![Apple-and-Pear Cornmeal Galette](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/ZTI09oXvIzLvJd48twWixSiByoI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2628801_Corn_23946-2000-feb5b6994d3349ed8362e29017ea0539.jpg)
When you think of cornmeal, you likely think of cornbread. The correlation is justified, especially for Southerners. Here, cornbread recipes are a practically part of the family inheritance and perfecting Grandma's seasoned variation is a right of passage. But just because the bag of cornmeal in your cupboard was purchased with cornbread in mind doesn't mean you can't get a bit more creative.
Cornmeal is the ingredient that gives cornbread its distinctive grit and slightly-sweet flavor, and that texture and taste translates to cakes, pies, fried foods, and more. Whether you're baking, frying, or cooking, be sure you read your ingredient list closely. Cornmeal can be yellow or white, fine or coarse-ground, and you'll want to be sure you have the right bag on hand. Naturally gluten-free, it can also be a helpful way to meet dietary needs of all your guests come holiday season. To help you get started, we've rounded up a few of our favorite ways to get creative with cornmeal. From desserts to dinners to breakfasts, and of course some staple cornbreads, you just might have to run to the store to buy a second bag.
Thyme-Cornmeal Pound Cake
![Thyme-Cornmeal Pound Cake](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/eqHZc6hh01qkZXbR3nM2SIIOVjw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2628801_Corn_23962-2000-88d1d46824e0469e8d73ddf4e2c391b4.jpg)
This beautifully glazed loaf cake gets a bit of natural nutty flavor thanks to the inclusion of finely ground cornmeal in the batter.
Cornmeal Crêpes With Blackberries and Buttermilk Cream
![Cornmeal Crêpes with Blackberries and Buttermilk Cream](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/2TS7myStU6bmTHS6MAyxrJCKjSw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2628801_Corn_21869-2000-4ed37168719e45808dfef9e313be8fbe.jpg)
Treat brunch guests to these tender cornmeal crêpes that look (and taste) like they just came from the local bakery.
Fried Green Tomatoes
![Southern Living Fried Green Tomatoes on a board ready to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/S7lyj95Rxvd6JVM9VaqRrfxzQhY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Southern-Living-FriedGreenTomatoes_TK-00077-76033d757e4e45528966eb38d0954145.jpg)
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Dailey
Coated with cornmeal and fried to perfection, there's no better way to serve green tomatoes.
Ginger-Fig Tart With Cornmeal Crust
![Ginger-Fig Tart with Cornmeal Crust](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/ZPtv-uZVI1u87UYfXToCXOBcxr8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2628801_Corn_23920-2000-05eeba1de6be4530a34eca498eb88d72.jpg)
The cookie-like crust on this fig tart holds it all together with a touch of nutty flavor and texture from cornmeal.
Ben Mims' Perfect Cornbread
![Ben Mim's Perfect Cornbread Recipe](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/i72zFOvnAUjeIr_8bqTDw-XRDXk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2311801_wtcns_09_0_0_0_2_1_0-2000-33e822ecb89f4139ba67162b06fb4caf.jpg)
When we call something perfect, we mean it, and that's saying a lot when it comes to cornbread.
Pan-Fried Okra with Cornmeal
![Pan-Fried Okra with Cornmeal Recipe](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/xDMLTrjRM5uK61ySKKKxu0I-8eE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/pan-fried_okra_with_cornmeal_2503301_virgi_031_0_0_0-98b043f1063b45a18f73fe6cbab91102.jpg)
Cornmeal and cayenne pepper are staples in this signature Southern side.
Cornmeal Waffles
![Cornmeal Waffles](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/MogsaT5RqMfVprTLbSnujIknnGo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2675501_OverE_23407-2000-98260923aa9f4b24ae35bfb8ff90f10b.jpg)
Add a Southern spin to your breakfast table. Don't have a waffle iron? Use the batter to create cornmeal pancakes on the griddle instead.
Blueberry-Cornmeal Cake
![Blueberry-Cornmeal Cake](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/HAWaU-cne86FaXL0RVH4pOmFlbk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/blueberry-cornmeal_cake_2503201_194_0_0_0_0_0_0_0_0-91018e356e1c4ed495f0d006966ac8b4.jpg)
Medium-grind cornmeal and blueberries unite to create a texture-filled, fruity dessert.
