Crispy Fried Cornbread Recipe

Crispy Fried Cornbread Recipe – The Perfect Golden Delight

Cornbread lovers, get ready for the crispiest, most delicious cornbread you’ve ever tasted! This Crispy Fried Cornbread is golden brown on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside, and packed with rich, buttery flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a Southern meal, enjoying it with a hearty bowl of chili, or indulging in it as a snack, this quick and easy recipe is a must-try.

Introduction

There’s something special about homemade cornbread, but when you fry it to crispy perfection, it reaches a whole new level of deliciousness. Unlike traditional baked cornbread, this version has a golden, crunchy crust that makes it absolutely irresistible. Plus, it’s simple to make with just a few pantry staples!

This Southern-style fried cornbread is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with fried chicken, BBQ, collard greens, and even breakfast dishes. Once you try this recipe, you’ll never want to go back to regular cornbread again!

Ingredients

To make this crispy and flavorful fried cornbread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Essential Ingredients

1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Optional Additions for Extra Flavor

1 tablespoon sugar (for a slightly sweet taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for a savory twist)
1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or parmesan)
1/4 cup finely diced jalapeños (for a little heat)
1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (for added crunch and smokiness)

How to Make Crispy Fried Cornbread

1. Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and stir in the buttermilk until well combined. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth, thick batter forms.

2. Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan, filling it about 1/4-inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is ready, drop a tiny bit of batter into the oil—if it sizzles and bubbles, the oil is hot enough.

3. Fry the Cornbread

Using a large spoon or small cookie scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Flatten each piece slightly with the back of the spoon. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the cornbread is golden brown and crispy. Be sure to flip carefully using a spatula or tongs.

4. Drain & Cool

Once the cornbread is crispy and cooked through, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining batter.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

Serve hot and fresh with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or a side of homemade buttermilk ranch dressing. Enjoy the crispy, crunchy goodness!

Helpful Tips for the Best Fried Cornbread

Use Buttermilk for Authentic Flavor: Buttermilk adds a slight tanginess and makes the cornbread extra tender. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make the cornbread dense instead of light and fluffy. Stir until just combined.
Keep the Oil at the Right Temperature: Too hot, and the cornbread will burn; too cool, and it will absorb too much oil. Use a kitchen thermometer for best results.
Drain Excess Oil: Letting the fried cornbread rest on paper towels helps keep it crispy.
Serve Immediately: Fried cornbread is best enjoyed fresh out of the pan while it’s still hot and crispy.

Cooking Tips

To take your crispy fried cornbread to the next level, try these pro tips:

Add Extra Crunch: Mix in a handful of corn kernels for added texture.
Try a Cast-Iron Skillet: Cast iron retains heat evenly and gives the cornbread an even crispier crust.
Use Bacon Grease: Instead of vegetable oil, fry the cornbread in bacon grease for a rich, smoky flavor.
Spice it Up: Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for an extra kick.

Serving Suggestions

Fried cornbread is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some delicious serving ideas:

Classic Southern Meal: Serve alongside fried chicken, collard greens, and mac and cheese.
Breakfast Favorite: Pair with scrambled eggs, bacon, and maple syrup.
Soup & Chili Companion: Perfect for dipping into hearty beef chili or creamy tomato soup.
BBQ Side Dish: Goes great with ribs, brisket, pulled pork, or grilled sausage.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: 220
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 320mg
Iron: 6%
Calcium: 8%

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To keep it crispy, reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cornbread soggy.
Freeze: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this cornbread gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for regular flour.

Can I bake this instead of frying?
Absolutely! Pour the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes.

Can I use a different oil for frying?
Yes! You can use canola oil, peanut oil, or even coconut oil for a slightly different flavor.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this crispy fried cornbread, check out these other delicious recipes:

Conclusion

This Crispy Fried Cornbread is the ultimate Southern comfort food. With its golden-brown crust, fluffy inside, and rich flavor, it’s the perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it with BBQ, chili, or just enjoying it on its own, this easy-to-make recipe will quickly become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy every crispy, buttery bite! 🍽️🌽