Hot Water Cornbread Recipe (Using Only 2 Ingredients) (2024)

Breads Recipes

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This hot water cornbread recipe is as old as the Tennessee Hills. Using only two ingredients, this is the definition of a simple and delicious Southern side dish.

Hot Water Cornbread Recipe (Using Only 2 Ingredients) (1)

Jump to Recipe

Crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, this hot water cornbread recipe is an old-fashioned Southern staple. Back in the day, it was invented out of necessity in order to survive and based on what folks had on hand or could easily acquire. For me, that inspires reverence for them and a respect for the wisdom of the old ways. It also makes me want to make them just like they did if only to feel a little closer to their wisdom.

So, this recipe is as simple as it comes, as all you need is self-rising cornmeal and hot water. But I wanted to start with the basics so you can work from there and have fun with it. The result is perfectly crispy, crunchy, and irresistible cornbread!

Serve this yummy cornbread with Easy Baby Back Ribs in Oven, Easy Creamed Corn,Vinegar Slaw,Southern-Style Fried Okra Recipe, and Fresh Green Beans and you will have the perfect southern meal.

Recipe Ingredients

  • Self-rising cornmeal
  • Hot water

Helpful Kitchen Tools

How to Make Hot Water Cornbread Recipe Step by Step

Hot Water Cornbread Recipe (Using Only 2 Ingredients) (3)

Add self-rising cornmeal to a medium-sized mixing bowl.

Hot Water Cornbread Recipe (Using Only 2 Ingredients) (4)

Add hot water.

Hot Water Cornbread Recipe (Using Only 2 Ingredients) (5)

Stir that together until there are no lumps left and it’s formed a good old batter.

If you need to add a tablespoon or so of water you can. If you need to add a little more cornmeal, you can do that too.

Hot Water Cornbread Recipe (Using Only 2 Ingredients) (6)

Heat 1/4 inch of oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.

Hot Water Cornbread Recipe (Using Only 2 Ingredients) (7)

Once that is hot, carefully drop your batter by spoonfuls into the hot oil and lightly press it flat with the back of a spoon.

Hot Water Cornbread Recipe (Using Only 2 Ingredients) (8)

Cook until browned on that side.

Hot Water Cornbread Recipe (Using Only 2 Ingredients) (9)

Hot Water Cornbread Recipe (Using Only 2 Ingredients) (10)

Then flip it and cook it until it is golden brown on the other.

Hot Water Cornbread Recipe (Using Only 2 Ingredients) (11)

Remove to a paper towel-lined plate, basket, or bowl, and serve warm. It’s that easy!

Hot Water Cornbread Recipe (Using Only 2 Ingredients) (12)

These little beauties with their crispy exterior are great on their own or with butter, maple syrup, molasses, etc.

Storage

  • Once cooled completely, store your cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to one week. Reheat them either in the microwave or oven.
  • You can also freeze them in foil or a freezer bag for up to three months. Once thawed, wrap them in foil and reheat in the oven.

Recipe Notes

  • You can use your favorite self-rising cornmeal mix. Martha White has all sorts of different ones and I like the white best but that is because it’s what my great grandmother used.
  • The recipe calls for boiling water so to get it hot you can use your coffee maker, boil it on the stovetop, or heat it up in your tea kettle. Just make sure it’s boiling!
  • Vegetable and canola oil is best for frying.
  • If you want to add a little something extra, stir in one or more of these add-ins after you’ve stirred together the cornmeal and water: chopped onions, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, 1/2 cup of drained corn kernels, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, finely diced jalapeños, or 1 teaspoon of parsley or basil.

Recipe FAQs

What do you serve with hot water cornbread?

Hot water cornbread can be served as a sweet or savory dish. To make it savory, serve it alongsidechili, beef stew, or pork chops to soak up all the delicious sauce. Otherwise, as a sweet treat, top your cornbread with butter, maple syrup, molasses, or honey.

Do you put sugar in your cornbread?

I don’t add sugar to my hot water cornbread, but if you really want to you can add a teaspoon of sugar.

Hot Water Cornbread Recipe (Using Only 2 Ingredients) (13)

Hot Water Cornbread Recipe (With Only 2 Ingredients)

This basic hot water cornbread recipe is an old-fashioned Southern staple made quickly and easily using only two ingredients. Serve them as a side dish or a sweet treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cornbread

Servings: 4

Calories: 95kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups self-rising cornmeal
  • 1 cup hot water

Instructions

  • Stir together cornmeal and water until completely smooth. Heat 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When oil is hot, carefully drop batter from a spoon into the oil and lightly press flat with back of spoon.

    2 cups self-rising cornmeal, 1 cup hot water

  • Cook until browned on the bottom, then flip and cook until browned on the other side. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot.

Makes about 15.

    Notes

    The following add-ins are excellent in this. Stir them in after the cornmeal and water have been stirred together: chopped onions, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1/2 cup drained corn kernels, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, finely diced jalapeños, 1 tsp parsley or basil, etc.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 95kcal

    Tried this recipe?Mention @southernplate or tag #southernplate!