Chicken and Herbed Cornmeal Dumplings
![Chicken and Herbed Cornmeal Dumplings](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/9cc0TbKjR83XYtxF60SPkEqK1sk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/january-2017-recipes-2504001_winte_27069_0-efb70f0762ac476993e4693608faf589.jpg)
Yellow cornmeal and fresh herbs give these dumplings extra flavor and texture. Pair with a rotisserie chicken, and this dish is ready in less than 45 minutes.
Southwest Cornmeal Candied Bacon
![Southwest Cornmeal Candied Bacon](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/8tcIrNvxoODmp0iMI_gwCyq-_1I=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southwest-cornmeal-bacon-de75ed52d4ba4aca9d15558c57d42c6f.jpeg)
Cover your bacon in cornmeal, light brown sugar, ground red pepper, and ground cumin for a candied delight you'll want to put on everything.
Cornmeal Angel Biscuits
![Angel Biscuits](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/I66Q5zYsLckTApiOGCuaxk-AySw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2540801_makea_1160_0_0_0-2000-0d571947f635443ab360c6cfa5511245.jpg)
Yellow cornmeal adds color, flavor, and texture to these anytime biscuits.
Cornmeal Cookie Berry Shortcakes
![Cornmeal Cookie Berry Shortcakes](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/-JlntJ74Pt94-4JOl7rJNNw4HWM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2548901_patri_cornmealcookieshortcakes_068_0_0_0_1_1-a3422c23b0fe49b9a570a8d1778297cd.jpg)
A touch of crunchy cornmeal sets this bright cookie apart from the rest.
Any-Berry Muffins with Cornmeal Streusel
![Any-Berry Muffins with Cornmeal Streusel](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/SmOxmBst7hWsbDwzrrrEdvVvwX0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2606801_overeasy_berry_muffins_045_0_0-506abccd870145b591d607991ca3d760.jpg)
Bake a batch of these cornmeal muffins with any combination of berries you have around for a treat that's just sweet enough to curb a craving.
Classic Chess Pie
![slices of Classic Chess Pie on multi-color plates](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/mndpKqwxcfhz2NYo7qJ7qXj8fTs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/classic-chess-pie-54-1_preview-8de7af8bbbe8418d9443b0cd8b1b1679.jpg)
Cornmeal is the secret ingredient that adds body to the filling of this super Southern pie.
Sausage Gravy Casserole with Cheddar-Cornmeal Biscuits
![Sausage Gravy Casserole with Cheddar-Cornmeal Biscuits](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/UZu3u8s0-4QJJ1RIug_V6hCnTU0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2649201_OverE_SausageGravyCasserole__09-2000-2c04ff71e810461a9a850d21964548a5.jpg)
While we particularly enjoy these biscuits as a casserole crust, they go great with everything from slices of country ham to your go-to fall soups.
Cornmeal Popovers
![Cornmeal Popovers](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/tfQ6Q9cEVPgppZkrPneYxLrL4TA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/hanukkah-sides-sauteed_mustard_greens_with_garlic_and_lemon_0_0-b74e444d6d4b46c9bf3dab17839d773a.jpg)
Preheat your oven with the muffin pan inside to achieve the perfect popover temperature before spooning in the batter.
Cornbread Dressing
![Cornbread Dressing](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/2YB4XUahR5Q_pqeVfPI2wgqF3DA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/RA_6439_CornbreadDressing_3x4_127_preview-9d5ffef231cd427385ee31e5becb1e71.jpg)
Whether you call it dressing or stuffing, it's not Thanksgiving without a traditional cornbread dressing. This recipe using homemade cornbread is sure to complete any holiday table.
Simple Salmon Croquettes
![Basic Salmon Croquettes Recipes](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Z6c2eVHUyznLQLROF6gP1SSdbkE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fo_35ff48623b5adb21_spcms_2-2000-dc6df0ecaf6041faa4ccc1275ba7794a.jpg)
While this speedy recipe takes less than 20 minutes, we recommend mixing up your salmon batter a few hours before you get cooking. This will help your batter firm up before you shape the cakes.
