Fried Cornbread Recipe

Introduction

Fried cornbread offers a crispy, golden exterior with a tender, flavorful inside—perfect as a side for hearty meals or a savory snack on its own. This simple recipe blends traditional Southern flavors into quick, satisfying patties you can fry up in minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups cornmeal
• 1/2 cup self-rising flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (plus more as needed for frying)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, self-rising flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Use a fork to mix everything evenly.
2. Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, honey, and egg until smooth.
3. Step 3: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until the batter is fully combined. The dough will be thick.
4. Step 4: Heat 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat.
5. Step 5: Drop a heaping tablespoon of batter into the hot oil to form a patty.
6. Step 6: Fry the patty for 2–3 minutes on the first side, until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side for another 2–3 minutes.
7. Step 7: Add more oil to the skillet as needed for remaining batches. Drain finished patties on paper towels before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or finely chopped jalapeños to the batter before frying.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar into 1 cup milk and let sit for 5 minutes as a substitute.
• Use a non-stick skillet to reduce the amount of oil needed for frying.

Storage

Store leftover fried cornbread patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispness or microwave briefly if in a hurry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the cornbread patties instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) on a greased baking sheet for about 10-12 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, but frying gives the crispiest texture.

What can I serve with fried cornbread?

Fried cornbread pairs well with chili, barbecue dishes, or a fresh salad. It also works great as a snack served with honey or butter.

Fried Cornbread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 74 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 patties 1x

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Description

This Fried Cornbread recipe features golden, crispy patties made from a simple cornmeal batter, fried to perfection in vegetable oil. Crisp on the outside and tender inside, they make a perfect side dish or snack with a hint of sweetness and a satisfying texture.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups cornmeal
• 1/2 cup self-rising flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (plus more as needed for frying)

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Instructions

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly mix the cornmeal, self-rising flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar using a fork to ensure even distribution.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, honey, and egg until well blended.
3. Make the batter: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until all dry ingredients are fully incorporated, resulting in a thick dough.
4. Heat the oil: Pour 1/4 cup of vegetable oil into a 10-inch skillet and heat it over medium heat until hot and shimmering.
5. Form and fry patties: Drop a heaping tablespoon of the batter carefully into the hot oil, forming a patty. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes or until the bottom turns golden brown.
6. Flip and finish frying: Turn the patties over and fry the other side for another 2-3 minutes until evenly golden and cooked through.
7. Drain excess oil: Remove the fried cornbread patties from the skillet and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil before serving.
8. Repeat frying: Add more oil to the skillet as needed and continue frying the remaining batter in batches.

Notes

• Use fresh vegetable oil for best frying results and to avoid off flavors.
• Ensure oil is hot enough before frying to prevent greasy patties.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients.
• Serve warm for best texture and flavor.
• You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice if necessary.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Keywords: fried cornbread, cornbread patties, southern side dish, crispy cornbread, skillet fried cornbread