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Southern Fried Cornbread

Southern Fried Cornbread
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Southern Fried Cornbread offers a crispy, golden crust paired with a moist and tender interior, delivering a delightful Southern twist on traditional cornbread. Made with simple pantry staples and fried to perfection, this versatile side pairs wonderfully with hearty mains and can be customized with various seasonings or mix-ins for a flavor-packed experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs

For Frying

  • Butter or neutral oil (such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil) – enough to generously cover the bottom of the skillet

Optional Variations and Mix-ins

  • Diced jalapeños or pinch of cayenne pepper for spicy kick
  • Shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for cheesy goodness
  • Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives for herb infusion
  • Corn kernels or drizzle of honey for a sweet variation

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour (or gluten-free blend), baking powder, salt, and sugar. In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk and eggs until well blended. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cornbread tender.
  2. Heat the Skillet: Place a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan on medium heat and add enough butter or oil to generously cover the bottom. Allow the fat to heat until shimmering but not smoking. This step ensures the cornbread will crisp evenly.
  3. Fry the Cornbread: Spoon batter into the hot skillet in sections or dollops according to your preferred portion size. Pour batter about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the edges are deep golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully to maintain the tender inside.
  4. Drain and Serve: Transfer the fried cornbread to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm for maximum flavor and texture. Optionally, top with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or fresh herbs before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh cornmeal for the best texture and vibrant flavor.
  • Do not overmix the batter to prevent tough cornbread.
  • Maintain medium heat on the skillet to achieve a crispy crust without burning.
  • Preferably use a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and perfect frying.
  • Drain cornbread on paper towels to remove excess oil for a light, non-greasy result.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southern fried cornbread, crispy cornbread, fried cornbread recipe, Southern side dish, gluten-free cornbread, skillet cornbread

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/southern-fried-cornbread/