Fried Cornbread – Southern Cornmeal Hoecakes

Fried Cornbread, or Southern Cornmeal Hoecakes, are a delicious and simple treat that brings a touch of southern comfort to your kitchen. These golden cakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and they make a great side dish or snack for any meal. They are easy to whip up with just a few ingredients and can be enjoyed by everyone at home.

Why Make This Recipe
Making Fried Cornbread is not only easy, but it also gives you a taste of Southern tradition. These hoecakes are great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They pair perfectly with savory dishes like fried chicken or beans, and they can be enjoyed alone with butter and syrup. Plus, they use common pantry ingredients, so you likely already have what you need at home.

How to Make Fried Cornbread – Southern Cornmeal Hoecakes
Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup cornmeal
• 1/3 cup self-rising flour
• 1/3 cup low-fat buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• Oil for frying (about 3 tbsp coconut oil or your choice)

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine cornmeal, self-rising flour, buttermilk, and egg. Mix well until the mixture is very moist but not soupy. You want to create a thick batter, so it holds together well.

2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the batter. This will help create a crispy outside.

3. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the hot oil, cooking until brown on one side. You can use a tablespoon to scoop out the mix easily. Flip the hoecakes to brown the other side until they are golden and crispy.

4. Once cooked, place the hoecakes on a plate lined with paper towels to blot any excess oil. This helps keep them light and not greasy.

5. Serve warm, and enjoy the delightful taste of your homemade hoecakes!

How to Serve Fried Cornbread
These hoecakes are best served warm. You can serve them with a dollop of butter, honey, or syrup on top. They are wonderful with savory dishes, and can also be a great addition to chili or soup.

How to Store Fried Cornbread
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet or toaster oven to keep them crispy. You can also freeze the hoecakes for up to 2 months. Just let them cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap.

Tips to Make Fried Cornbread

• Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the batter to get a nice brown crust.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. This will help them cook evenly.
• Experiment with seasonings or add-ins like chopped green onions or jalapeños for extra flavor!

Variation (If Any)
For a sweet twist, you can add a tablespoon of sugar to the batter. You can also try using different types of cornmeal, like sweet cornmeal, for a change in flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?
   Yes, but you’ll need to add baking powder to it. A good rule of thumb is to add 1 teaspoon of baking powder for every cup of flour.

2. What type of oil is best for frying?
   You can use any frying oil you like! Coconut oil gives a nice flavor, but vegetable oil or canola oil works too.

3. Can I make these hoecakes ahead of time?
   Yes! You can make them a few hours ahead and keep them warm in the oven at a low temperature until you’re ready to serve.