Fried Cornbread, often called “Johnny Cakes” or “Hoecakes,” is a classic Southern staple that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and irresistibly delicious. This simple recipe is perfect as a side dish, breakfast treat, or even a snack, pairing beautifully with soups, stews, or a drizzle of honey.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just minutes with a few pantry staples.
- Versatile: Serve it sweet with syrup or savory alongside your favorite dishes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A nostalgic comfort food loved by kids and adults alike.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable, simple ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cornmeal (fine or medium grind)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- Buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of vinegar)
- Egg
- Oil or bacon grease (for frying)
Directions
- Mix the Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using).
- In another bowl, combine buttermilk and egg, then mix into the dry ingredients until a thick batter forms.
- Heat the Skillet:
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add enough oil or bacon grease to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Cook the Cornbread:
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot skillet, flattening slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Cook until golden brown on one side, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain and Serve:
- Remove from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve warm with butter, syrup, honey, or as a side to your favorite dish.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8 pieces
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Sweet Cornbread: Add a tablespoon of sugar or honey to the batter for a touch of sweetness.
- Cheesy Twist: Mix in shredded cheddar or crumbled feta for a savory upgrade.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
- Herby Flavor: Stir in fresh chopped chives, parsley, or thyme for a herby touch.
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover fried cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to restore crispness, or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use self-rising cornmeal?
Yes, if using self-rising cornmeal, omit the baking powder and reduce the salt slightly.
What type of cornmeal is best?
Fine or medium grind cornmeal works best for a smooth texture and even cooking.
Can I make this without buttermilk?
Yes, use regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute for buttermilk.
How do I make them fluffier?
Add a pinch of baking soda to the batter and use fresh baking powder for fluffier results.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, spoon the batter onto a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes, or until golden.
What can I serve with fried cornbread?
It pairs well with chili, soups, stews, fried chicken, or even as a breakfast side with eggs and bacon.
Why is my cornbread not crispy?
Ensure the skillet is hot enough before adding the batter, and don’t overcrowd the pan.
Can I use oil instead of bacon grease?
Yes, vegetable oil, canola oil, or even butter can be used, but bacon grease adds authentic Southern flavor.
How do I keep them warm for serving?
Place the fried cornbread on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while frying the rest of the batch.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the batter up to a few hours in advance and refrigerate. Stir well before frying.
Conclusion
Fried Cornbread is a simple yet delicious dish that’s a staple in Southern cuisine. Whether you’re enjoying it as a sweet breakfast treat or a savory side, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and discover why this timeless classic continues to delight!
PrintFried Cornbread
Fried Cornbread is a Southern classic featuring crispy, golden edges and a soft, tender center. Perfect as a side dish for soups, stews, or greens, it’s quick and easy comfort food at its best.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 patties 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
- 1 cup (120 g) cornmeal
- ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup (180 ml) buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) water
- 2–3 tablespoons vegetable oil or bacon grease (for frying)
Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using).
- Combine the wet ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, buttermilk, and water until well combined.
- Make the batter:
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a thick but pourable batter forms. Add a little more water if the batter is too thick.
- Heat the skillet:
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil or bacon grease and swirl to coat the pan.
- Fry the cornbread:
- Drop 2-3 tablespoons of batter into the skillet for each patty, spreading slightly to form small circles. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the other side is golden and cooked through.
- Repeat:
- Add more oil or bacon grease to the skillet as needed and repeat with the remaining batter.
- Serve:
- Serve warm with butter, honey, or alongside your favorite Southern dishes like collard greens or fried chicken.
Notes
- For a slightly sweeter version, increase the sugar to 2 tablespoons.
- Add a handful of corn kernels or diced jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a skillet or toaster oven for a crispy texture.