Cornbread Fritters

A cornbread fritter is one of those wonderful treats that can be enjoyed as part of breakfast, alongside a dish such as chili or as a snack whenever the mood hits. Our cornbread fritters recipe is both simple and speedy, taking less than 30 minutes and including the prep time. Buttermilk and a little sugar make these fritters extra delicious. Enjoy them warm for instant smiles.

Ingredients for Cornbread Fritters

• Yellow cornmeal: Cornmeal and the flour team up as the main components of cornbread fritters.
• All-purpose flour: The flour gives the fritter a somewhat cake-like consistency.
• Sugar: Sugar sweetens the fritters a little and adds moisture, resulting in a nicer texture.
• Baking powder: Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the fritters rise.
• Buttermilk: Buttermilk makes the fritters richer and more tender than using regular milk; it also adds a slightly tangy flavor.
• Egg: The egg helps the ingredients bind together; it also contributes to the structure while helping the fritters have just the right amount of moisture.

Directions 

Step 1: Make the batter

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In a large bowl, stir together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Whisk the buttermilk and egg until everything is combined.

Step 2: Fry the fritters

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In a deep-fat fryer or skillet, heat 2 inches of oil to 375°F. Drop the batter by tablespoonfuls into the oil. Fry them until they’re golden brown, for about two minutes on each side. Drain them on paper towels and let them sit for about 10 minutes. Enjoy them while they’re warm.

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Recipe Variations

• Add a sweet drizzle: Drizzle the cornbread fritters with honey or real maple syrup for a sweet treat.
• Make it nicely spicy: Make the fritters a little spicy by adding a chopped jalapeno pepper to the batter.
• Beggin’ for bacon: Add a little bacon grease to the oil to give the cornbread a hint of bacon flavor. Another option is to crumble tiny bits of cooked bacon into batter so each fritter has a few bits in it.

How to Store Cornbread Fritters

Store the cornbread fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator once they’re cool. Place parchment paper or wax paper between layers to keep the fritters from sticking to one another to layer them. They’ll keep refrigerated for three to four days.

Can you freeze cornbread fritters?

Yes, the fritters freeze nicely; layer them with sheets of parchment paper or wax paper between them and keep them in zippered freezer bags. They’ll keep in the freezer for about three months.

Cornbread Fritter Tips

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What is a cornbread fritter?

A cornbread fritter is a fun-sized fried cornbread treat that’s a little crunchy on the outside and nice and tender on the inside. They’re sometimes called hoecakes or Johnny cakes.

How can I tell if the oil is hot enough for frying?

The oil is hot enough when a small amount of batter dropped into it starts frying immediately. If that doesn’t happen, the oil needs to be hotter. If the oil is smoking, it’s too hot.

How do I safely remove the fritters from the hot oil?

A slotted spoon works wonderfully when it comes to removing the cornbread fritters from the hot oil; the oil is much too hot to let it get on your fingers. Placing the fritters on a cooling rack with a paper towel-covered baking sheet is another way to drain the grease and let the fritters cool.