Old-Fashioned Southern Hoecakes

Old-Fashioned Southern Hoecakes are simple, crispy cornmeal pancakes with deep Southern roots. Traditionally cooked in a skillet or on a flat griddle, these savory cakes are golden on the outside, tender inside, and perfect served with butter, syrup, honey, or savory dishes like beans, greens, and fried chicken.

Ingredients

• 2 cups yellow cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/4 cups boiling water
• 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or bacon grease
• Vegetable oil, butter, or bacon grease for frying

Instructions

1. Prepare the dry ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, salt, sugar, and baking powder. Stir well.
2. Add boiling water
   Slowly pour boiling water into the cornmeal mixture while stirring continuously. This helps soften the cornmeal and creates a tender texture.
3. Add remaining wet ingredients
   Allow the mixture to cool slightly for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in milk or buttermilk, egg, and melted butter or bacon grease. Mix until smooth. The batter should be thick but scoopable. If too thick, add a little more milk.
4. Heat the skillet
   Place a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a thin layer of oil, butter, or bacon grease.
5. Cook the hoecakes
   Scoop about 2 to 3 tablespoons of batter into the skillet for each hoecake. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
6. Fry until golden
   Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp around the edges. Flip carefully and cook the other side until fully done.
7. Drain and keep warm
   Transfer cooked hoecakes to a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat with remaining batter.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with:

• Butter and maple syrup
• Honey or molasses
• Fried chicken or barbecue
• Pinto beans or collard greens
• Scrambled eggs and bacon

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to restore crispness.

Tips

• Cast-iron skillets give the best crispy texture.
• Bacon grease adds traditional Southern flavor.
• Buttermilk creates softer and richer hoecakes.
• Make smaller cakes for crispier edges.