Description
Crispy Fried Cornbread patties are a Southern American classic made with a simple batter of cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk, fried to golden perfection for a crunchy exterior and soft interior. Perfect as a side dish or snack, these cornbread cakes pair wonderfully with honey, butter, or hearty soups and stews.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal (fine or medium grind)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or bacon grease (plus more for frying)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar (if using) until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter or bacon grease until fully blended.
- Make Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cornbread tender.
- Heat Oil: Warm a few tablespoons of vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat until shimmering hot.
- Fry Patties: Drop heaping spoonfuls of batter into the skillet and gently flatten each into a patty shape. Fry each side for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Repeat: Remove cooked patties and drain on paper towels. Add more oil as needed and repeat with remaining batter.
- Serve: Serve the fried cornbread hot with honey, butter, or as an accompaniment to soups and stews for the best experience.
Notes
- For extra crunch, use a coarser cornmeal or incorporate a tablespoon of corn grits into the batter.
- These cornbread patties are best enjoyed immediately while hot and crispy.
- You can keep the cooked patties warm in a low oven if preparing in batches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
