Old Fashioned Crackling Bread
Crackling bread with a crunchy texture and savory flavor, perfect for hearty breakfasts or casual gatherings, combining cornmeal, buttermilk, and crispy cracklings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cracklings with dry ingredients.
- Add beaten egg and buttermilk. Beat until combined.
- Pour the batter into a hot, greased skillet.
- Bake in a 450°F oven for 25 minutes or until light brown.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using a mix of cornmeal and all-purpose flour. If you don't have cracklings, crispy bacon bits can be a tasty substitute. To enhance flavor, add herbs like thyme or rosemary. Ensure your skillet is properly heated to achieve a crispy crust, and don't skip the greasing step to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Old Fashioned Crackling Bread is delicious served warm with butter or honey. It pairs beautifully with hearty soups or stews. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or as a side to grilled meats. It also makes a great base for toppings like avocado or smoked salmon.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. You can also use a skillet on low heat, flipping occasionally, to retain some of the crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Crackling Bread contains roughly 693 calories, with 18g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (42% of the Daily Value), protein (36% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2256mg per serving (98% 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 buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute. This will maintain the acidity needed for the baking soda to work effectively.
What can I do if I don't have cracklings?
If you don’t have cracklings, you can use crispy bacon bits or even cooked, crumbled sausage as a substitute. This will provide a similar texture and flavor, adding richness to the bread while keeping it delicious.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Old Fashioned Crackling Bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure to check that the cornmeal is also gluten-free, as some brands may process their products in facilities that handle gluten.
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).