory or used in a savory dish such as cornbread dressing.

Special Equipment

  • 11 to 12 inch cast-iron skillet

Preheat Oven

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.

Ingredients

  • 170 grams (12 tablespoons / 1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (120 ml) maple syrup (omit for savory dishes)
  • 2 ¼ cups (530 ml) buttermilk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 180 grams (1 ½ cups) yellow cornmeal, fine or medium-coarse grind
  • 65 grams (½ cup) whole wheat flour
  • 60 grams (½ cup) all-purpose flour
  • 18 grams (1 ½) tablespoons baking powder
  • 9 grams (1 ½) teaspoons salt
  • 5 grams (½ teaspoon) baking soda

Preparation

Brown Butter

  • On the stovetop, in an 11- or 12-inch cast iron skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  • Cook, swirling pan to lightly coat sides and bottom until the foam subsides and the butter turns a deep nut brown. (Watch carefully to see that it does not burn.)
  • Pour brown butter into a large bowl. (Do not wipe out the pan.)

Wet Ingredients

  • If using, whisk the maple syrup into the butter.
  • Whisk buttermilk into the butter.
  • The mixture should be cool to the touch; if not, let cool.
  • Whisk in the eggs.

Combine with Dry Ingredients

Into the butter/buttermilk mixture, whisk in:

  • Cornmeal
  • Flours
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Baking soda

Bake

  • If the skillet is no longer hot, reheat it briefly on the stove for a few minutes.
  • Scrape batter back into the skillet.
  • Bake until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into it emerges clean, 30 to 40 minutes.
  • Cool in the skillet for 10 minutes before slicing.