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HOT WATER CORNBREAD {VIDEO}

June 1, 2016 by Felesha — 59 Comments

Pan fried cornmeal mixed with shortening and boiling water make these hot water
cornbread patties a delicious staple for all southern bites!!

Happy June 1st, Guys!!! How was your Memorial Day? Did you happen to try my
Smoked Turkey Legs? I still just can’t get over the fact that I’ve actually mastered cured
turkey legs!! Yum!!! It’s just gotta be ham!! I’m convinced!!! Not only did we enjoy these
a bit more over the weekend, but I also got the pleasure of cooking for my Aunt Gail’s,
mother-in-love and play sister, Naddie and Sha’. We enjoyed hanging out with them so
much on Sunday a!ernoon!

They requested some of my favorite dishes, Will’s Favorite Beef Neck Bones, Southern
Style Mac and Cheese, Turnip & Mustard Greens, Sweet Potato Casserole and Salted
Caramel Apple Dump Cake. Oh! And of course, this easy and yummy Hot Water
Cornbread!!! We all love it so!!

Hot Water Cornbread

I must admit that I had never even heard of Hot Water Cornbread before I married my
Southern Guy, WB! “What exactly is it?”, I asked him and he referred to it as a “cornbread
patty”. Did I mention how happy I am that I married this guy? He certainly has
introduced me to some fine southern cookin’!!

This Hot Water Cornbread is definitely a must when serving greens and pinto beans for
sure!!! I’ve always been a Ji"y girl. Remember my story around the Sweet Potato
Cornbread Mu"ins. But now, if it ain’t Ji"y, it MUST be this Hot Water Cornbread!!!

I prefer mine to be made with a cornmeal mix rather than just a cornmeal. The texture is
just better in my opinion. I tend to use Aunt Jemima’s Buttermilk Cornmeal Mix when
making this recipe. I’m droolin’!!!

Speaking of Hot Water…are you in it? Are you facing trouble? God’s Word says, Peace I
leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not
your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. – John 14:27 (KJV). Seek the Father for
peace of mind and speak to Him about it in prayer. Repent if necessary and know
that God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. – Psalm
46:1 (NLT). Say Grace and enjoy!!

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Hot Water Cornbread

Felesha Bell
Pan fried cornmeal mixed with shortening and boiling water
make these Hot Water Cornbread patties a delicious staple
for all southern bites!!
4.64 from 11 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

PREP TIME COOK TIME TOTAL TIME

5 mins 10 mins 15 mins

COURSE CUISINE SERVINGS CALORIES

Easy Southern 7 158 kcal

INGREDIENTS 1x 2x 3x

1 c. buttermilk cornmeal mix

2 tsp. sugar
1 T. vegetable shortening
1 c. water boiled
Vegetable or Canola Oil for pan frying

INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a small bowl, mix cornmeal mix and sugar.
2. Add shortening and boiling water; stir until all of the shortening melts.
3. Pour enough oil to coat a large nonstick skillet and heat at medium-high
heat.
4. When the oil is hot enough for frying, drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the
oil and flatten slightly.
5. Fry for a couple minutes or until golden brown and flip to other side.
6. Once second side is browned, drain the patties on paper towel. Say Grace
and enjoy!!

NUTRITION
Calories: 158kcal Carbohydrates: 3.7g Protein: 0.3g Fat: 16.2g
Saturated Fat: 1.7g Fiber: 0.2g Sugar: 0.8g

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

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Filed Under: Breads, Budget-Friendly, Cakes, Dinner, Popular recipes, Quick & Tasty, Sides, Vegetarian, Video Demos
Tagged With: bread, cake, dinner, easy, lunch, recipe, soulfood, southern dishes, vegetarian

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Cherise says
July 17, 2016 at 11:09 AM

I fan across this recipe just in the nick of time! My husband and I live in a tiny house, and we have to
plan every meal, on purpose and cook accordingly. A few days ago, I started having some serious cravings for
just simple, country food – A pot of pinto beans with fat back and onion, some corn bread and some fried
cabbage with sausage. I had to wait a few days because I was working throughout the week with not a lot of
time to cook, but today is the day and its only 10 AM and already my mouth is watering thinking about dinner
tonight! Thank you for sharing this recipe. I know its going to make our dinner exactly what my tummy and
spirit have been craving!

