... Print

Authentic Southern Hot Water Cornbread: Crispy Skillet Fried Patties

A stack of perfectly golden brown hot water cornbread patties piled high on a white plate.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Learn to make traditional Southern Hot Water Cornbread, also known as hoecakes. This recipe delivers the perfect texture: a wonderfully crispy, golden-brown exterior and a tender, moist interior, all made quickly on the stovetop.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • Vegetable oil or bacon drippings, for frying

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, salt, and baking powder.
  2. Carefully pour the boiling water into the dry ingredients. Stir quickly until just combined into a thick batter. Do not overmix.
  3. Heat about 1/4 inch of oil or bacon drippings in a heavy skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat until the fat is shimmering hot.
  4. Drop the batter by spoonfuls (about 2 tablespoons each) into the hot fat, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon to form small patties, about 1/2 inch thick. These are your traditional cornmeal patties.
  5. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until they are deep golden brown and crispy on the edges.
  6. Remove the hot water cornbread from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  7. Serve immediately while hot, perhaps with butter or honey for a taste of true Southern comfort food.

Notes

  • For the crispiest edges, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the batter. If the oil is too cool, the cornbread will absorb too much fat and become greasy instead of crispy.
  • If you prefer a slightly richer flavor, substitute half of the boiling water with buttermilk.
  • This recipe is a fantastic, quick side dish for greens and beans or fried chicken.
  • You can reheat leftovers in a toaster oven to restore the crusty edges.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/hot-water-cornbread-recipe-southern-crispy/