Description

Southern Fried Cornbread Hoecakes are crispy, golden-brown cornmeal pancakes that bring a classic Southern flavor to your table. Made with a simple batter of cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, and a touch of butter or bacon grease, these hoecakes are perfect as a side dish to greens, beans, or fried chicken. They crisp up beautifully in a skillet, delivering a comforting and hearty addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 cup cornmeal (preferably stone-ground)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Wet Ingredients

3/4 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter or bacon grease
1/3 cup water (as needed for thinning)

For Frying

Vegetable oil or bacon grease

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Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined to form the base of your batter.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter or bacon grease until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. If the batter appears too thick, add water a little at a time until it reaches a thick pancake-like consistency.
Heat the Skillet: Place a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil or bacon grease to coat the surface, allowing it to heat until shimmering.
Form Hoecakes: Drop spoonfuls of batter, about 2–3 tablespoons each, onto the hot skillet. Flatten each slightly with the back of the spoon to form rounds.
Cook Until Golden: Cook the hoecakes for 2–3 minutes on one side until golden brown and crisp, then flip and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes on the other side.
Drain and Serve: Transfer the cooked hoecakes to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Delicious on their own or served alongside traditional Southern sides like greens, beans, or fried chicken.
For added flavor, try mixing diced onions or fresh corn kernels into the batter before cooking.
Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be reheated gently in a skillet or toaster oven to restore crispness.

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