REPLY

Felesha says
July 17, 2016 at 3:08 PM

Hi Cherise! That dinner that you have planned sounds amazing!! So glad that I could
contribute with this delicious Hot Water Cornbread. Let me know what you think and thanks for stopping
by!!

REPLY

Mary says
March 29, 2017 at 10:00 AM

Is the cornmeal mix like Jiffy Cornbread Muffin mux?

REPLY

Felesha says
March 29, 2017 at 10:04 AM

Hi Mary! No, it’s an unsweetened buttermilk cornmeal mix. I add a little sugar to the
recipe to sweeten it just a tad. I hope you’ll try this delicious family favorite!!

REPLY

Denise says
October 15, 2016 at 7:39 PM

I’m from Texas and I haven’t had hot cornbread since my mom past away. I saw your recipe, showed
it to my husband and he has been begging me to make it for him. LOL. I can’t wait to make it tomorrow for him
with my chicken spaghetti.

REPLY

Felesha says
October 16, 2016 at 8:49 PM

How wonderful Denise! Be sure to let me know how they turn out!!

REPLY

Constance Steele says

March 2, 2017 at 5:45 PM

I love love this cornbread. It reminds me of the skillet bread my Big Mama used to make. I had to change one
thing. I didn’t have shortening on hand but I had plenty of coconut oil so I added a table spoon of that and it
was still great. Thanks for bringing back an old time favorite.

REPLY

Felesha says
March 2, 2017 at 5:51 PM

I’m so glad that you enjoyed this favorite, Constance! I’ll have to try it with coconut oil as well.
Thanks for stopping by!
 REPLY

Bren says
March 7, 2017 at 4:59 PM

I have never tried these (NYC girl here) but they look amazing. Will give a try this weekend and let
you know. Thanks for the easy recipe

REPLY

Felesha says
March 7, 2017 at 5:29 PM

Ahhh!! You will love these, Bren! Enjoy!

REPLY

KODUWA M GASTON says

March 16, 2017 at 10:05 PM

I’ve been thinking about my granny for a while now and this is all I’ve been talking about. I’ just
made some and I’m so happy I found this. Thank you so much!

REPLY

Felesha says
March 16, 2017 at 11:09 PM

Hubby could eat these with every meal! Glad you enjoy them as well. Thanks for stopping by!!

REPLY

Branda says
March 19, 2017 at 6:12 PM

We just made this and the flavor is great, but they’re a little gummy even though they’re fried
through. Have you ever experienced this? I’m thinking I should add more baking powder? Thanks!

REPLY

Felesha says
March 19, 2017 at 6:25 PM

Hi Branda! No they shouldn’t be gummy at all. Turn up your fire (oil should be really hot) and
fry a wee bit longer until cooked through. Did you check out the video?

REPLY

Genny says
July 27, 2022 at 9:56 AM

That is always my problem, gummy .I have wasted many of times my batter .but going to try
Felesha recipe ..which me luck !!

REPLY

VH says
March 21, 2017 at 1:24 PM

Disappointed when I read that Cornbread packaged mixed was used instead of just the Real
Cornmeal. If I ever used mixed Cornbread from a box ; I will try your recipe. Not my thing, but if in a pinch, I
guess it would do

REPLY

Felesha says
March 21, 2017 at 5:13 PM

Hi There! I’ve tried these with just basic cornmeal only and we don’t prefer the gritty texture of
it alone. Everyone that’s tried these absolutely loves them! They are super tender. I wouldn’t use just any
mix though. Aunt Jemima’s Buttermilk Cornmeal mix is definitely the way to go. Thanks for stopping by! ?

REPLY

Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy says

March 29, 2017 at 3:53 PM

I’m actually drooling right now!

REPLY

Felesha says
March 29, 2017 at 5:13 PM

Haha!!! It’s working!!

REPLY

Megan @ MegUnprocessed says

March 30, 2017 at 9:15 AM

These look great!

REPLY

Felesha says
March 30, 2017 at 9:48 PM

Thanks Meg!!

REPLY

Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons says

March 30, 2017 at 8:58 PM

Doing a southern themed dinner party next month! Going to have to try these!

REPLY

Felesha says
March 30, 2017 at 9:49 PM

They will be a hit!!

REPLY

Jay says
April 6, 2017 at 11:52 PM

Hi!

