Southern Hoecakes (Fried Cornbread)
If you’re craving a taste of comfort, these Southern Hoecakes are the perfect dish to bring a bit of nostalgia to your table. Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, these cornmeal cakes have been enjoyed across the South for generations.
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 203kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup fine cornmeal
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar optional
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup warm water
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup bacon fat melted and cooled, plus more for the pan
- Vegetable oil or butter for cooking
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, and sugar.
- Make a well in center of mixture; in this order add hot water, buttermilk, ¼ cup bacon fat or vegetable oil, and eggs. Whisk the wet ingredients in the center.
- Fold the wet and dry ingredients together and let sit at least 15 minutes to allow time for the flour and cornmeal to hydrate.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoons of bacon fat and 1 tablespoon of oil or butter.
- Portion ¼ cup of batter per hoecake into the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the top of the hoecake has small air bubbles and the edges of the pancake look dry. Flip and cook another 2 minutes.
- Serve hot with butter and syrup or honey.
Notes
If making savory hoecakes, you can omit the sugar, but I find the mild sweetness really balances other more savory flavors.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Let the hoecakes cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap each hoecake individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To prevent sticking, place parchment paper between each layer if stacking.
- Microwave: Place a hoecake on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 20-30 seconds or until warmed through.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place hoecakes on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and bake for 8-10 minutes until heated.
- Skillet: For extra crispiness, reheat in a lightly greased skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warm and crispy.
Nutrition
Calories: 203kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.004g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 305mg | Potassium: 111mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 94IU | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 1mg
