Crispy Golden Hot Water Cornbread
Crispy Golden Hot Water Cornbread : A Southern Classic
Ever crave something simple, comforting, and utterly delicious? I know I do. This Hot Water Cornbread Recipe fits the bill perfectly! Imagine biting into a crispy cornbread cake , golden brown on the outside, soft and slightly sweet inside.
Yum!
What is Hot Water Cornbread ?
Hot Water Cornbread , also known as Southern Cornbread Hoecakes , is a Southern staple. Think of it as Fried Cornmeal Cakes .
It is believed to have originated as an easy and cheap food, especially for the poorest communities. It's surprisingly easy to make.
Ready in just 25 minutes. This Easy Cornbread Recipe makes about 12 small cakes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what's not to love? This Hot Cornbread is a great source of energy. The best thing? It's the perfect addition to any Southern Side Dish Recipes .
You can serve it with BBQ, fried chicken, or collard greens. What makes this recipe extra special is the crispy outside and fluffy inside.
It's just pure comfort food, you know?
Simple Ingredients for Hotwater Cornbread
Okay, so here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen. You'll need 1 cup of yellow cornmeal, preferably stone ground.
You'll also need a half teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Get your vegetable oil ready, too.
Plus, one cup of boiling water.
Tips and Tricks
Don't overmix the batter. Heat your oil to about 350° F ( 175° C) before frying, and don't overcrowd the pan, okay?
Ingredients and Equipment: Let's Get Cooking!
Ready to make some seriously good hot water cornbread ? Honestly, it's easier than you think! But first, let's gather our supplies.
Main Ingredients for Hot Cornbread Recipe
Here's what you'll need. We're aiming for that perfect balance of crispy and tender!
- 1 cup (120g) yellow cornmeal, preferably stone ground
- ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
- ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) black pepper
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil, plus more for frying
- Optional: 1 tablespoon (12g) sugar, for a touch of sweetness
For the cornmeal, try to grab stone ground. It makes a huge difference in texture! It has a slightly coarser grind that gives the hot cornbread a better bite. You know?
Seasoning Notes for Southern Cornbread Hoecakes
Simple seasonings are key. A good pinch of salt and pepper go a long way. For flavor enhancers, consider adding a pinch of cayenne.
Want a bit of extra richness in the batter? Melt a tablespoon of butter into the boiling water before mixing.
If you're out of black pepper, white pepper works fine. Just use the same amount. It won't have the same kick, but it's a good substitute.
Equipment Needed to prepare this Easy Cornbread Recipe
Okay, here's the stuff you'll actually use to make fried cornmeal cakes .
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Heavy bottomed skillet or frying pan
- Slotted spoon or spatula
- Paper towels
Don't have a whisk? A fork will do just fine. For the skillet, cast iron is awesome if you have it.
But any heavy bottomed pan will work. This helps with even heat distribution. Avoid thin pans.
Ready to fry up some crispy cornbread cakes ? Let's do this! You'll love how quickly this Southern side dish recipe comes together.
You get a taste of the South in no time!
Crispy Golden Hot Water Cornbread : Your New Fave!
Okay, you guys, seriously. Hot water cornbread . Have you HAD it? If not, your life is about to change. Think Southern cornbread hoecakes but even easier.
It’s crispy, it’s golden, and it’s pure comfort food. Like, really simple to whip up, even if you're not exactly a whiz in the kitchen! This easy cornbread recipe is about to become your go-to.
Prep Steps
- Essential mise en place: Grab your cornmeal (1 cup). Salt (½ teaspoon). Pepper (¼ teaspoon). Get that kettle boiling!
- Time saving organization tips: Measure everything out before you start. Trust me. It'll make things so much easier.
- Safety Reminders: Please be careful with hot oil! We don't want any accidents. This is the only part a little tricky. Keep the little ones away.
step-by-step Process
- Combine dry ingredients. In a bowl, whisk cornmeal, salt, and pepper.
- Add boiling water. Carefully pour in 1 cup. Whisk fast to avoid lumps.
- Incorporate oil. Mix in 2 tablespoons of oil. This adds flavour.
- Heat oil for frying. Pour ½ inch oil into a skillet. Heat to 350° F ( 175° C) . Use medium high heat.
- Fry cornbread. Drop spoonfuls into the hot oil. Don't overcrowd!
- Cook until golden. Fry for 2- 3 minutes per side, until golden.
- Drain and serve. Place on paper towels. Serve immediately!
Pro Tips for Extra Delicious Hot Cornbread Recipe
- Use hot water: Seriously, it's hot water cornbread, not lukewarm water cornbread. Makes all the difference.
