PRESIDENTIAL DINNERS. EVERYDAY GROCERIES.
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Presidents/William Henry Harrison

AT THE TABLE WITH WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON

Golden skillet cornbread

Bring a skillet. Invite the neighbours.

Baking35 minServes 8
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Golden skillet cornbread — a painted table
A painted table · Serving illustration

THE STORY ON YOUR PLATE

Cornbread on the campaign trail

More about William Henry Harrison →

The ninth president served the shortest presidency.

Family or White House tradition

Later accounts of Harrison’s campaign describe cornbread, cheese and cider at gatherings. This crisp-edged skillet bread follows the campaign-table tradition and pairs well with cheese or stew.

The president & the table

Harrison’s 1840 campaign turned the log cabin and hard cider into political symbols. Later presidential culinary histories describe supporters being fed cornbread, cheese and cider at campaign gatherings. Food made the candidate’s message something people could share.

Behind this story

Poppy Cannon and Patricia Brooks, The Presidents’ Cookbook (1968), Harrison chapter, pp. 162–166.

APRON ON. HISTORY CAN WAIT.

Make it at home.

Serves 8

What you’ll need

Let’s make it

  1. Heat the oven to 200°C / 400°F. Put a greased 23 cm / 9 in ovenproof skillet inside while it heats.

  2. Mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter and optional honey separately.

  3. Combine the wet and dry mixtures. Carefully remove the hot skillet and pour in the batter.

  4. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and a skewer comes out clean. Rest for 5 minutes before cutting.

Cooking notes

Buttermilk keeps the center tender; the hot skillet helps form a crisp crust.

Metric and US measures are approximate equivalents. For baking, use weights when you can.