Description
Southern comfort shines through this crispy fried cornbread, delivering golden-brown perfection with a delightful crunch. Drizzled with honey or paired with savory dishes, this classic recipe connects generations of home cooks and brings warmth to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg, beaten
Leavening Agents:
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cooking Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or bacon grease
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, whisking cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly blended.
- Pour buttermilk, beaten egg, and melted butter into the dry mixture, stirring gently until ingredients are just incorporated without overmixing.
- Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F, ensuring the oil is evenly distributed and shimmering but not smoking.
- Using a spoon, carefully drop batter portions into the hot oil, gently spreading each into a flat circular shape with the back of the utensil.
- Fry each cornbread portion for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, watching for a deep golden-brown color and crispy exterior.
- Remove fried cornbread pieces using a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy, accompanied by softened butter, drizzled honey, or a preferred complementary dipping sauce.
Notes
- Choose cold buttermilk straight from the refrigerator for a more tender and fluffy texture in your cornbread.
- Maintain oil temperature around 350°F to prevent greasy or soggy results, using a thermometer for precise monitoring.
- For gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Create healthier versions by using avocado oil or coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, which provides additional subtle flavor and nutritional benefits.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 329 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 419 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 57 mg