Fried Pickle Chips
![Fried Pickle Chips](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/WqNQ5U8Cle_Bo8V1VxQgzRoD_tg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fried-pickle-chips-2515904-2000-c5b08f1b2d5e4624938a19361a853e34.jpg)
Toss your favorite kind of dill pickles into a mixture of ground cornmeal and flour, and then let your cast iron skillet fry them to perfection.
Classic Cornbread Dressing
![Classic Cornbread Dressing](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/KRwA9pwRkgeugXgRtOp9JnC04jM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/classic_cornbread_dressing_2540801_makea_1026_0_0-1a86421d64214b05a396800605cf13fd.jpg)
This holiday staple starts with a Southern cornbread baked in a skillet for a crisp, golden crust.
Brown Butter Cornbread
![Brown Butter Cornbread](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/QTnViA-pU0VCERHJneNGnYv-PrU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2648801_Homemade_Cornbread_193-2000-815dc889992a4018abf52f89fc7a5854.jpg)
Brown butter brings a slightly nutty flavor while just a touch of sugar caramelize this cornbread's crispy the edges.
Deb Wise's Tamale Pie Mix-up
![Deb Wise's Tamale Pie Mix-up](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/9rPqpucnklQciSb5V74YQDxyFSk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/january-2017-recipes-2504001_winte_26878_0-2000-da43029b5d0d4e6bb33e25d21476c3f7.jpg)
This comforting casserole combines ground beef, cornmeal, tomato sauce, corn, and cheese for a hearty main the whole family will love.
Pinewood Fried Chicken
![Mee McCormick’s Pinewood Fried Chicken](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/ga1X9ogiFh8uHyaNgsNYBu78nlg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2644001_CooksCOTY_2-2000-b19353c9ef9648ecaf2d059165c7207c.jpg)
Compare this gluten-free cornmeal crust to your traditional fried chicken, and we can guarantee you won't miss the flour.
Fish Fry
![Fish Fry](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/R1u1h280Tcw7NzxpkS4jmsQ6gCk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/seo_fish_fry_077_0-1-a54bcd2c768043f9b0d9176891cf8f36.jpg)
This crowd-pleasing fried catfish has the perfect ratio of savory and spicy,
Cracked-Corn Spoon Bread
![Ashleigh Shanti's Cracked-Corn Spoon Bread](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/SuELLz5sy3_ZoS-YeFxBmq0WsaU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/pfe_SL_AS_5305-2000-d32791f3ce014cf9b76f273a62cbde99.jpg)
A nice change of pace from your everyday dinner roll, this spoon bread uses coarse-ground yellow grits or cornmeal to add a rich corn flavor and a bit of texture to your dinner table.
Tomato 'n' Beef Casserole With Polenta Crust
![Ground Beef Recipes: Tomato ’n’ Beef Casserole With Polenta Crust](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/xzaiCGn5e8YrYgMD8PKZIAF62XE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fo_1450e863c00ea3ba_spcms_0_0-d9de4fbe3b8e48c9854167a912df5afc.jpg)
A cornmeal crust seals in all the flavor of the meat and vegetable mixture in this one-dish dinner.
Apple-and-Pear Cornmeal Galette
![Apple-and-Pear Cornmeal Galette](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/ZTI09oXvIzLvJd48twWixSiByoI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2628801_Corn_23946-2000-feb5b6994d3349ed8362e29017ea0539.jpg)
Keep the gorgeous center of this apple-and-pear dessert exposed for a simpler approach to autumn flavor.
Cornmeal-Crusted Soft-Shell Crab Sandwiches
![Southern Living Cornmeal-Crusted Soft-Shell Crab Sandwiches on a plate to serve with potato chips](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/s8AC_xOrYZDdQZ7NdKT2-UAfqmk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27273_BTY_softshellcrab_0045-1-42e8daee7aeb4af4906c764fc593c6a3.jpg)
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Cornmeal in the breading makes for an extra crispy crab in this summertime sandwich.
