PrintThe Best Crispy Southern Fried Cornbread Patties
I am glad you are here. This recipe shows you how to make classic Southern fried cornbread patties that are crispy on the outside and tender inside. We use simple ingredients and pan-fry them in a skillet for that authentic, soul-satisfying flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 10-12 patties 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pan Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil, plus more for frying
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar if you are using it. This builds the base for your fluffy inside crispy outside texture.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and milk.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine. Stir in the 1/4 cup of vegetable oil.
- Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat until the oil shimmers (about 350°F). You need enough oil for shallow frying.
- Carefully drop spoonfuls or small ladlefuls of batter into the hot oil. Flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon to form patties, similar to hoecakes recipe size. Do not crowd the skillet.
- Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until the patties are deep golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Remove the fried cornbread patties from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve immediately with butter, honey, or as a perfect comfort food side dish for chili or greens.
Notes
- Using buttermilk is key for the tender interior and slight tang characteristic of buttermilk cornbread fried recipes.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, omit the sugar entirely for a true savory Southern style.
- For the best texture, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the batter; this creates the immediate crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 19
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 25