The Best Southern Fried Cornbread Hoecakes Recipe You’ll Love

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when crispy fried cornmeal hoecakes hit the skillet, creating golden memories of traditional comfort.

Generations have passed down this simple yet delectable recipe through whispered family secrets.

Cornmeal becomes magic when mixed with just the right ingredients and handled with care.

Skillet temperatures and batter consistency determine the perfect crunch that makes these hoecakes irresistible.

Crisp edges and soft centers create a textural dance that satisfies deep hunger.

Humble ingredients transform into something extraordinary with practiced technique and love.

Hoecakes That Fry Up Crispy and Golden

• Whip Up Southern Comfort: These hoecakes bring the authentic taste of traditional Southern cooking right to your kitchen, making comfort food accessible to everyone.
• Quick and Easy Cooking: Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you can prepare this delicious dish in just a few minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving something tasty.
• Versatile Meal Companion: Serve these crispy cornmeal patties as a side dish, breakfast item, or snack, complementing various meals and satisfying different hunger levels.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Using basic pantry staples like cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk makes this recipe incredibly affordable and economical for families on a budget.

Crockpot Ham, Beans & Potatoes Pantry Breakdown

• Cornmeal: Southern-style ground corn for authentic texture.
• Self-Rising Flour: Provides extra lift and softness to the hoecakes.

• Buttermilk: Adds tangy flavor and helps tenderize the batter.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients and provides richness.

• Vegetable Oil, Cooking Oil: Creates crispy golden exterior and prevents sticking.

Cooking Fried Cornbread Southern Style with Ease

Step 1: Whisk Cornbread Batter

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, self-rising flour, buttermilk, and egg. Stir the ingredients thoroughly until they blend into a cohesive mixture that’s moist but not runny. Ensure no dry pockets remain in the batter.

Step 2: Prepare Skillet

Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottom pan over medium heat. Pour vegetable oil into the pan, allowing it to warm and create an even cooking surface.

Step 3: Create Hoecakes

Use a spoon or small ladle to drop dollops of batter into the hot skillet. Gently shape each portion into a small circular patty using the back of the spoon. Allow the hoecakes to cook undisturbed until the bottom turns golden brown and crispy, typically 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Flip and Finish Cooking

Carefully flip each hoecake using a spatula. Cook the second side until it develops a beautiful golden-brown color and becomes crisp around the edges, approximately 2 minutes.

Step 5: Drain Excess Oil

Transfer the freshly cooked hoecakes onto a plate lined with paper towels. This helps absorb any remaining oil and keeps the cornbread crisp.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Plate the warm hoecakes immediately. Serve alongside your favorite Southern dishes or enjoy them as a delightful standalone snack. These crispy cornmeal delights are best consumed hot and fresh.

Southern Hoecake Tips for Fried Cornbread Success

• Control Batter Consistency: Adjust buttermilk amount to achieve the perfect thick yet pourable texture for crispy edges and tender centers.
• Manage Oil Temperature: Keep skillet at medium heat to prevent burning and ensure even golden-brown coloring on both sides of hoecakes.
• Use Cast Iron Skillet: Select a well-seasoned cast iron pan for superior heat distribution and authentic southern crispy texture.
• Drain Excess Oil: Place cooked hoecakes on paper towels to remove extra grease and maintain a light, crisp exterior.
• Serve Immediately Hot: Enjoy hoecakes right after cooking to experience maximum crunchiness and best flavor profile.

Hoecakes Made With Southern Cornmeal Storing Guide

• Store cooled hoecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual hoecakes in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain best quality and texture.
• Warm hoecakes in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side, restoring crispy exterior and soft interior.
• Reheat frozen or refrigerated hoecakes on a baking sheet at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, ensuring they're heated through without drying out.

Fried Cornbread Match Ideas

• Pair with Creamy Comfort: Slather these crispy hoecakes with smooth, whipped honey butter for a luxurious taste sensation that melts in your mouth and balances the cornbread's hearty texture.
• Complement with Southern Classics: Serve alongside slow-cooked collard greens or black-eyed peas to create an authentic Southern meal that celebrates traditional comfort food flavors and regional culinary heritage.
• Match with Tangy Protein: Top these golden hoecakes with pulled pork or fried chicken, adding a protein-rich element that enhances the cornmeal's rustic charm and provides a satisfying, savory experience.
• Enhance with Zesty Beverage: Wash down these crispy cornbread patties with an ice-cold sweet tea or a refreshing peach-infused iced tea, cutting through the richness and providing a quintessential Southern drinking companion.

Cornmeal Hoecake Cooking Twists

• Gluten-Free Cornbread Hoecakes: Replace self-rising flour with gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon of baking powder for better rising.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute buttermilk with almond milk or coconut milk mixed with apple cider vinegar to maintain moisture and tanginess.
• Herb-Infused Hoecakes: Mix in chopped fresh chives, parsley, or green onions into the batter for an aromatic herbal flavor profile.
• Spicy Corn Fritters: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to create a zesty, heat-packed version of the traditional Southern cornbread hoecakes.

FAQs

• What are the origins of hoecakes?

Hoecakes got their name from field workers who used their farming hoes to cook cornmeal batter over an open fire during long workdays in the American South.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, because the recipe includes self-rising flour. To make it gluten-free, you would need to substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative.

• Can I make hoecakes without buttermilk?

Yes, you can use regular milk or a milk substitute, but buttermilk provides a tangy flavor and helps create a tender texture that’s traditional in Southern cooking.

• What's the best way to get a crispy exterior on hoecakes?

Use a cast-iron skillet and make sure the oil is hot before adding the batter. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and cook each side until it’s golden brown and crispy.

Fried Cornbread Southern Cornmeal Hoecakes Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Southern cornmeal hoecakes dance with golden-brown perfection, bringing hearty comfort straight from traditional kitchens. Rustic charm meets simple ingredients, inviting you to savor a delicious slice of Southern culinary heritage with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup (158 ml) cornmeal
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup (79 ml) self-rising flour

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup (79 ml) low-fat buttermilk

Cooking Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) coconut oil (or vegetable oil, canola oil, or bacon grease)

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Instructions

1. Whisk together cornmeal, self-rising flour, buttermilk, and egg in a mixing bowl until the batter achieves a smooth, cohesive texture with just enough moisture to hold together.
2. Warm a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, coating the surface with oil to ensure even heat distribution and prevent sticking.
3. Using a large spoon, carefully dollop small portions of batter onto the heated skillet, gently spreading each into a rustic, circular shape approximately 3 inches in diameter.
4. Allow the cornbread hoecakes to sizzle and develop a rich, golden-brown crust on the first side, watching for subtle bubbling and firming of the edges.
5. Delicately flip each hoecake using a thin spatula, ensuring minimal oil splatter and maintaining the patty’s structural integrity.
6. Cook the second side until it reaches a deep, crispy bronze color and develops a slightly crunchy exterior.
7. Transfer the freshly fried hoecakes to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain their crisp texture.
8. Serve immediately while piping hot, presenting these traditional Southern cornmeal delicacies as a perfect accompaniment to savory meals or enjoyed on their own.

Notes

• Use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for the best crispy exterior and even browning on the cornbread hoecakes.
• Control the batter consistency by adjusting buttermilk – too thin will spread, too thick won’t cook evenly in the center.
• For gluten-free version, substitute self-rising flour with gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon baking powder.
• Add extra flavor by mixing in finely chopped green onions, jalapeños, or crumbled bacon into the batter for a delicious variation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg