Pan fried cornmeal mixed with shortening and boiling water make these hot water cornbread patties a delicious staple for all southern bites!!
Happy June 1st, Guys!!! How was your Memorial Day? Did you happen to try my Smoked Turkey Legs? I still just can’t get over the fact that I’ve actually mastered cured turkey legs!! Yum!!! It’s just gotta be ham!! I’m convinced!!! Not only did we enjoy these a bit more over the weekend, but I also got the pleasure of cooking for my Aunt Gail’s, mother-in-love and play sister, Naddie and Sha’. We enjoyed hanging out with them so much on Sunday afternoon!
They requested some of my favorite dishes, Will’s Favorite Beef Neck Bones, Southern Style Mac and Cheese, Turnip & Mustard Greens, Sweet Potato Casserole and Salted Caramel Apple Dump Cake. Oh! And of course, this easy and yummy Hot Water Cornbread!!! We all love it so!!
I must admit that I had never even heard of Hot Water Cornbread before I married my Southern Guy, WB! “What exactly is it?”, I asked him and he referred to it as a “cornbread patty”. Did I mention how happy I am that I married this guy? He certainly has introduced me to some fine southern cookin’!!
This Hot Water Cornbread is definitely a must when serving greens and pinto beans for sure!!! I’ve always been a Jiffy girl. Remember my story around the Sweet Potato Cornbread Muffins. But now, if it ain’t Jiffy, it MUST be this Hot Water Cornbread!!!
I prefer mine to be made with a cornmeal mix rather than just a cornmeal. The texture is just better in my opinion. I tend to use Aunt Jemima’s Buttermilk Cornmeal Mix when making this recipe. I’m droolin’!!!
Speaking of Hot Water…are you in it? Are you facing trouble? God’s Word says, Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. – John 14:27 (KJV). Seek the Father for peace of mind and speak to Him about it in prayer. Repent if necessary and know that God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. – Psalm 46:1 (NLT). Say Grace and enjoy!!
Hot Water Cornbread
Ingredients
- 1 c. buttermilk cornmeal mix
- 2 tsp. sugar
- 1 T. vegetable shortening
- 1 c. water boiled
- Vegetable or Canola Oil for pan frying
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix cornmeal mix and sugar.
- Add shortening and boiling water; stir until all of the shortening melts.
- Pour enough oil to coat a large nonstick skillet and heat at medium-high heat.
- When the oil is hot enough for frying, drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the oil and flatten slightly.
- Fry for a couple minutes or until golden brown and flip to other side.
- Once second side is browned, drain the patties on paper towel. Say Grace and enjoy!!
Nutrition
I fan across this recipe just in the nick of time! My husband and I live in a tiny house, and we have to plan every meal, on purpose and cook accordingly. A few days ago, I started having some serious cravings for just simple, country food – A pot of pinto beans with fat back and onion, some corn bread and some fried cabbage with sausage. I had to wait a few days because I was working throughout the week with not a lot of time to cook, but today is the day and its only 10 AM and already my mouth is watering thinking about dinner tonight! Thank you for sharing this recipe. I know its going to make our dinner exactly what my tummy and spirit have been craving!
Hi Cherise! That dinner that you have planned sounds amazing!! So glad that I could contribute with this delicious Hot Water Cornbread. Let me know what you think and thanks for stopping by!! 🙂
Is the cornmeal mix like Jiffy Cornbread Muffin mux?
Hi Mary! No, it’s an unsweetened buttermilk cornmeal mix. I add a little sugar to the recipe to sweeten it just a tad. I hope you’ll try this delicious family favorite!! 🙂
I’m from Texas and I haven’t had hot cornbread since my mom past away. I saw your recipe, showed it to my husband and he has been begging me to make it for him. LOL. I can’t wait to make it tomorrow for him with my chicken spaghetti.
