Quick & Golden Fried Cornbread Recipe That Melts in Your Mouth

Southern kitchens buzz with memories when golden crispy cornbread starts sizzling in cast-iron skillets.

Families pass down cherished techniques through generations of delicious tradition.

Cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk combine into a magical mixture that speaks comfort.

Crackling edges and soft centers make this fried cornbread an irresistible treat.

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with careful technique and love.

Hot oil creates a perfect golden crust that whispers of home-cooked memories.

You’ll want to gather everyone around the table and share these delectable morsels that connect us to our roots.

What Makes Fried Cornbread So Tasty

• Conquer Quick Cooking: This recipe offers a speedy solution for hungry families, requiring minimal preparation and cooking skills.
• Celebrate Versatile Comfort: Perfect for casual gatherings, picnics, or as a delicious side dish that complements multiple main courses with its crispy texture and rich corn flavor.
• Master Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples, making it budget-friendly and accessible for home cooks of all experience levels, without needing fancy or expensive components.
• Enjoy Crowd-Pleasing Crunch: Delivers a satisfying golden-brown exterior with a tender interior, guaranteed to win over both kids and adults with its irresistible texture and homemade goodness.

What’s Needed For Fried Cornbread

• Cornmeal: A classic Southern ingredient that provides a rich, hearty corn flavor and signature texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the batter and creates a tender, light structure for the cornbread.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cornbread.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle, warm spiciness to the mix.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the cornbread rises and maintains a light, airy consistency.

• Buttermilk: Provides tanginess and helps tenderize the batter for a softer texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cornbread's richness.
• Milk: Helps achieve the right batter consistency and adds moisture.

• Vegetable Oil: Allows for even, crispy frying and prevents the cornbread from sticking to the pan.

How To Cook Fried Cornbread

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine cornmeal, flour, salt, black pepper, and baking powder. Blend these dry ingredients thoroughly until they’re perfectly integrated, creating a smooth base for your fritters.

Step 2: Prepare Wet Ingredients

• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Milk

Blend until the mixture becomes slightly frothy and well combined.

Step 3: Create Batter Harmony

Gently pour the liquid ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir carefully, mixing just until the ingredients come together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your fritters tough.

Step 4: Heat Up the Skillet

Place a heavy skillet on the stove and add vegetable oil. Bring the temperature to medium-high heat, aiming for around 375°F. The oil should be hot and shimmering but not smoking.

Step 5: Fry the Fritters

Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Allow space between each fritter to ensure even cooking. Watch for those beautiful golden edges forming.

Step 6: Achieve Perfect Golden Brown

Fry each side for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on the color. The fritters should turn a gorgeous golden brown with crispy, crunchy edges. Adjust the heat if they’re browning too quickly.

Step 7: Manage Oil Levels

Add more vegetable oil to the skillet as needed. This helps maintain a consistent cooking temperature and prevents the fritters from sticking.

Step 8: Drain and Prepare

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps absorb any excess oil, keeping them crisp and light.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these delectable cornbread fritters immediately while they’re hot and wonderfully crisp. The perfect side dish or snack that brings Southern comfort to your table!

Helpful Fried Cornbread Tips

• Maintain Batter Consistency: Mix wet and dry ingredients gently to prevent tough cornbread, stopping when just combined for a tender texture.
• Control Oil Temperature: Keep skillet at steady 375°F to ensure crispy exterior and fully cooked interior without burning.
• Drain Excess Oil: Place fried cornbread on paper towels to remove extra grease, preserving crispness and preventing sogginess.
• Serve Fresh and Hot: Enjoy immediately after frying to experience maximum crunchiness and optimal corn flavor.
• Space Cornbread Wisely: Drop batter with enough room between pieces to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Different Styles For Fried Cornbread

• Gluten-Free Cornbread Fritters: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Herb-Infused Southern Fritters: Add chopped fresh chives, rosemary, or thyme to the batter for an aromatic herbal kick.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cornbread Bites: Mix finely diced jalapeños and shredded cheddar cheese into the batter for a zesty southwestern profile.
• Buttermilk-Free Option: Substitute buttermilk with plain yogurt or dairy-free milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Perfect Pairings With Fried Cornbread

• Spice Up with Honey Butter: Whip softened butter with golden honey and a pinch of cinnamon for a sweet, luxurious spread that melts beautifully on warm cornbread, creating a perfect balance of crispy and creamy textures.
• Pair with Southern Comfort: Serve alongside classic pulled pork or smoked barbecue chicken to complement the cornbread's crispy exterior and rich corn flavor, enhancing the overall rustic meal experience.
• Cool Down with Tangy Coleslaw: Add a zesty, crunchy coleslaw made with apple cider vinegar and fresh herbs to cut through the cornbread's richness, providing a refreshing contrast that brightens the entire dish.

How To Store Fried Cornbread Properly

• Store cooled cornbread in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain optimal texture and taste.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place cornbread on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Brush with melted butter for extra moisture.
• Heat cornbread on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds, checking to prevent drying out. Add a damp paper towel to retain softness and prevent toughness.

Fried Cornbread Question Roundup

• What ingredients give this cornbread its unique texture?

The combination of cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, and eggs creates a tender, crispy exterior with a soft interior. The baking powder helps achieve a light, airy consistency.

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

Use a thermometer to check that the oil reaches 375°F. If you don’t have one, drop a small bit of batter into the oil – it should sizzle and rise immediately without burning.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to maintain the recipe’s integrity.

Fried Cornbread Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

Southern comfort meets crispy delight in this golden Fried Cornbread, a nostalgic dish straight from grandma’s kitchen. Crisp edges and tender center promise a mouthwatering experience that connects you to cherished culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

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Corn Ingredients:

• 2 cups cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk

Seasoning and Fat Ingredients:

• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for additional frying)

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Instructions

1. Combine cornmeal, flour, salt, black pepper, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture.
2. Whisk buttermilk, eggs, and milk in a separate bowl until thoroughly blended and slightly frothy.
3. Pour liquid ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
4. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, reaching approximately 375°F.
5. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, creating small, rustic rounds. Ensure spacing between each cornbread piece.
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, monitoring for a golden-brown exterior and crispy edges. Adjust heat if browning too quickly.
7. Add remaining vegetable oil as needed to maintain consistent frying temperature and prevent sticking.
8. Transfer fried cornbread to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and drain.
9. Serve immediately while hot and crisp, offering a delightful crunch and rich corn flavor.

Notes

• Check buttermilk temperature to ensure ingredients blend smoothly and create consistent batter texture.
• Use cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and achieving perfectly crispy golden-brown exterior.
• Experiment with cornmeal-to-flour ratio for crunchier or softer variations depending on personal preference.
• Substitute buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and apple cider vinegar for gluten-free and vegan adaptations.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg