Southern Hot Water Cornbread Recipe

Craving the flavors of cornbread with a crispy texture? This Hot Water Cornbread recipe combines crispness, perfect golden color, and tender cornbread inside. Y’all, it’s so simple to make and cooks up on the stove instead of the oven. This cornbread recipe is all about that easy-breezy vibe with just 4 simple ingredients – and guess what? You probably already got most chilling in your pantry! It adds that homemade, down-home deliciousness to any meal. We’re talking comfort food goals right here!

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

If you grew up around tables in the South, you are very familiar with hot water cornbread.  Because of its short ingredient list, it became a staple that was low-cost and quick to make for busy country families. 

What is Hot Water Cornbread?

Hot Water Cornbread is where it’s at, y’all – a Southern classic that’s all about keeping it real simple. Just mix up some cornmeal, a dash of salt, a sprinkle of sugar, and some boiling hot water. Shape that goodness into little cakes and fry ’em up in some hot oil until they’re crispy, golden, and straight-up irresistible. It’s known for its rustic texture and rich corn flavor and is often served as a side dish with a variety of Southern meals.

This type of cornbread is different from regular cornbread as it does not use milk or eggs and is fried stovetop rather than baked. It was a mainstay bread dish accompanied by Southern Collard Greens recipe, butter, syrup, hot sauce, and fried chicken gizzards. 

The Heart & Soul Of Hot Water Cornbread

Cuisine Inspiration: Southern American
Cooking Method: Frying
Dietary Info: Vegetarian
Key Flavor: Corn is the star baby! It shines through in every single bite.
Skill Level: Easy

Sweet Spot

• Crispy Perfection: Expect each bite to deliver a satisfying crunch, a testament to the magic of frying done right with crisp outsides and soft insides.
• Versatility Queen: Serve it up with collard greens, chili, or just a pat of butter; hot water cornbread is a team player.
• Quick and Easy: No need to wait around; this recipe is all about instant gratification, delivering delicious results in a flash using just 4 ingredients, and one of those is water!
• Comfort Food Galore: There’s something about the combination of cornmeal and frying that hits right at the heart of comfort food and is an easy way to add that home-cooked feel to any meal.
• Golden Delights: Watch as each piece turns that perfect shade of golden brown, a sure sign that something delicious is on its way.

Ingredients to Make Hot Water Cornbread

This recipe uses few ingredients than most other cornbread recipes. Here’s a look at what you need.

• Cornmeal: I prefer yellow cornmeal for making this cornbread recipe especially the one from Martha White or even Quaker Oats.
• Sugar: Just a bit to add a hint of sweetness.
• Salt: Salt to enhance the natural flavors of the corn.
• Boiling Water: The secret to making hot water cornbread.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the cornbread. You can use any type of neutral-flavored vegetable oil as long as it’s suitable for high-heat cooking.

How to Make Hot Water Cornbread

1. Combine the cornmeal, sugar, salt, and boiling water in a medium-sized bowl.
2. Whisk everything together until it’s combined. 
3. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high until the temperature reaches 375 F. Drop two tablespoons of batter into the oil.
4. Fry on both sides until they’re golden brown and then drain.

Tips for Making the Best Hot Water Cornbread

• Adaptable Consistency: Adjust the water amount to achieve your preferred batter consistency. Start with about 1 1/2 cups and then add more as needed.
• Batter Size: Use about 2 tablespoons of batter per piece but feel free to vary the size to make them larger or smaller based on your preference.
• Frying Oil: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil. Avoid strong-flavored oils like olive oil.
• Hot Oil: Make sure the oil is heated to 375° F before frying. This ensures the cornbread is crisp and not soggy.
• Frying Time: Fry each side until golden brown which should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
• Draining: Drain the cooked cornbread on paper towels to remove any excess oil.

Popular Substitutions & Additions

• Cornmeal: Swap the yellow cornmeal for white cornmeal. You get a slightly different flavor and color.
• Herbs and Onion: Add finely chopped herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme or a bit of chopped onion for a savory twist to your cornbread.
• Make it cheesy: Mix in finely grated cheese like cheddar or parmesan. For best results use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded cheese.
• Spice it up!: Incorporate spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a bit of gentle heat. You can also dice up fresh jalapeno or another type of chili and mix it into the batter.
• Cook in bacon grease: We Southerners love our bacon grease so if you’re looking to add some extra flavor swap all or a part of the vegetable oil for some bacon grease.
• Sugar: This ingredient is possibly one of the MOST controversial ingredients when it comes to cornbread. You either love it or hate it. Feel free to leave it out or use less to create a flavor you love.

What to Serve with Hot Water Cornbread

This cornbread is perfect to serve with all your Southern favorites but also goes great with chilies, soups, and stews as well. Here are just a few ways to enjoy it.

• Greens: These are super classics for reals. Serve this up with collard greens, mustard greens or turnip greens! It’s perfect with the cornbread.
• BBQ Ribs or Pulled Pork: The sweetness of the cornbread complements the savory barbecue flavors.
• Southern Black-Eyed Peas: A traditional pairing in Southern cuisine.
• Chili: Great for dipping into a hearty bowl of chili. Try them with my Southern Chili, Fajita Chili, and this homemade Chicken Chili.
• Fried Chicken: Combines well with fried chicken’s crispy, savory taste.
• Hearty Southern Favorites: Try this crispy cornbread with a bowl of Neck Bones, Chitterlings, or Red Beans and Rice.

How to Store & Reheat Hot Water Cornbread

To keep your hot water cornbread at its best, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for slightly longer storage.

When you’re ready to bring back that just-cooked magic, simply reheat the cornbread in a skillet over medium heat until it’s warmed through and the exterior is nice and crispy again, or pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes.

How long will hot water cornbread last?

When properly stored cornbread will last for up to two days at room temperature or to extend the storage in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I freeze hot water cornbread?

Yes, you can! To freeze hot water cornbread, let them first cool to room temperature. Once cooled, place them on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer. Once the cornbread cakes have hardened for 30-60 minutes place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or freezer bag. Store them for up to 2-3 months. Thaw before reheating.

Frequently asked questions

This Hot Water Cornbread recipe is a total shout-out to Southern kitchen magic. It’s all about that no-fuss prep and homespun charm, making it the ultimate pick for anyone craving comfort food with a legit, down-home twist. Whether serving it up with a hearty stew or as a standalone treat, these cornbread cakes are sure to bring a lil’ nostalgic element to your dinner table.

More Cornbread and Corn Favorites

• Corn Fritters
• Jiffy Cornbread
• Honey Cornbread
• Pumpkin Cornbread
• Hoe Cakes
• Corn Pone
• Corn Spoonbread
• Fried Cornbread

*Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating and leave comments below!* Post a photo of how your version of the recipe came out on Instagram (using #grandbabycakes)!!