Crispy Fried Cornbread Recipe

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Golden, Crunchy, Buttery Perfection – A Southern Classic You Can’t Lose!

Forget regular cornbread—this Crispy Fried Cornbread is crunchy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with buttery corn flavor. Perfect as a side dish, breakfast treat, or even croutons for salads, this recipe is a Southern secret you’ll want to keep forever!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

🔥 Crispy & Golden – Fried to perfection in butter or oil.
🌽 Sweet & Savory – Adjust sugar to taste.
⏱ Ready in 20 Minutes – Faster than baking a whole pan.

🍽 Versatile – Serve with chili, soup, or even syrup for breakfast!

Ingredients

*(Makes 8-10 pieces)*

  • 1 cup cornmeal (fine or medium grind)

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 large egg

  • ¾ cup buttermilk (or regular milk + 1 tsp vinegar)

  • 2 tbsp melted butter (or bacon grease for extra flavor)

  • ¼ cup vegetable oil or butter (for frying)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Batter

  • In a bowl, whisk cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

  • In another bowl, mix egg, buttermilk, and melted butter.

  • Combine wet and dry ingredients—don’t overmix (a few lumps are fine).

2. Heat the Oil

  • Heat oil or butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).

3. Fry to Crispy Perfection

  • Drop batter by ¼ cup portions into the hot oil.

  • Flatten slightly with a spatula.

  • Fry 2-3 mins per side until deep golden brown and crispy.

  • Drain on paper towels.

Pro Tips for the Best Fried Cornbread

🔹 Use cast iron – Ensures even heat and extra crispiness.
🔹 Don’t overcrowd – Fry in batches to keep oil hot.
🔹 For extra crunch – Add a spoonful of corn kernels to the batter.
🔹 Sweet or savory? Adjust sugar—1 tbsp for lightly sweet, 2+ for a dessert version.

5 Delicious Ways to Serve

  1. With Chili or Soup – The ultimate dunking bread.

  2. Breakfast Style – Drizzle with honey or maple syrup.

  3. Crumbled in Salad – Like cornbread croutons!

  4. With Collard Greens – Soaks up potlikker perfectly.

  5. As a Snack – Warm with butter and flaky salt.

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

This isn’t your average cornbread—frying gives it an irresistible crispy crust while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. It’s quicker than baking a whole pan, and the flavor is next-level rich.

Warning: You’ll never go back to plain cornbread again!

More Southern Favorites:

➡️ [Skillet Cornbread with Cracklins]

➡️ [Buttermilk Hush Puppies]
➡️ [Sweet Potato Cornbread]

👇 Tried This Recipe? Rate It & Tag #FriedCornbreadLove!

SEO & Reader-Friendly Features:

✔ High-RPM potential (longer content with ad-friendly sections)
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✔ Engagement hooks (comment prompts, serving ideas)
✔ Mobile-optimized (short steps, bold highlights)

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