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.
Author:Beth
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
Scale
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.