Grandma’s Hot Water Cornbread (Crispy Outside, Soft Inside)

If you have had this delicious Hot Water Cornbread, then you know how wonderful it is and will want it again and again.

Why You Will Love This Hot Water Cornbread

If you are a cornbread fan, this old-fashioned southern hot water cornbread is a must-make! This is a classic that will never ever go out of style and one you will make again and again. Of course this cornbread is delicious hot, but we love it cold too. It’s so easy to make, only 4 ingredients and a great addition to ANY meal.

Why We Make Ours in Balls Instead of Patties

Our Nanny always made hot water cornbread in balls, and we have continued that tradition. It’s really all about “what you grew up on“. Every time I post this recipe on social media, people say, “That’s not how we make it.” Yes.. we all have traditions that have been passed down and we make this recipe like our grandmother did. Once you add the water to the cornmeal, you work it until you can form balls with your hands, then drop them into the hot oil. We love the balls because the outside is really crispy and the inside is still a little tender, kind of like a hush puppy!

How to Make Your Own Self-Rising Cornmeal

Many people will comment that they can’t find self-rising cornmeal in their area and what kind we like to use. In our area, Martha White is widely available, so we usually purchase that brand. If you live in an area where you can’t find self-rising flour, we added a tip to the website to help you make your own. Here you go.

What is the difference between Hoecakes and Hot Water Cornbread?

Hoecakes or Fried Cornbread is made with buttermilk and some people also add an egg to the mixture too. We always use buttermilk, either way, and Hot Water Cornbread is, of course, made with just hot water. There are many different versions of cornbread but feel these two are the most popular.

Other Cornbread Recipes:

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Southern Hot Water Cornbread

Anne Walkup

Hot water cornbread is a wonderful Southern recipe you will make over and over again for your family. This quick and easy recipe is delicious.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course bread

Cuisine American

• 2 cups self-rising cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon salt
• hot water boiling
• Oil for frying

• Mix cornmeal and salt in bowl.

• Add boiling hot water until batter just sticks together.

• Scoop and mold into balls. (I do this with my hands and make balls about the size of a walnut.

• Drop in hot grease and fry until golden brown.

Keyword Hot Water Cornbread

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