Country Crackling Bread
Country Crackling Bread offers a hearty, flavorful loaf with crispy cracklings and a moist crumb, perfect for breakfast or as a savory side for hearty meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift the dry ingredients together and then stir in the cracklings.
- Beat the egg in the buttermilk and add to the dry ingredients mixture.
- Have melted bacon fat in a hot skillet and pour in the batter.
- Bake at 450° until light brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using a combination of cornmeal and all-purpose flour. If you don't have cracklings, crispy bacon bits can be a delicious substitute. Ensure your skillet is preheated well to achieve that perfect crust. Additionally, adding herbs like rosemary or thyme can elevate the flavor profile, making this bread a great accompaniment to dishes like Doris' Ham Loaf.
Serving Suggestions
This Country Crackling Bread is excellent served warm as a side dish to hearty meals. It pairs beautifully with Cabbage With Bacon or a warm bowl of chili. Consider serving it alongside spreads like honey butter or a savory cheese dip for a delightful appetizer. For a complete meal, enjoy it with your favorite pork recipes or grilled meats.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Country Crackling Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place slices in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until warmed through and crispy. Alternatively, you can wrap them in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Crackling Bread contains roughly 239 calories, with 6g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value) and calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 991mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bread without buttermilk?
Yes, if you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes to sour. This will mimic the acidity of buttermilk and help achieve a similar texture in the bread.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it turns a light golden brown color and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it while baking, as oven temperatures can vary. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil.
Can I freeze this bread for later use?
Yes, you can freeze Country Crackling Bread. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in an airtight freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).