    You may also like these cornbread recipes:

    Mexican Cornbread Recipe by Mama

    Keto Cornbread Recipe

    Cornbread Salad Recipe

    *From Scratch* Cornbread Topped Chicken Pot Pie

    Hot Water Cornbread Recipe (Using Only 2 Ingredients) (2024)

    FAQs

    What is hot water cornbread made of? ›

    It consists of cornmeal, salt, fat (usually butter or animal fat), and boiling water. Once you mix all of these ingredients together, it creates a soft dough. This dough is then formed into patties and fried in hot oil/fat until golden.

    Can you make cornbread with water if you don't have milk? ›

    You can just use water instead which is what most cornbread mixes ask for in the first. I've used both before and it normally turns out good either way. If you don't want to use water though some other milk substitutes are usually other dairy products like yogurt, sour cream, or half and half.

    Why is my hot water cornbread falling apart? ›

    If the grease is not hot enough to get the outer shell crispy quickly, the cornbread piece will fall apart. At the same time, if the cornbread is thawed at all, even very hot grease will not form the outer crispy shell to keep the cornbread piece together.

    How to make hot water? ›

    Make hot water without a kettle by microwaving your water for 1 to 2 minutes at a time. Or, fill a saucepan or pot with water and place it over your stove on medium-high heat. As another alternative, pour water in a pan or metal container and hold it over a campfire or camping stove.

    Is cornbread better with milk or water? ›

    Can I substitute water for milk in cornbread mix? Yes, you can, but it may result in a less rich flavor. If you're out of milk, try using cream or half-and-half, evaporated or powdered milk, or even plain yogurt. If you have dietary restrictions, try soy milk or oat milk.

    What is the best substitute for milk in cornbread? ›

    As shocking as it may seem, mayonnaise is a perfect substitute for milk when making cornbread for the lactose intolerant. You won't really notice the difference in taste in the cornbread; it's mainly for holding your cornbread together so it doesn't crumble apart.

    Can you make jiffy cornbread with water? ›

    “JIFFY” mixes can also be prepared with water or plant-based milk alternatives like soy, almond or coconut milk. Pineapple or orange juice may be substituted for flavor variation in the corn and fruit muffins. Feel free to experiment with other options and let us know if you find something else that works well.

    Can I use sour cream instead of milk for cornbread? ›

    Mix together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.. Make a well in dry ingredients and add sour cream, egg, and melted butter. Mix the ingredients just until everything is incorporated. Add the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top.

    What ingredient keeps cornbread from crumbling? ›

    Cornmeal gives cornbread its classic color and flavor, but too much can make your bread crumbly. Try replacing a little bit of cornmeal with flour. The specific measurements will depend on how much cornmeal and flour is in your recipe, but you should try to have more flour than cornmeal in your batter.

    Is hot water cornbread fattening? ›

    1 piece of hot water cornbread (Bog Daddy's) contains 70 Calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 72% carbs, 22% fat, and 7% protein. This has a moderate calorie density, with 156 Calories per 100g.

    What is the history of hot water cornbread? ›

    Hot water cornbread is typically found in the south and has become a staple in Southern African American homes. However, the origins go back to the native people of the Americas, who commonly used ground corn for several dishes.

    Should cornbread batter sit before baking? ›

    Set the batter aside for 10 to 15 minutes.

    By letting the cornbread batter sit at room temperature before baking, the cornmeal has some extra time to absorb the flavor from the other ingredients, and the baking powder gets a head start.

    How do you keep cornbread from burning on the bottom? ›

    The trick is to put more heat on the top of the oven than the bottom. This will give you a nice golden brown top with out burning the bottom. How do I make moist cornbread?

    What is the difference between New York cornbread and Southern cornbread? ›

    While both styles generally use the same ingredients -- cornmeal, flour, eggs, and baking powder -- the variance lies in the flavor and texture. Northern-style cornbread tends to be sweeter, moister, and cake-like compared to its Southern counterpart.

    What is Jiffy corn mix made of? ›

    Ingredients. WHEAT FLOUR, DEGERMED YELLOW CORN MEAL, SUGAR, LARD (HYDROGENATED LARD, BHT AND CITRIC ACID PRESERVATIVES), CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF: BAKING SODA, TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM ACID PYROPHOSPHATE, MONOCALCIUM PHOSPHATE, SALT, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID, WHEAT STARCH.

    What is cornbread mix made of? ›

    Whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.

    References

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Carlyn Walter

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6172

    Rating: 5 / 5 (70 voted)

    Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Carlyn Walter

    Birthday: 1996-01-03

    Address: Suite 452 40815 Denyse Extensions, Sengermouth, OR 42374

    Phone: +8501809515404

    Job: Manufacturing Technician

    Hobby: Table tennis, Archery, Vacation, Metal detecting, Yo-yoing, Crocheting, Creative writing

    Introduction: My name is Carlyn Walter, I am a lively, glamorous, healthy, clean, powerful, calm, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.