Blueberry Cobbler with Buttermilk-Cornmeal Topping
![Blueberry Cobbler with Buttermilk-Cornmeal Topping in a bowl and casserole dish](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/VPDznFy91xtsz4ZM3-vXLTwn-NI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/blueberry-cobbler_4x3-2000-bfdade6397dc442ca9b4643994c5e596.jpg)
Add a pleasant bit of texture to your summer cobbler with this recipe that uses cornmeal in the crust to contrast the gooey blueberry filling.
Cornmeal-Lime Cookies
![Cornmeal-Lime Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/vXIvI7Fg0O1Z89ptEe6XJxGMUfk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/26879_Chocolate-Cookies_525-2000-a28d40ce55e448f3b252a838e96d5af0.jpg)
Stun friends and family with these gift-worthy cornmeal cookies that shimmer thanks to edible gold glitter.
Sorghum Custard Pie with Cornmeal Crust
![Sorghum Custard Pie with Cornmeal Crust](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/ssfdIIxq-xL54kbRj26XLzJTMpQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2684601_MilkG06142021_KeiasPies_37-2000-9fcd033c22cf47afa86ad875dadbe831.jpg)
Swap out your traditional all-butter pie crust for our cornmeal variation that adds contrasting texture to the silky smooth sorghum pie filling.
Plum-Berry Cornmeal Sheet Cake
![Plum-Berry Cornmeal Sheet Cake](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/FE-m6XbpatM6BBLuPJKTOi06yTU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/plum-berry-sheet-cake-2437303-043-2000-57d0bbf10a454ee7a5fcce94e8974045.jpg)
Celebrate seasonal fruit with this gorgeous cornmeal cake that bakes up fluffy and perfectly golden brown.
Chicken And Drop Dumplings
![Chicken and Drop Dumplings](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/YwRwnyqpvAHwXE7cwzBtPJPoqo0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-living-27365_Chicken_And_DROP_Dumplings_083-f2c9a14f59c3409b84c36b4716423b5b.jpg)
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn
Cornmeal is a key ingredient in these light and fluffy dumplings that are extra easy to make.
Smashed Fried Okra
![Smashed Fried Okra](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/AkbH1gcHabPIEWIPLioNFZWgdrM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2296301_atozg697-2000-179b71441c5c42008b7ed63988cbbe80-573c03c3c7c54068bbbd01648f2b41af.jpg)
Hector Sanchez
Smashing whole okra instead of frying it sliced provides even more surface area to fry up extra crispy.
Air Fryer Hush Puppies
![air fryer hush puppies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/WX4HIgruZmX7SbpgXurf1wSm2TU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Air_fryer_hush_puppies_3X4_003-11b4152e28b44182860c8b45ef77e0df.jpg)
Skip the messy process of frying in oil with this air fryer version of classic cornmeal hush puppies.
Sausage-and-Spinach Breakfast Casserole with Cornmeal Biscuits
![Sausage-and-Spinach Breakfast Casserole with Cornmeal Biscuits](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/eUu1WsLanXae1mZLzR_31rmuAtY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2641701_Break150_16x9-2000-65cfdd42e4da4e3b852592c6d71467b7.jpg)
This casserole is topped with cornmeal biscuits, which aren't like your classic buttermilk ones. The yellow cornmeal makes them extra tender and crumblier, like a hybrid of biscuits and cornbread.
Buttermilk Spoon Bread
![Buttermilk Spoon Bread](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/UM6CZQ4Vcywz6nx2_lzNFbXk588=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2613501_regio_spoonbread_133_0_0_0-2000-9ff3504a14f948bcb64cf181546e3aac.jpg)
This ultra customizable recipe starts with humble ingredients like cornmeal, buttermilk, and eggs, but can be jazzed up with corn kernels, diced ham or sausage, herbs, or cheese.
Classic Fried Catfish
![Classic Fried Catfish](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Lkg-zg738w3rlz0v9zTBqTJ26l0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fried-catfish-sl-x-a0577855b4e947ae9449f397e181e6a5.jpg)
Cornmeal is the secret to the extra satisfying and crispy crust on our classic catfish fry.
Green Chile Spoon Bread
![Green chile spoon bread in light pink casserole dish](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/UH-BTj69kE-AeuMLuNhBrD-DJ9g=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-living-27285_EyesSides_0190_preview-13457c25c0d64326a7741e02354f2ea5.jpg)
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
Bread is a bit of a misnomer when it comes to this side dish, but nonetheless this spicy and fluffy spoon bread is extra savory thanks to cornmeal and chiles.
