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Southern Fried Cornbread

Southern Fried Cornbread
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Southern Fried Cornbread is a classic Southern comfort food featuring a golden, crispy exterior and a soft, tender crumb inside. This recipe combines simple pantry staples to create a rich, buttery flavor with a slightly sweet note. Perfect as a side dish, snack, or base for savory toppings, it offers an irresistible crunch and warm, inviting aroma that embodies Southern cooking.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

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

Wet Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup milk or buttermilk (or plant-based milk for vegan option)
  • 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (or vegan butter alternative)

For Frying

  • Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil (enough to cover skillet bottom about 1/4 inch deep)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend), baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk or buttermilk, beaten egg, and melted butter until the batter is smooth. It should be thick but pourable, not too runny.
  2. Heat the Oil: Pour enough oil into a skillet to cover the bottom about 1/4 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium heat until it shimmers but does not smoke, maintaining a temperature between 350°F to 375°F. Proper oil temperature is key to achieving a crispy crust without burning.
  3. Fry the Cornbread: Spoon the batter carefully into the hot oil, forming small rounds or one larger piece based on your preference. Fry each side for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Drain and Cool: Remove the fried cornbread from the oil using a slotted spatula and transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve the cornbread warm to enjoy the full crunch and rich flavor.

Notes

  • Maintain oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F for optimal frying results.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
  • Use fresh, high-quality cornmeal for best flavor and texture.
  • Adjust milk quantity to achieve desired batter thickness; thicker batter yields denser cornbread.
  • Serve Southern Fried Cornbread immediately after frying to retain its crispy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southern fried cornbread, crispy cornbread, Southern comfort food, fried cornmeal, cornbread recipe, gluten-free cornbread, vegan cornbread option

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