Custer'S Crackling Bread
Custer's Crackling Bread offers a hearty, crunchy texture with a savory flavor from crispy bacon cracklings. Perfect as a rustic side or snack, it pairs well with hearty soups or stews, appealing to those who enjoy bold, smoky tastes and crunchy bites in their bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift the cornmeal, salt, and soda together.
- Add the sour milk or buttermilk and stir in the diced cracklings.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake at 450°F for about 30 minutes until golden and crisp.
- To make cracklings, slice fat bacon and fry until crisp, then cool and crumble.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, use freshly rendered cracklings from bacon. If you can't find cracklings, consider substituting with crispy fried onions for a different flavor. Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the wet ingredients, as this can lead to a denser bread. Adjust the baking time if your pan size differs from standard to ensure even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Custer's Crackling Bread warm, ideally alongside a hearty stew or chili for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of jelly or honey butter for a sweet contrast. Consider serving it with a fresh salad to balance the richness. For a unique twist, try it with a slice of bacon and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Custer'S Crackling Bread contains roughly 241 calories, with 6g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (19% of the Daily Value), protein (13% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1751mg per serving (76% 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 use regular milk instead of sour milk or buttermilk?
You can use regular milk, but to mimic the tangy flavor of sour milk or buttermilk, add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using it in the recipe.
What can I do with leftover cracklings?
Leftover cracklings can be stored in an airtight container and used as a crunchy topping for salads or soups. They also make a great addition to savory baked goods or can be enjoyed as a snack on their own.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. However, for the best texture, it's recommended to bake it fresh. If baked in advance, reheat as mentioned earlier.
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).