So happy to find this recipe! My mom makes the best hot water cornbread, and now I can impress her (and my
southern comfort food loving husband ?) by making my own. Quick question though…baking powder is not in
the ingredient list, but I saw a comment above where someone mentioned using some. Is it needed, and if so
how much?

REPLY

Felesha says
April 7, 2017 at 12:14 AM

Hi Jay! The Aunt Jemima blend already has baking powder mixed in so adding it is
unnecessary. Hope this helps! Let me know how it turns out for you.

REPLY

Jaime Haunslicke says

April 19, 2017 at 10:06 AM

Felesha. I tried your recipe using the small package of buttermilk cornbread mix, too crumbly and almost too
tender easily broken. I didn’t want to buy a big bag of Aunt Jemima’s cornbread mix because i do a scratch
cornbread. wal- mart offers only the 4 lb. bag here in lubbock Texas. I have never used packaged cornbread
mix, so i didn’t want to have a big bag of it on hand. although I may have too in order to make this work for me
or add a couple of T of cornmeal to the other mix. I was out of convienence that i was attracted to your recipe.
Wish me luck. hope it works.

REPLY

Felesha says
April 19, 2017 at 10:12 AM

Hi Jaime!! Very interesting! Mine never break. They are pretty solid. Not sure what went wrong
for you. What small package brand did you use?

REPLY

Jaime Haunslicke says

April 21, 2017 at 1:43 AM

Felesha. Just wanted to touch base with you and let you know the brand I used was
Shawnee Mills. Had a chance today to try things out again. Added a T of flour and a T of cornmeal
and much to my delight they came out fabulous. Thanks so much for the recipe.
Have a wonderful day…… Jaime Haunslicke.

REPLY

Felesha says
April 21, 2017 at 6:12 AM

Hi Jaime! It sounds like there isn’t any flour in that Shawnee Mills brand, which may
have been the issue. The Aunt Jemima brand Buttermilk Cornmeal MIX is already a mix of
cornmeal, flour and salt. I have tried the recipe with cornmeal ONLY and it’s not tender enough
to our liking. Nevertheless, so glad that you enjoyed them!

REPLY

Howard Shabsis says

July 15, 2017 at 2:05 AM

I came across this recipe while looking for gluten & diary free bread. Is there any way to convert this recipe, it
looks really yummy!

REPLY

Felesha says
July 15, 2017 at 1:02 PM

Hi Howard! You’d probably need to use a Paleo baking mix and then add some corn meal. I
have not tried this before so I cannot speak to the right ratio or its success with this recipe. Thanks so
stopping by!

REPLY

Jeanette says
October 8, 2017 at 5:10 PM

I made this today and I’m ashamed to say I have been cooking for 45 years and I never knew the real way to
make hot water cornbread bread. The way I was taught is basically frying cornbread batter made up for regular
cornbread. After tasting these I’m hooked and these are SOOOOO good thank you for sharing this recipe.

REPLY

Felesha says
October 9, 2017 at 8:19 AM

Hi Jeanette!! I believe that those are called Johnny Cakes. I’m so happy that you found and
love this recipe. A favorite!!!

REPLY

Jennifer Thompson says

October 15, 2017 at 3:06 PM

Just made these for the first time and I’m loving them. I didn’t have cornmeal mix so I added 1 tbsp
of flour and about 1 teaspoon of baking powder (I eyeballed it). I made them to go with a pot of greens, slow
roasted pork shoulder with peach glaze and wild rice ?. Will definitely make again.

REPLY

ethal frida says

March 9, 2018 at 4:13 PM

Just what I am looking for. And your Hot Water Cornbread looks deicious. However, may I suggest your do not
use canola oil but something way healthier like avocado, pure olive or pecan oil?

REPLY

Felesha says
March 12, 2018 at 7:45 PM

You are welcome to try other oils. However, I would stay away from olive oils for frying as the
smoking point is way to low.

REPLY

Tracey says
July 4, 2018 at 6:50 PM

I have mad these a couple of times and they are so good. Thank you for sharing!

REPLY

Felesha says
July 4, 2018 at 6:56 PM

So glad that you enjoy them Tracey!!! Happy 4th!!!

REPLY

Kenya T says
July 18, 2018 at 12:58 PM

Perfect hot water cornbread recipe! Makes me think about my grandmother in heaven every time I see or
someone even mentions hot water cornbread! This is another one of those “make-do” foods from prior to 1863
that has absolutely stood the test of time! Thank you….and I too am a follower of Jesus Christ! There is no
other way!!!

