Esther'S Cracklin Bread
Cracklin bread offers a savory, crunchy treat with rich bacon flavor and hearty cornmeal texture, perfect as a snack or side for casual meals and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together all ingredients.
- Make into small patties and place in a large greased skillet.
- Put lots of grease on top of the bread.
- Cook in a hot oven at 450°F for about 20 minutes or until brown on top and bottom.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier texture, try adding a bit of flour for structure or use lard instead of bacon grease for a richer flavor. If you don’t have cracklings, chopped cooked bacon or sausage can be a great substitute. Adjust the salt based on the saltiness of your cracklings, especially if using a different type of pork fat.
Serving Suggestions
Esther's Cracklin Bread pairs beautifully with a hearty soup like Old-Fashioned Split Pea Soup or as a side for meals featuring roasted meats. Serve it warm, topped with butter or alongside a dish like Pork Chops Baked With Apples for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the patties in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through, ensuring they regain some crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Esther'S Cracklin Bread contains roughly 366 calories, with 7g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (58% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2598mg per serving (113% 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 recipe without cracklings?
Yes, you can substitute cracklings with cooked and crumbled bacon or even diced ham for a similar flavor profile. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain the dish's savory richness.
What type of cornmeal works best for this recipe?
Using medium or coarse ground cornmeal will give your cracklin bread a great texture. Avoid fine cornmeal as it may lead to a denser bread. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can mix in a little all-purpose flour.
Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead and refrigerate it for up to a day. When ready to cook, allow it to come to room temperature and then shape into patties before cooking. This can help enhance the flavors.
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).