Paw Paw’s Pone Bread

Paw Paw’s Pone Bread – Old-Fashioned Comfort on a Plate

Who else remembers this kind of recipe? The ones that feel like a hug from someone you miss?

My Paw Paw used to make this every Sunday morning, and I swear the smell alone could wake up the whole house. Some folks call it hoe cake, others might say skillet bread—but in our family, it was always Pone Bread. It’s simple, hearty, and packed with Southern soul. Whether you grew up on this or are just discovering it, this is the kind of recipe that never lets you down.

It's especially perfect with beans, greens, soup, or just a big smear of butter and jam. And the best part? You only need a few humble ingredients.

 Equipment You’ll Need:

• Mixing bowl
• Cast iron skillet or flat baking sheet
• Spoon or hands for mixing
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Oven

Paw Paw’s Pone Bread Recipe

Yield: 1 pone (about 6 slices)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

 Ingredients:

• 2 cups self-rising flour (Martha White or White Lily recommended)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (like Wesson)
• ¾ to 1 cup buttermilk
• Butter or bacon grease (for greasing the skillet)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing on top)

 Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix Dough: In a bowl, stir together the self-rising flour and oil. Slowly add the buttermilk while mixing until you get a wet dough (similar to biscuit or dumpling dough). Adjust with a touch more flour or milk if needed.

3. Grease the Pan: Slather butter or bacon grease in a cast iron skillet (or baking sheet) until it’s well-coated.

4. Shape the Bread: Place the dough in the pan and gently pat it into a circle about ½ inch thick using your hands.

5. Butter the Top: Brush melted butter across the top for that rich, golden finish.

6. Bake: Slide into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is cooked through.

7. Cool & Serve: Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into wedges and serve warm.

 Serving Suggestions:

• Slice and dip into pinto beans or chicken stew
• Top with molasses, butter, or jam
• Serve with fried eggs and sausage for a Southern breakfast
• Or just eat a slice warm right out of the pan — like we always did at Paw Paw’s

Pone bread may not have fancy ingredients, but it has something better: flavor and memories. This is the kind of bread that brings people together, fills your kitchen with warmth, and your soul with nostalgia. If you try it, you’re not just baking bread—you’re keeping tradition alive.

Let me know if you grew up with something like this!

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Paw Paw’s Pone Bread

It’s simple, hearty, and packed with Southern soul. Whether you grew up on this or are just discovering it, this is the kind of recipe that never lets you down.

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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• - 2 cups self-rising flour
• - 1 tbsp vegetable oil Wesson or similar
• - ¾ to 1 cup buttermilk
• - Butter or bacon grease for greasing the skillet
• - 1 tbsp melted butter for brushing

Equipment

• mixing bowl
• Cast iron skillet or flat baking sheet
• Spoon or hands for mixing
• - Pastry brush (optional)
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix flour and oil in a bowl. Gradually stir in buttermilk until a wet dough forms. Adjust texture as needed.
3. Grease a cast iron skillet or baking sheet generously with butter or bacon grease.
4. Pat the dough into a ½-inch-thick round in the skillet.
5. Brush the top with melted butter.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Let cool slightly, then slice and serve.

Notes

Perfect with beans, soup, or jam