Southern Hoecakes

Southern Hoecakes are simple, old-fashioned cornmeal pancakes with crispy edges and a tender center. They’re delicious for breakfast with butter and syrup or as a savory side with beans, greens, or fried chicken.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8 hoecakes

Ingredients

1 cup (150 g) yellow cornmeal
½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional)
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 large egg
¾ cup (180 ml) buttermilk
¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tbsp vegetable oil or bacon grease (for the skillet)

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, milk, and melted butter.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes.
Heat a cast-iron skillet or nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with vegetable oil or bacon grease.
Scoop about ¼ cup of batter for each hoecake into the hot skillet and gently flatten slightly.
Cook for 2–3 minutes, until bubbles form on the surface and the edges begin to set.
Flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet

Butter and maple syrup
Honey
Strawberry or blueberry jam
Fresh berries
Powdered sugar

Savory

Fried chicken
Collard greens
Pinto beans
Chili
Pulled pork
Scrambled eggs and bacon

Tips

For extra-crispy edges, cook the hoecakes in bacon grease.
If the batter becomes too thick, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of milk.
Don’t overmix the batter—a few small lumps are perfectly fine.
Keep cooked hoecakes warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while making the remaining batch.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze with parchment paper between each hoecake for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet, toaster, air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes, or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.

These classic Southern Hoecakes are wonderfully crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect served warm with butter and your favorite toppings. Enjoy!