Description
Southern fried cornbread showcases golden, crispy goodness that delights Southern cuisine enthusiasts. Crisp edges and rich flavor make this classic side dish a comforting reminder of traditional home cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup (180 ml) buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
- 1 cup (120 g) cornmeal
- ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup (60 ml) water
- 2–3 tbsps vegetable oil or bacon grease (for frying)
Instructions
- Mixture Preparation: Whisk cornmeal, flour, leavening agent, seasoning, and optional sweetener in a mixing bowl until dry ingredients are thoroughly blended.
- Liquid Integration: Whip egg, tangy dairy liquid, and additional liquid into a smooth, uniform mixture, then gently fold into dry ingredients to create a thick, pourable batter.
- Cooking Surface Preparation: Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over moderate temperature, coating interior generously with rendered pork fat or neutral cooking oil.
- Batter Deployment: Drop spoonfuls of batter onto heated surface, spreading into circular patties approximately 3 inches wide, allowing natural bubbling and edge transformation.
- Precision Flipping: When edges turn golden and surface bubbles emerge, carefully flip cornbread to reveal caramelized underside, cooking until both sides achieve rich amber coloration.
- Serving Presentation: Transfer crisp-edged cornbread to a platter, presenting alongside traditional Southern accompaniments like creamy butter or golden honey, ready to complement robust regional dishes.
Notes
- Manage Moisture Carefully: Adjust batter consistency by adding liquid or dry ingredients gradually to prevent overly thick or runny texture, ensuring perfect cornbread texture.
- Control Cooking Temperature: Maintain medium heat to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning, allowing even cooking and crispy edges.
- Prevent Sticking Strategically: Use well-seasoned cast iron or non-stick pan with generous fat coating to ensure easy flipping and crisp surface.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap wheat flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour, and use plant-based milk for dairy-free version without compromising traditional flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg