The Crispiest Southern Fried Cornbread Recipe Ever Made

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement around this crispy fried cornbread that captures generations of culinary tradition.

Grandmothers across Alabama perfected these golden-brown delights decades ago.

Cornmeal provides the perfect base for a satisfying crunch that melts in your mouth.

Simple ingredients come together quickly in a dance of flavor and texture.

Regional pride shines through each carefully crafted piece of bread.

Skillet-fried to perfection, these morsels invite you to savor a taste of home-cooked comfort.

Reasons to Love Fried Cornbread

• Crisp Up Your Comfort: Enjoy a delightful golden-brown exterior that gives a satisfying crunch with every single bite, creating a perfect texture contrast to soft inner layers.
• Quick Southern Charm: Prepare this traditional Southern-style cornbread with minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps, making it an ideal side dish for busy home cooks who want authentic flavor without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Meal Companion: Pair perfectly with hearty soups, stews, barbecue dishes, or enjoy as a standalone snack that complements virtually any main course, bringing delicious Southern hospitality to your table.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Create a crowd-pleasing recipe using affordable pantry staples like cornmeal, flour, and basic kitchen ingredients, ensuring a wallet-friendly option that doesn't compromise on taste or satisfaction.

Ingredients Needed for Fried Cornbread

• Cornmeal: A classic Southern staple that provides a rich, hearty base for the cornbread.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a tender texture and adds structure to the batter.
• Sugar: Brings a subtle sweetness to balance the savory cornbread.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cornbread rise and become light and fluffy.
• Baking Soda: Assists in creating a soft, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cornbread.

• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a moist, tender cornbread.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and provides richness.
• Melted Butter or Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a golden, crispy exterior.

• Vegetable Oil: Provides the medium for frying and helps achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

How to Prepare Fried Cornbread

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt using a whisk until perfectly blended.

Step 2: Mix Wet Components

In a separate bowl, blend buttermilk, egg, and melted butter or oil until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 3: Create Batter

Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and fluffy.

Step 4: Prepare Cooking Surface

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a shallow layer of oil approximately 1/4 inch deep.

Step 5: Fry Cornbread Rounds

Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, creating small rounds. Fry each side until achieving a beautiful golden-brown color, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 6: Drain Excess Oil

Transfer fried cornbread rounds onto paper towels to absorb extra oil and ensure a crispy texture.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the warm, crispy cornbread immediately and serve alongside your favorite main dishes or as a delightful standalone snack.

Pro Tips for Fried Cornbread

• Master Batter Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter to keep cornbread tender and prevent tough texture.
• Maintain Perfect Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep oil around 350°F for even, crispy golden-brown results without burning.
• Choose the Right Pan: Cast iron skillet provides the best heat distribution and creates a deliciously crispy exterior.
• Test Oil Readiness: Drop a small batter bit into oil – if it sizzles immediately, the oil is perfectly heated for frying.
• Store Smartly: Cool completely before storing in an airtight container to maintain crispness for 2-3 days at room temperature.

Variation Suggestions for Fried Cornbread

• Gluten-Free Cornbread Fritters: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or rice flour for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Buttermilk Substitute Version: Use regular milk mixed with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar as a quick buttermilk replacement for easier preparation.
• Spicy Southern Style: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the batter for a kick of heat and enhanced flavor profile.
• Herb-Infused Cornbread Rounds: Incorporate fresh chopped herbs like chives, rosemary, or thyme into the batter for an aromatic herbal variation.

Pairing Ideas for Fried Cornbread

• Pair with Southern Comfort Classics: Serve alongside crispy fried chicken or pulled pork for an authentic Southern meal bursting with rich, hearty flavors.
• Complement with Tangy Sides: Match with spicy collard greens or zesty coleslaw to balance the cornbread's crispy, golden texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Cool Down with Creamy Beverages: Enjoy with cold buttermilk or sweet tea to cut through the oil's richness and enhance the cornbread's comforting warmth.
• Boost with Savory Dips: Serve with honey butter, jalapeño jam, or homemade ranch dressing to elevate the cornbread's crispy exterior and add exciting layers of taste.

Storage Advice for Fried Cornbread

• Store leftover fried cornbread in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain best quality and texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place cornbread on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwave to preserve crunchiness.
• Warm a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Quickly pan-fry each side for 1-2 minutes to restore original crispy texture and warmth.

FAQs for Fried Cornbread

• What is the key difference between fried cornbread and regular cornbread?

Fried cornbread is cooked in hot oil in a skillet, creating a crispy exterior and golden-brown texture, unlike traditional baked cornbread which is made in an oven.

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk, but add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the milk to mimic buttermilk’s tangy flavor and help with leavening.

• How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?

Drop a small amount of batter into the oil – if it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, the oil is ready for frying cornbread.

Fried Cornbread Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Southern fried cornbread delivers crispy golden perfection with rustic charm and comforting flavors. Home cooks can easily craft this classic Southern side dish that pairs beautifully with soups, stews, and hearty meals.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil

Dry Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Frying Ingredient:

• Vegetable oil for frying

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Blend cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a uniform dry mixture.
2. Whisk buttermilk, egg, and melted butter in a separate container until thoroughly incorporated.
3. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, mixing minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a light texture.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet to approximately 350°F, ensuring a consistent, shimmering surface.
5. Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, creating circular medallions approximately 3 inches in diameter.
6. Fry each cornbread round for 2-3 minutes per side, watching for a deep golden-brown coloration and crispy edges.
7. Use a slotted spatula to transfer cornbread rounds onto absorbent paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain.
8. Serve immediately while warm, accompanying with preferred side dishes or condiments for a delightful southern-style experience.

Notes

• Adjust the cornmeal-to-flour ratio for crispier or softer texture depending on personal preference.
• Experiment with buttermilk substitutes like yogurt or milk with lemon juice for tangy flavor variations.
• Keep oil temperature consistent around 350°F to prevent burning and ensure even golden-brown coloring.
• Add herbs like chives or jalapeños to the batter for extra flavor complexity and personalized touch.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 309 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg