Hot water cornbread is a simple, homemade take on a Southern favorite. With just a few ingredients, it’s as quick as boxed cornbread but entirely homemade and full of flavor.
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Cornbread is always a good choice. In the South, hot water cornbread is a staple at holiday meals and family gatherings. It’s inexpensive, fast to prepare, and yields a crispy outside with a tender inside.
What is hot water cornbread?
Hot water cornbread is different from the more common oven-baked style but shares the same roots in Southern and Native American cooking traditions. It became popular because it was easy and inexpensive to make, using pantry staples to produce tasty cornbread cakes fried until golden.
Ingredients
To make hot water cornbread you’ll need:
- Cornmeal – Yellow cornmeal works well. Coarse or fine grind both work; coarse gives more texture.
- Baking powder – Adds lift so the cakes aren’t dense.
- Salt – Enhances flavor.
- Boiling water – Hydrates the cornmeal and creates the batter.
- Oil – A light oil such as corn or vegetable oil for frying.
How to Make
This recipe is quick and straightforward.
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
2. Carefully add the boiling water and whisk until combined. The batter should be fairly thick but still pourable.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, spoon about 1/4 cup of batter into the pan and spread it into a circle.
4. Cook each cake 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with remaining batter, adding more oil as needed.
5. Serve warm and enjoy.
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to four days. Reheat briefly in a skillet or oven to refresh the crisp exterior.
Tips and Tricks
- Pour boiling water carefully to avoid burns.
- The batter will be fairly thick—this is normal.
- You may need to add a bit more oil while frying to prevent sticking and help achieve even browning.
Other Cornbread Recipes
Hot water cornbread is classic Southern comfort food and a great addition to holiday tables. If you enjoy cornbread, consider trying other variations for different flavors and textures.
Here are a few popular styles to explore:
- Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
- Pumpkin Cornbread
- Maple Brown Butter Skillet Cornbread
If you try this HOT WATER CORNBREAD or any recipe from this site, please leave a comment to share your results. We enjoy hearing from readers and seeing how recipes turn out.
Hot Water Cornbread
Ingredients
- 3 cups cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups boiling water
- 3 tablespoons oil as needed
Instructions
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In a large bowl whisk together cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
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Add the boiling water and whisk well; batter should be thick but pourable.
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Heat oil in a large skillet over medium, then add ¼ cup of batter and spread into a circle.
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Cook 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
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Repeat until all batter is used.
Notes
- Pour boiling water carefully to avoid burns.
- The batter will be thick—this is expected.
- Add oil as needed while frying to prevent sticking and achieve even browning.
Nutrition
This post may contain affiliate links. As an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full Disclosure Policy for details. As always, all opinions are my own.