Crispy Southern Fried Cornbread Recipe That Warms The Soul

Southern kitchens buzz with memories when crispy fried cornbread hits the skillet.

Generations have passed down this golden, crusty delicacy through whispered kitchen secrets.

Crackling sounds emerge as batter meets hot oil, promising a delectable adventure.

Comfort wafts through the air, carrying hints of butter and nostalgia.

Skilled cooks know the magic lies in simple ingredients and precise technique.

Perfectly golden edges and a tender center await you at the end of this culinary journey.

One bite transports you to a world of pure, soulful satisfaction.

Fried Cornbread Questions Answered

• Why is resting the batter important?

Resting allows cornmeal to absorb moisture, softening its texture and improving overall flavor and consistency of the cornbread fritters.

• How do I know the oil is at the right temperature?

Use a thermometer to check 375°F, or drop a small batter bit into oil – it should sizzle immediately and rise to surface without burning.

• Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare batter up to 2 hours in advance and refrigerate, but let it come to room temperature before frying for best results.

• What's the best way to ensure even cooking?

Use a slotted spoon to carefully drop batter, maintain consistent medium-high heat, and flip fritters every 2-3 minutes to achieve golden-brown color on all sides.

Why Fried Cornbread Is A Southern Staple

• Craft Quickly: Super simple recipe that requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for beginners or home cooks wanting a fast side dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a satisfying crispy exterior with a soft interior that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family-friendly meal companion.
• Versatile Side Dish: Adaptable to multiple meals from Southern-style dinners to casual gatherings, complementing main courses like barbecue, chili, or fried chicken with its delicious texture and flavor.
• Budget-Friendly Preparation: Uses basic pantry ingredients that are typically inexpensive and readily available, allowing home cooks to create a delicious side dish without breaking the bank.

What Goes Into Fried Cornbread

• Cornmeal: A classic Southern ingredient that provides authentic texture and rich corn flavor.
• Flour: Helps bind the ingredients and creates a smooth, tender structure for the cornbread.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste and balances the other ingredients.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cornbread rise and achieve a light, airy texture.

• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a tender, moist cornbread with a subtle rich flavor.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.
• Water: Helps adjust the batter's consistency and moisture level.

• Vegetable Oil: Creates a hot cooking medium for frying the cornbread and achieving a crispy golden exterior.
• Paper Towels: Used for draining excess oil from the fried cornbread, ensuring a lighter final product.

How To Make Fried Cornbread Crispy

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix thoroughly until all dry ingredients are evenly distributed and look uniform.

Step 2: Blend Wet Ingredients

Take a separate bowl and whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and water until the mixture becomes smooth and fully integrated.

Step 3: Create Batter

Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir carefully until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes to allow cornmeal to absorb moisture and develop a better texture.

Step 4: Prepare Cooking Surface

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking, around 375°F.

Step 5: Drop Batter Into Hot Oil

Using a large spoon or small ladle, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Create small round cornbread fritters.

Step 6: Fry Cornbread

Cook each fritter for 2-3 minutes per side. Watch for a golden-brown color and crispy exterior. Flip and rotate to ensure even cooking.

Step 7: Drain Excess Oil

Remove fried cornbread using a slotted spoon. Place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 8: Complete Cooking

Repeat the frying process with remaining batter. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.

Step 9: Serve Deliciously

Serve warm immediately. Enjoy crispy, golden-brown cornbread with a tender interior.

Best Tips For Perfect Fried Cornbread

• Rest Batter Wisely: Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to help cornmeal absorb liquid and improve overall texture and flavor.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat around 375°F to achieve perfectly crispy, golden-brown fritters without burning.
• Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently until ingredients are just combined to ensure a light, tender cornbread texture.
• Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon and paper towel-lined plate to remove extra oil, keeping fritters crisp and not greasy.
• Test Readiness Carefully: Check fritters' color and crispness by cooking 2-3 minutes per side, adjusting heat to prevent burning.

Tasty Twists On Fried Cornbread

• Gluten-Free Cornbread Fritters: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Herb-Infused Cornbread Fritters: Add chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, or chives to the batter for an aromatic herbal flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Cornbread Fritters: Mix in diced jalapeños, green chilies, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a zesty kick.
• Cheesy Corn Fritters: Incorporate shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese directly into the batter for melty, savory goodness.

What To Pair With Fried Cornbread

• Savor Southern Comfort Pairings
• Drizzle Honey Harmony: Complement the crispy cornbread fritters with local wildflower honey, creating a sweet counterpoint to the savory, golden-brown exterior.
• Zesty BBQ Sidekick: Match these fritters with tangy pulled pork or smoky barbecue chicken, letting the cornbread soak up rich meat juices and provide textural contrast.
• Cool Buttermilk Ranch Dip: Whip up a quick dipping sauce combining buttermilk, fresh herbs, and creamy ranch for a refreshing accompaniment that balances the fritters' warm, crunchy profile.
• Southern Beverage Buddy: Pour an ice-cold glass of sweet tea or a light craft beer to cut through the fritters' richness and enhance the overall Southern dining experience.

Storing Fried Cornbread Without Losing Crunch

• Store cooled cornbread fritters in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain crispness.
• Wrap individual fritters tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange fritters on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy edges return.
• Quickly revive crispiness by heating a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Warm fritters for 1-2 minutes per side, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Fried Cornbread Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets crispy delight in this golden Fried Cornbread, a classic recipe that whispers memories of family gatherings. Crusty exterior and tender crumb promise a nostalgic journey through Southern culinary traditions you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Cornmeal Base:

• 2 cups cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup water

Frying Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda

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Instructions

1. Combine cornmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and water until thoroughly blended.
3. Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture.
4. Allow the batter to rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps the cornmeal absorb moisture and develop better consistency.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat (around 375°F), ensuring the oil is hot but not smoking.
6. Using a large spoon or small ladle, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, creating small round cornbread fritters.
7. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes, watching for a golden-brown color and crispy exterior. Rotate and flip the cornbread to ensure even cooking.
8. Remove fried cornbread using a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
9. Repeat the frying process with remaining batter, adjusting heat as needed to prevent burning.
10. Serve warm immediately, offering a crispy, golden-brown cornbread with a tender interior.

Notes

• Let batter rest at room temperature to help cornmeal fully absorb liquid, creating a more tender texture and smoother consistency.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature around 375°F to ensure crispy exterior without greasy or soggy results, using a kitchen thermometer for precision.
• Add chopped jalapeños or herbs like chives into the batter for extra flavor complexity and a personalized touch that elevates the traditional recipe.
• For gluten-free version, substitute wheat flour with cornmeal or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring same proportions to maintain proper batter structure.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg