Description

These Irresistible Southern Cornbread Hoecakes are crispy, golden, and packed with classic Southern flavors. Made with stone-ground cornmeal and cooked in a cast iron skillet, these hoecakes offer a perfect balance of crunch and softness. Ideal as a side dish for any Southern meal, they are quick to make and delicious served with butter, honey, or alongside greens and fried chicken.

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

1 cup cornmeal (preferably stone-ground)
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

Wet Ingredients

1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter or bacon grease (plus more for frying)
¼ cup water (as needed for thinning the batter)

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Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar (if using) until evenly combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter or bacon grease until smoothly blended.
Make the Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing. If the batter feels too thick, add water a little at a time to reach a thick pancake-like consistency.
Heat Skillet: Place a large cast iron skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or bacon grease, heating until hot and shimmering.
Cook Hoecakes: Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of batter per hoecake into the skillet, shaping slightly into rounds. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook another 2 to 3 minutes on the other side.
Serve: Remove hoecakes from skillet and keep warm. Repeat with remaining batter. Serve hot with your choice of butter, honey, or as a side to Southern dishes like greens, beans, or fried chicken.

Notes

Using coarse stone-ground cornmeal will yield extra crunch in the hoecakes.
Bacon grease lends a classic Southern flavor, but butter is a great alternative if preferred.
Serve hoecakes as a flavorful side dish alongside greens, beans, or fried chicken for a traditional Southern meal.