How wonderful Denise! Be sure to let me know how they turn out!! 🙂
I love love this cornbread. It reminds me of the skillet bread my Big Mama used to make. I had to change one thing. I didn’t have shortening on hand but I had plenty of coconut oil so I added a table spoon of that and it was still great. Thanks for bringing back an old time favorite.
I’m so glad that you enjoyed this favorite, Constance! I’ll have to try it with coconut oil as well. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I have never tried these (NYC girl here) but they look amazing. Will give a try this weekend and let you know. Thanks for the easy recipe
Ahhh!! You will love these, Bren! Enjoy! 🙂
I’ve been thinking about my granny for a while now and this is all I’ve been talking about. I’ just made some and I’m so happy I found this. Thank you so much! ❤️
Hubby could eat these with every meal! Glad you enjoy them as well. Thanks for stopping by!!
We just made this and the flavor is great, but they’re a little gummy even though they’re fried through. Have you ever experienced this? I’m thinking I should add more baking powder? Thanks!
Hi Branda! No they shouldn’t be gummy at all. Turn up your fire (oil should be really hot) and fry a wee bit longer until cooked through. Did you check out the video?
That is always my problem, gummy .I have wasted many of times my batter .but going to try Felesha recipe ..which me luck !!
Disappointed when I read that Cornbread packaged mixed was used instead of just the Real Cornmeal. If I ever used mixed Cornbread from a box ; I will try your recipe. Not my thing, but if in a pinch, I guess it would do
Hi There! I’ve tried these with just basic cornmeal only and we don’t prefer the gritty texture of it alone. Everyone that’s tried these absolutely loves them! They are super tender. I wouldn’t use just any mix though. Aunt Jemima’s Buttermilk Cornmeal mix is definitely the way to go. Thanks for stopping by! ?
I’m actually drooling right now!
Haha!!! It’s working!! 🙂
These look great!
Thanks Meg!!
Doing a southern themed dinner party next month! Going to have to try these!
They will be a hit!! 🙂
Hi!
So happy to find this recipe! My mom makes the best hot water cornbread, and now I can impress her (and my southern comfort food loving husband ?) by making my own. Quick question though…baking powder is not in the ingredient list, but I saw a comment above where someone mentioned using some. Is it needed, and if so how much?
Hi Jay! The Aunt Jemima blend already has baking powder mixed in so adding it is unnecessary. Hope this helps! Let me know how it turns out for you.
Felesha. I tried your recipe using the small package of buttermilk cornbread mix, too crumbly and almost too tender easily broken. I didn’t want to buy a big bag of Aunt Jemima’s cornbread mix because i do a scratch cornbread. wal- mart offers only the 4 lb. bag here in lubbock Texas. I have never used packaged cornbread mix, so i didn’t want to have a big bag of it on hand. although I may have too in order to make this work for me or add a couple of T of cornmeal to the other mix. I was out of convienence that i was attracted to your recipe. Wish me luck. hope it works.
Hi Jaime!! Very interesting! Mine never break. They are pretty solid. Not sure what went wrong for you. What small package brand did you use?
Felesha. Just wanted to touch base with you and let you know the brand I used was
Shawnee Mills. Had a chance today to try things out again. Added a T of flour and a T of cornmeal and much to my delight they came out fabulous. Thanks so much for the recipe.
Have a wonderful day…… Jaime Haunslicke.
Hi Jaime! It sounds like there isn’t any flour in that Shawnee Mills brand, which may have been the issue. The Aunt Jemima brand Buttermilk Cornmeal MIX is already a mix of cornmeal, flour and salt. I have tried the recipe with cornmeal ONLY and it’s not tender enough to our liking. Nevertheless, so glad that you enjoyed them! 🙂
I came across this recipe while looking for gluten & diary free bread. Is there any way to convert this recipe, it looks really yummy!
