Smokin' Barrel BBQ Sausage and Cornbread Skillet

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Spicy smoked sausage paired with sweet cornbread baked together in a cast iron skillet for a rustic BBQ-inspired dish. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 45 minutes pairs yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat and add 1 lb sliced smoked sausage. Sauté for 5 minutes until edges begin to crisp and the aroma is smoky and savory.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup yellow cornmeal, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1 tsp salt until evenly combined.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup whole milk, 1 large egg, and 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix, stirring until just combined. Fold in 1 small chopped jalapeño and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro for a subtle kick and brightness.
  5. Step 5: Pour the batter evenly over the cooked sausage in the skillet, spreading gently to cover. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Step 6: Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving directly from the skillet.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smokin' Barrel BBQ Sausage and Cornbread Skillet take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Smokin' Barrel BBQ Sausage and Cornbread Skillet?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep yellow cornmeal from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smokin' Barrel BBQ Sausage and Cornbread Skillet?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Smokin' Barrel BBQ Sausage and Cornbread Skillet for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Smokin' Barrel BBQ Sausage and Cornbread Skillet?

American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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