Air Fryer Okra
![Air Fryer Okra](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/1yOfHEkZsRDFE5ni7pTmDYZ0m08=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/air_fryer_okra_slseobatch15_0001-s-2000-299181fd874543098866d421849880b8.jpg)
Cornmeal helps makes this easy air fryer okra crispy and crunchy. You won't get slimy okra with this recipe!
Egg Bread
![Egg Bread](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/RaWdlsYawwBKuZ-UV6UcLkazSs4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/86840ca9-1e3c-463a-bff5-2d44f6ce6e5c-368ae5c9a17b4edbbadc5d4ce4407c97.png)
Egg bread might conjure images of Challah or brioche, classic breads enriched with eggs, but for folks from the Cumberland Plateau egg bread refers to thick, fluffier-than-usual cornbread.
Herby Pecan-Cornbread Dressing
![Herby Pecan-Cornbread Dressing](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/5tYdheO_vuBZsotjNL2NGal85zM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2615201_pecan_herbypecancornbreaddressing_241_1_0_0-1-7313c2118d9f4a5caf0bd2b054d07981.jpg)
Extra nutty and earthy, this cornbread-based stuffing captures all the flavors of fall and Thanksgiving in a single side dish.
Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes
![air fryer fried green tomatoes on a platter with dipping sauce](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/eDOUNZ370Y2ydW7vDcFIvZrQHBY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Air-Fryer-Fried-Green-Tomatoes-1x1-760_preview-93c22ccf951d4a77afd741f9df90dc8a.jpg)
Cornmeal is practically mandatory for fried green tomatoes, whether pan-fried or air-fried.
Fried Fish Sandwiches
![Southern Living Fried Fish Sandwiches on a plate with chips to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/fAHaDY1jvEDI0r59bHrngHCgN1Y=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27441_BeachEats_6330_MAIN_preview-aec5fec9ebb3445388b921a5eca2f9d4.jpg)
Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Our cornmeal crusted fish sandwich is so much better than anything you can get from a drive-thru.
Honey-Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
![Honey-Pineapple Upside-Down Cake](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/KsRVS_bTTG_5bOcdYz1WV-bSPxY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/skillet-cakes-2281101_wtcnh10612-2000-87c8481f1b444b1bb9312edd6691dae7.jpg)
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is a classic (and for good reason), but we put a fresh spin on the cake with the addition of honey and cornmeal.
Pomelo Olive Oil Cake
![Pomelo olive oil cake slices on pink plates](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/g9BPrm3TKhIgQW66ymZ2Pczms7E=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-living-Pomelo_Olive_Oil_Cake_085-1c7d71f7af4b4d2582416dcd722f1d4b.jpg)
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Olive oil cakes are proof that not everything is better with butter. Fold in some cornmeal for added texture and fresh grapefruit for flavor, and you have an unexpected, but stunning dessert.
Crispy Fried Pickle Spears with Ranch Dipping Sauce
![crispy fried pickles in a basket with ranch dipping sauce](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/dpb4jcVl3msc-5W3dk4V_5JQkoc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27149-SnackTime-FriedPickleSpears_0342_4x3-2000-6cc5de75ace64b23a988e4428934eb7b.jpg)
Fried pickles are just one of those Southern treats we can't get enough of and cornmeal is how we ensure they come out extra crispy.
Crunchy Pan-Fried Chicken
![Crunchy Pan-Fried Chicken](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/OrDBfgQiWHY0E0-Dq3relBohb_o=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/foisom051141454_0-2000-3d7a5cf414d545eabba8f11fb13743a9.jpg)
Give your favorite fried chicken recipe a rest, and try this pan-fried version with a crisp cornmeal crust instead.
Buttermilk Cornbread
![buttermilk cornbread](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/J3SIo_RdzsV6a_HCkG6pq57Oa2c=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SL_SEO_Batch_33_ButtermilkCornbread147-b5cf763b699a448986b87705f51cab43.jpg)
A little brown sugar plays beautifully off the natural sweetness of the cornmeal in this recipe to make a tender and ever-so slightly sweet cornbread.