Fried Cornbread

#### Instructions

##### 1. **Mix the Dry Ingredients**:
In a medium bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using). Stir the ingredients together until they are well incorporated.

##### 2. **Add the Wet Ingredients**:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, water, and melted butter (or oil). The wet ingredients should be well-blended before adding them to the dry mixture.

##### 3. **Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients**:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter should be thick but pourable. If the batter feels too thick, add a little more water or buttermilk to loosen it up. The consistency should resemble pancake batter—thick enough to hold its shape but smooth enough to drop into the pan.

##### 4. **Heat the Oil**:
In a large skillet (preferably cast iron), heat about 1/4 cup of oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough that a small spoonful of batter sizzles as soon as it hits the pan, but not so hot that the oil starts to smoke.

##### 5. **Fry the Cornbread**:
Once the oil is hot, carefully spoon small dollops of the cornbread batter into the skillet, forming small patties. Use the back of the spoon to flatten them slightly into rounds. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan—leave some space between the cornbread patties so they can fry evenly.

Fry the cornbread cakes for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to adjust the heat slightly to ensure they cook through without burning. Once the cornbread is golden and crispy on both sides, remove it from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

##### 6. **Serve & Enjoy**:
Serve the fried cornbread warm, and enjoy it as a side dish or snack. It’s delicious on its own or with a dollop of butter, honey, or your favorite dipping sauce. You can also serve it alongside beans, soups, or stews for the ultimate Southern meal.

#### Tips for Perfect Fried Cornbread

– **Get the Oil Hot**: For that crispy, golden exterior, make sure the oil is hot enough when you add the batter. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the cornbread will soak up too much oil and become greasy instead of crispy.

– **Adjust the Sweetness**: Some people like their fried cornbread a bit on the sweet side, while others prefer it savory. Adjust the sugar in the recipe according to your taste, or leave it out entirely for a more savory version.

– **Use a Cast-Iron Skillet**: If you have one, a cast-iron skillet is ideal for frying cornbread. It provides even heat distribution and gives the cornbread a perfectly crispy crust.

– **Flavor Variations**: Get creative by adding extras to your batter! Finely chopped jalapeños, cheese, onions, or herbs like thyme or rosemary can all be added for a flavorful twist.

– **Don’t Overmix**: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. A few lumps are okay—overmixing can lead to dense cornbread.

#### Ways to Serve Fried Cornbread

– **With Chili**: Fried cornbread is the perfect sidekick to a steaming bowl of chili, soaking up the savory broth while adding a crispy crunch.
– **As a Snack**: Serve it with honey or jam as an afternoon snack or breakfast treat.
– **Alongside Fried Chicken**: If you’re serving fried chicken, fried cornbread is a natural match. It complements the crispy texture of the chicken and adds a comforting element to the meal.
– **With Greens**: Pair your fried cornbread with collard greens, mustard greens, or turnip greens for an authentic Southern meal.
– **In Soup**: Use fried cornbread as a dipping bread for soups or stews. It’s great for soaking up all that delicious broth.

#### Why You’ll Love Fried Cornbread

– **Crispy & Golden**: The irresistible crunchy texture on the outside, paired with the soft, fluffy interior, makes every bite a delight.
– **Quick & Easy**: It’s a simple recipe with easy-to-find ingredients, making it a great choice when you need a quick side dish or snack.
– **Customizable**: Whether you like it sweet, savory, or spicy, you can adjust the recipe to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.
– **Comforting & Delicious**: Fried cornbread brings a comforting, nostalgic quality to any meal, making it the perfect addition to family dinners, gatherings, or any time you need a little extra warmth and satisfaction.

#### Conclusion

Fried cornbread is a timeless Southern classic that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. With its golden, crispy exterior and soft, tender interior, it’s a side dish that pairs perfectly with a wide variety of meals—from chili and fried chicken to greens and beans. Whether you’re a Southern native or just someone looking to try something new, this recipe is easy to make and sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

So fire up that skillet and enjoy the crispy goodness of **fried cornbread**—it’s comfort food at its finest!