Hi Howard! You’d probably need to use a Paleo baking mix and then add some corn meal. I have not tried this before so I cannot speak to the right ratio or its success with this recipe. Thanks so stopping by! 🙂
I made this today and I’m ashamed to say I have been cooking for 45 years and I never knew the real way to make hot water cornbread bread. The way I was taught is basically frying cornbread batter made up for regular cornbread. After tasting these I’m hooked and these are SOOOOO good thank you for sharing this recipe.
Hi Jeanette!! I believe that those are called Johnny Cakes. I’m so happy that you found and love this recipe. A favorite!!! 🙂
Just made these for the first time and I’m loving them. I didn’t have cornmeal mix so I added 1 tbsp of flour and about 1 teaspoon of baking powder (I eyeballed it). I made them to go with a pot of greens, slow roasted pork shoulder with peach glaze and wild rice ?. Will definitely make again.
Just what I am looking for. And your Hot Water Cornbread looks deicious. However, may I suggest your do not use canola oil but something way healthier like avocado, pure olive or pecan oil?
You are welcome to try other oils. However, I would stay away from olive oils for frying as the smoking point is way to low.
I have mad these a couple of times and they are so good. Thank you for sharing!
So glad that you enjoy them Tracey!!! Happy 4th!!!
Perfect hot water cornbread recipe! Makes me think about my grandmother in heaven every time I see or someone even mentions hot water cornbread! This is another one of those “make-do” foods from prior to 1863 that has absolutely stood the test of time! Thank you….and I too am a follower of Jesus Christ! There is no other way!!!
Amen!
Not sure if I will make them or not, but I was blessed by your video and your “graceful” attitude!
GOD BLESS!
God bless you Randy!! You will not be disappointed!!
Hi Felesha, I know how to make cornbread but was curious about the hot water. It wasn’t actually the recipe I needed I think it was the scripture. So thank you. I got more from your blog than you realize.
So sorry for the delay Bea. I just had my baby 2 weeks ago. I’m so happy that the post was an encouragement to you. Be blessed!!
To make hot water bread the correct way is to bake it at 450 degrees. Your bread will not be soaked in grease. I’m from deep east Texas but not many people really know how to make it.
Hi Janet! There is actually more than one way to prepare it. My family prefers it this way. If the oil is properly heated, you shouldn’t have a heavy grease issues.
Your husband must be from the Carolinas or Southern New York. REAL CORNBREAD DOES NOT HAVE SUGAR IN IT. Sugar is for cakes and pies and puddings and such. Try a pinch (big pinch not a love pinch) of salt and your recipe is great.
Hi Frank! It’s just a little sugar. This recipe isn’t sweet at all. Feel free to omit it. We just prefer it that way. 🙂
I want to make this recipe in a single layer in a skillet on top of the stove. How high should I have the heat?
The recipe is listed above. There is a video to help as well. Let me know how it turns out for you!!
Hi I’m 51 years old I have been trying to get the proper texture love to prayer through even every mom has them way hot water cornbread that you suggested turned out beautiful I learned it I’m used to cooking for the family now I’m moving on up to having my own small restaurant thank you
Glad you enjoyed them Wendy.
This is the easiest, most delicious cornbread I’ve ever made and eaten!! Thanks so much for the recipe and video!
Glad you enjoyed them Ellise!
I love hot water cornbread. Occasionally I add shredded onions or minced jalapenos. Yummy!
It was yummy. I remember this hot water cornbread from back in the day.
These are fantastic! I made them exactly according to the recipe. They were fried in very hot oil and weren’t greasy at all. So sorry people are complaining. I live in the Deep South and we have different recipes for cornbread, some sweet and some savory. I normally use my husband’s grandmother’s recipe when I make regular cornbread; I also make a honey corn muffin and Mexican cornbread. They’re all “authentic” because I’m an authentic Southerner. *rolls eyes*
I used the White Lily cornmeal mix for this, which just means it’s already mixed with the cornmeal, flour, baking soda and powder, salt, and buttermilk. Thanks so much!
So glad you enjoyed them!