Print

Classic Crispy Southern Fried Cornbread

Three square pieces of golden fried cornbread stacked on a white plate, showing a moist, crumbly texture.
Print Recipe

Make tender, fluffy cornbread with a satisfyingly crispy exterior by frying the batter in a hot skillet.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, adjust for sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil or bacon grease, plus more for frying

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  2. In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the egg, then whisk in the buttermilk.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix. A few lumps are fine.
  4. Place 1/4 cup of oil or bacon grease in a 10-inch cast iron skillet. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat until the fat is shimmering hot, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  5. Carefully pour about 1/3 cup of batter into the hot fat for each patty, leaving space between them. The batter should sizzle immediately.
  6. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side until the edges are deep golden brown and crispy.
  7. Flip the patties carefully using a thin spatula. Fry the second side for another 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Remove the fried cornbread from the skillet and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  9. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the skillet if necessary between batches to maintain a hot frying temperature.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use real buttermilk. If you do not have buttermilk, add 1 teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 1/4 cups of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
  • Bacon grease provides the most authentic Southern flavor for frying.
  • Serve hot with butter, honey, or alongside chili or greens.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/fried-cornbread-classic-crispy-southern-recipe/