REPLY

Felesha says
July 31, 2018 at 6:48 PM

Amen!

REPLY

Randy says
August 25, 2018 at 10:56 PM

Not sure if I will make them or not, but I was blessed by your video and your “graceful” attitude!

GOD BLESS!

REPLY

Felesha says
August 28, 2018 at 10:13 PM

God bless you Randy!! You will not be disappointed!!

REPLY

Bea says
September 13, 2018 at 12:21 AM

Hi Felesha, I know how to make cornbread but was curious about the hot water. It wasn’t actually the recipe I
needed I think it was the scripture. So thank you. I got more from your blog than you realize.

REPLY

Felesha says
September 25, 2018 at 6:59 PM

So sorry for the delay Bea. I just had my baby 2 weeks ago. I’m so happy that the post was an
encouragement to you. Be blessed!!

REPLY

Janet says
July 26, 2020 at 2:44 PM

To make hot water bread the correct way is to bake it at 450 degrees. Your bread will not be soaked
in grease. I’m from deep east Texas but not many people really know how to make it.

REPLY

Felesha says
July 28, 2020 at 5:33 PM

Hi Janet! There is actually more than one way to prepare it. My family prefers it this way. If the
oil is properly heated, you shouldn’t have a heavy grease issues.

REPLY

Frank Brown says

September 10, 2020 at 11:55 AM

Your husband must be from the Carolinas or Southern New York. REAL CORNBREAD DOES NOT HAVE
SUGAR IN IT. Sugar is for cakes and pies and puddings and such. Try a pinch (big pinch not a love pinch) of salt
and your recipe is great.

REPLY

Felesha says
September 29, 2020 at 10:23 AM

Hi Frank! It’s just a little sugar. This recipe isn’t sweet at all. Feel free to omit it. We just prefer it
that way.

REPLY

Kath says
October 7, 2020 at 8:36 AM

I want to make this recipe in a single layer in a skillet on top of the stove. How high should I have
the heat?

REPLY

Felesha says
October 8, 2020 at 9:56 AM

The recipe is listed above. There is a video to help as well. Let me know how it turns out for
you!!

REPLY

Wendy says
April 26, 2021 at 8:54 PM

Hi I’m 51 years old I have been trying to get the proper texture love to prayer through even every
mom has them way hot water cornbread that you suggested turned out beautiful I learned it I’m used to
cooking for the family now I’m moving on up to having my own small restaurant thank you

REPLY

Felesha says
July 7, 2021 at 2:38 PM

Glad you enjoyed them Wendy.

REPLY

Ellise says
May 5, 2021 at 3:29 PM

This is the easiest, most delicious cornbread I’ve ever made and eaten!! Thanks so much for the recipe and
video!

REPLY

Felesha says
June 28, 2021 at 7:58 PM

Glad you enjoyed them Ellise!

REPLY

Juju says
July 28, 2021 at 3:21 PM

I love hot water cornbread. Occasionally I add shredded onions or minced jalapenos. Yummy!

REPLY

McMatt says
August 4, 2021 at 4:52 AM

It was yummy. I remember this hot water cornbread from back in the day.

REPLY

Moana Lisa says

March 12, 2023 at 8:18 PM

These are fantastic! I made them exactly according to the recipe. They were fried in very hot oil and weren’t
greasy at all. So sorry people are complaining. I live in the Deep South and we have different recipes for
cornbread, some sweet and some savory. I normally use my husband’s grandmother’s recipe when I make
regular cornbread; I also make a honey corn muffin and Mexican cornbread. They’re all “authentic” because
I’m an authentic Southerner. *rolls eyes*

I used the White Lily cornmeal mix for this, which just means it’s already mixed with the cornmeal, flour,
baking soda and powder, salt, and buttermilk. Thanks so much!

REPLY

Felesha says
March 14, 2023 at 11:08 PM

So glad you enjoyed them!

REPLY

TRACKBACKS

32 Cornbread Recipes | The Gracious Wife says:

September 13, 2017 at 6:00 AM
[…] How Water Cornbread from Say Grace […]

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WELCOME TO SAY GRACE!!

Hi! I'm Felesha! Tex-Mex foodie (married to a Southern Comfort foodie), praise &
ballroom dancer and follower of JESUS! Follow me to my kitchen...

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