Breads
Crispy Buttermilk Hoecakes
Thin, lacy-edged cornmeal cakes fried in a cast-iron skillet until crisp outside and tender within, ready in minutes.
Hoecakes are cornbread's quicker, griddle-fried cousin, born from a time when a skillet over the fire was faster than heating a whole oven. This batter comes together in one bowl and fries up with crisp, golden-brown edges and a soft center. They're wonderful plain with butter, or topped with syrup for a Southern take on pancakes.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups fine cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons bacon drippings or vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
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1
Mix the batterWhisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
-
2
Add wet ingredientsWhisk in the buttermilk and egg until the batter is smooth and pourable, similar to a thick pancake batter.
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3
Heat the skilletHeat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add about a tablespoon of the drippings, swirling to coat the bottom.
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4
Fry the hoecakesLadle about 1/4 cup of batter per hoecake into the hot skillet, cooking a few at a time without crowding the pan.
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5
Flip when bubblyCook for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbles form on top and the edges look set, then flip and cook another 2 minutes until golden brown.
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6
Keep warm and repeatTransfer finished hoecakes to a plate lined with paper towels, add more drippings to the pan as needed, and repeat with remaining batter.
Okra & Oak Tip
If the batter thickens as it sits, thin it with a splash more buttermilk so the hoecakes spread thin and crisp up properly.
Storage
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and re-crisp in a dry skillet over medium heat before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hoecakes are fried on a griddle or skillet like pancakes rather than baked in the oven, giving them crisper edges and a thinner shape.
Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend, though the texture will be slightly more delicate.
Nutrition
Per serving. Values are estimates.
145
Calories
4g
Protein
20g
Carbs
6g
Fat
