Make Southern Style Crispy Fried Cornbread, also known as Hoecakes. This recipe delivers a golden, crispy exterior with a tender, fluffy inside. It is a quick comfort food project perfect for serving alongside chili, beans, or greens.
Author:Amelia Carmichael
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:8 small hoecakes
Category:Breads
Method:Frying
Cuisine:Southern American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter or vegetable oil, plus more for frying
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.
Stir in the 2 tablespoons of melted butter or oil.
Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil or shortening in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 375°F).
Carefully drop spoonfuls or small ladlefuls of batter into the hot oil. For hoecakes, aim for rounds about 3 to 4 inches wide.
Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and crisp. Adjust the heat as needed to cook through without burning.
Remove the cornbread from the skillet and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve immediately. This cornbread pairs well with honey butter.
Notes
Use buttermilk for the best tender crumb and slight tang.
A cast-iron skillet is essential for achieving the perfect crispy crust.
Keep the oil temperature consistent for even browning.
For a richer flavor, use bacon grease instead of vegetable oil for frying.