Chef John's Hot Water Cornbread

5.0
(4)
4 Reviews
1 Photo

This deep-fried hot water cornbread might be the most Southern of all Southern cornbreads. The taste is very familiar, but that crusty, crispy exterior makes it new and exciting.

By
John Mitzewich
Chef John
John Mitzewich
John Mitzewich — aka Chef John — has produced more than 1,500 cooking videos for Allrecipes. He's the actor, director, and screenwriter whose hands and voice confidently walk you through techniques.
Allrecipes' editorial guidelines
Updated on July 23, 2024
1
overhead view of deep fried hot water cornbread rounds on gray plate with gray and white napkin
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Chill Time:
1 hr
Total Time:
1 hr 20 mins
Servings:
8
Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cornmeal

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons sugar

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

  • 1 1/2 cups boiling water

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

  • 3 cups vegetable oil for frying, or as needed

Directions

  1. Combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a bowl and whisk thoroughly until well mixed.

  2. Pour in water, and carefully mix with a spoon until combined. Add butter and mix with a spoon until combined. 

  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to transfer 8 equal portions onto the prepared pan. Cover with plastic and press with your hands to form smooth patties about 1-inch thick.

  4. For best results, chill dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before frying. If needed, dough can be fried as soon as it is made.

  5. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), or heat oil, 1/2-inch deep in a heavy skillet to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

  6. Deep fry cornbread in the preheated deep fryer (or pan-fry in the preheated skillet) until nicely browned, about 3 minutes per side. Let cool about 10 minutes before serving.

    overhead view of Chef John's hands breaking deep fried hot water cornbread round with bowl of chili

    John Mitzewich

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

873 Calories
84g Fat
30g Carbs
3g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 873
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 84g 108%
Saturated Fat 7g 36%
Cholesterol 4mg 1%
Sodium 510mg 22%
Total Carbohydrate 30g 11%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 3g 6%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 106mg 8%
Iron 1mg 8%
Potassium 93mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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