Ham and Cheese Cornbread

A savory cast iron cornbread loaded with ham, sweet corn, green onions, and cheddar cheese with a crisp golden crust.

📝 Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp solid vegetable shortening
• 1 cup plain white cornmeal
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 3 Tbsp sugar
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup small diced ham
• 1 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 cup whole kernel sweet corn
• 4 chopped green onions

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place 2 tablespoons of solid vegetable shortening into a 10 inch cast iron skillet and set it into the oven to preheat and melt the shortening.
2. 2In a large mixing bowl use a whisk to sift together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, garlic and onion powders.
3. 3In a separate medium mixing bowl whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil and eggs until combined.
4. 4Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stir together until all of the dry ingredients are fully moistened.
5. 5Next, add ham, 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, canned corn and green onions to the cornbread batter. Mix to evenly distribute.
6. 6Remove the skillet from the oven and swirl the melted shortening around the pan coating the bottom and sides completely. Discard any excess.
7. 7Pour the batter into the hot skillet and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
8. 8Place into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
9. 9Rest for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.