Fried Cornbread (Southern Cornmeal Hoecakes) are a classic Southern staple. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these hoecakes are a delicious companion to any meal. They’re quick to make and perfect for soaking up savory juices or eating on their own.
Fried Cornbread – Southern Cornmeal Hoecakes Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal (yellow or white)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 2 tbsp melted butter or bacon grease
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using). Whisk together until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and stir in the buttermilk (or regular milk) and melted butter (or bacon grease).
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. The batter should be thick but pourable. If the batter is too thick, add a bit more milk.
- Heat Oil for Frying:
- Heat about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet (cast iron works best) over medium heat.
- Fry the Hoecakes:
- Once the oil is hot, spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of batter per hoecake into the skillet, spreading it out slightly with the back of the spoon to create small pancake-like shapes.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the edges are crispy and golden brown and the centers are cooked through.
- Drain on Paper Towels:
- Once fried, remove the hoecakes from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve hot as a side dish to your favorite Southern meals like collard greens, beans, fried chicken, or even alongside soups and stews.
Tips:
- You can also add chopped green onions, jalapeños, or cheese to the batter for added flavor.
- If you prefer a sweeter taste, increase the sugar or drizzle the hoecakes with honey before serving.
These Southern Fried Cornbread Hoecakes are a versatile and tasty addition to any meal. Crispy, hearty, and full of flavor, they’re sure to be a hit!