- Don't overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches. Otherwise, you get soggy cornmeal fritters . Nobody wants that. The secret to Crispy Cornbread Cakes
- Serve it up! Enjoy these with anything from chilli to honey, its one of the great Southern Side Dish Recipes . Maybe even a dollop of honey. It's your life. Do you!
Honestly, once you try hot water cornbread , you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life. This version is my personal favorite.
Its a simple way to enjoy some Fried Cornmeal Cakes , so Get cookin'!
Recipe Notes for Perfect Hot Water Cornbread
Alright, so you are about to make some hot water cornbread . Let's dive into some handy tips and tricks to make your cornbread sing! I've learned these over countless batches, some successes, some.
.. well, let's just say the dog enjoyed those.
Serving Up Some Southern Charm
How you plate your crispy cornbread cakes is almost as important as the taste. Think rustic! Serve them warm on a wooden board or in a cast iron skillet.
A little sprinkle of flaky sea salt makes them even more special.
Southern side dish recipes are so perfect with this. Collard greens or a bit of BBQ, yum! A glass of iced tea or maybe even a sweet tea vodka cocktail would be just the ticket.
Storing Your Fried Cornmeal Cakes Like a Pro
Honestly, hot water cornbread is best fresh, but life happens. If you have leftovers, here’s the deal. Pop them in the fridge in an airtight container and they should be good for about 2-3 days.
Freezing isn't ideal because they can lose some crispiness. Reheating is easy: pop them in a toaster oven or skillet until warmed through.
I actually really like a quick zap in the microwave with butter. Don't @ me.
Remixing Your Hot Cornbread Recipe
Want to spice things up? Stir in a little diced jalapeño for a kick. For a sweeter version, a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup adds a lovely touch.
If you're watching the carbs or want to use something other than butter, you can use melted coconut oil instead.
This works great if you're wanting to make them vegan cornmeal fritters !
Hotwater Cornbread : The Healthy ish Lowdown
Each little cake clocks in around 75 calories, with a bit of protein and some fat. But let's be real, we're not eating hot water cornbread for a health kick.
Enjoy this Southern treat in moderation, eh? It's good for your soul more than anything else. Did you know that cornmeal is a good source of fiber? Just a fun fact!
Making easy cornbread recipe from scratch can be tricky! But I know you can do it. Go get cooking, my friend, and make some memories!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the secret to getting my hot water cornbread crispy on the outside but soft on the inside?
The key is using boiling water, as the name "hot water cornbread" suggests! The hot water helps to gelatinize the cornmeal, creating a smoother batter that fries up with a beautifully crisp exterior and a tender interior. Also, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying around 350°F (175°C) is ideal.
If the oil isn't hot enough, you'll end up with soggy, sad cornbread, and nobody wants that!
My hot water cornbread is always greasy! What am I doing wrong?
Greasy cornbread can be a real bummer, like a soggy bottom on The Great British Bake Off! Firstly, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying; if it's too cool, the cornbread will just soak up the oil. Secondly, don't overcrowd the pan. Frying in batches helps maintain the oil temperature.
Finally, after frying, drain the cornbread well on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
Can I add anything to my hot water cornbread to jazz it up a bit?
Absolutely! Think of hot water cornbread as a blank canvas. A little finely chopped jalapeño adds a nice kick. Stirring in some shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese is also a fantastic option.
You could even add a touch of sweetness with a tablespoon of sugar or honey to the batter, just like grandma used to make!
How should I store leftover hot water cornbread, and how long will it last?
Hot water cornbread is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can pop them in a toaster oven or skillet to crisp them up again. Sadly, they won't be quite as good as fresh, but still perfectly edible.
You could also freeze them for longer storage (up to a month), but expect a slight change in texture upon thawing.
Is hot water cornbread a healthy option? What's the nutritional info?
While delicious, hot water cornbread is more of a comfort food than a health food, like fish and chips from the chippy. It's primarily carbohydrates and fat due to the cornmeal and frying oil. A single cake (about 1/12 of the recipe) is roughly 75 calories with 1g of protein, 5g of fat, and 7g of carbohydrates.
Remember that this is just an estimate, as the exact nutritional content will depend on your specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Can I make hot water cornbread without vegetable oil?
Yes, you can substitute the vegetable oil with other neutral flavored oils like canola oil or peanut oil. For a vegan option, you could try melted coconut oil, but be aware that it might impart a slight coconut flavor.
Remember that the type of oil you use will subtly affect the final taste and texture of your hot water cornbread, so experiment to find what you prefer!
Crispy Golden Hot Water Cornbread
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 75 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
