Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400˚F. Put the butter in a 10-inch cast iron skillet (or other similarly sized pan) and place in the oven to melt while the oven preheats.

Step 2

Meanwhile, add the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to a bowl and give it a stir. Add the egg and milk to the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined.

Step 3

Once the butter has melted and the oven is preheated, removed the skillet from the oven, add the melted butter to the cornbread batter and stir until fully incorporated. (I like to use a whisk for this, and be sure not to spill any of the hot melted butter.)

Step 4

Transfer the batter back into the preheated skillet and bake in the oven until firm to the touch or a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Slice and serve.