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A plate of Hot Water Cornbread.
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Hot Water Cornbread

This Hot Water Cornbread is a 4-ingredient Southern recipe that's different than the classic cake-like cornbread. The simple batter is mixed and then fried on the stovetop into patties rather than baked in the oven.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: bread
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bread
Servings: 16 Servings

Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup white or yellow cornmeal
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1-2 cups boiling water the amount depends on the grind of cornmeal used
  • oil for frying vegetable or canola oil or bacon grease

Instructions

  • Add about 1/2 inch of oil to a skillet (cast iron is best) and heat over medium-high until hot. Heat about 350° or until it's glistening but not smoking.
  • To a bowl, add cornmeal. Remove and discard 1 tablespoon of it.
  • To the cornmeal, add baking powder and salt. Whisk together.
  • Carefully pour in boiling water a little at a time, stirring until it's slightly thicker than pancake batter.
  • Scoop or spoon about 3-4 tablespoons of the mixture into the hot oil. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
  • Work in batches and add more oil or grease between additions if needed.
  • Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm.

Notes

For every 1 cup of self-rising cornmeal:
  1. Start with 1 cup of finely ground plain cornmeal in a bowl.
  2. Remove 1 tablespoon of the cornmeal and return it to the bag.
  3. To the bowl add 1 tablespoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  4. Mix together thoroughly, and there you have it!
Storage: 
Store any leftover hot water cornbread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through for a couple of minutes.
You can also freeze the patties for up to 2 months, thaw before reheating in the oven or microwave.
Make a bunch of hot water cornbread in advance and keep in a 200ºF oven for a few hours until you are ready to serve.
Tips: 
  • Make sure your oil is hot enough to fry the cornbread correctly. You want it to be golden brown on both sides for a delicious texture.
  • Use a scoop or measuring cup to make equal-sized cornbread patties. This way they fry up in the same amount of time and don't overcook.
  • Always drain well on paper towels or a wire rack. This will help them from becoming greasy right after they are fried.
  • Add in seasonings or mix-ins for fun flavors. You can easily add herbs, spices, cheeses, and more to customize the hot water cornbread to your liking.
Tried this recipe?Mention @dinnerin321 or tag #dinnerin321!