Everyone loves a classic Southern side dish. This Patti LaBelle Hot Water Cornbread Recipe is truly special.
It brings comfort to any dinner table. You will love how simple it is to prepare.
Knowing how to make Patti LaBelle Hot Water Cornbread is a great kitchen skill. These crispy cakes are perfect for beginners.
Check our Shortnin Bread Recipe for more southern treats. You might also enjoy a Paula Deen Bread Pudding Recipe for dessert.
Tell Me About This Patti LaBelle Hot Water Cornbread
Amazing Golden Texture: The outside gets perfectly crispy while the inside stays soft, moist, and tender for every single bite.
Simple Flavor Profile: The cornmeal tastes fresh and earthy with just enough saltiness to keep you coming back for more.
Quick Cooking Time: You can whip up this entire batch in less than thirty minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
Easy Ingredient List: The necessary ingredients for Patti LaBelle Hot Water Cornbread are likely already sitting in your kitchen pantry today.
Equipment List
Mixing Bowl: Use this for combining your dry and wet ingredients into a smooth, thick batter.
Heavy Skillet: A cast-iron skillet works best to distribute heat evenly and achieve that perfect golden crust.
Spatula: This helps you safely turn the cornbread patties over while they fry in the hot oil.
Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements ensure your batter is not too runny or too dry during the prep.
Ingredients You Need for Patti LaBelle Hot Water Cornbread
Cornmeal: Use high-quality white cornmeal to get the traditional flavor and texture associated with this classic dish.
Salt: This enhances the natural sweetness of the cornmeal and balances the overall taste of the bread.
Sugar: A small amount adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory fried exterior of the cornbread.
Boiling Water: This is the most important part to help hydrate the cornmeal and create the proper dough.
Vegetable Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for deep frying the patties until golden brown.
How to Assemble
1. Prepare the dry mix: In a medium bowl, whisk together your cornmeal, salt, and optional sugar until fully combined.
2. Add boiling water: Carefully pour boiling water over the mixture and stir well to create a thick, consistent dough.
3. Let the dough rest: Allow the mixture to sit for five minutes so the cornmeal absorbs the water and softens properly.
4. Heat the oil: Add enough oil to your skillet to cover the bottom and heat until it shimmers but does not smoke.
5. Fry the patties: Scoop spoonfuls of batter into the oil and flatten slightly; fry until both sides are golden brown.
6. Drain and serve: Place the cooked patties on paper towels to drain excess oil before serving them warm to guests.
Recipe Success Tips
➡️ Use very hot water to ensure the cornmeal properly hydrates for a smooth texture.
➡️ Do not crowd the skillet so every patty gets an even, crispy golden crust.
➡️ Drain on a wire rack to keep the bottom of your cornbread nice and crispy.
How To Store Leftover
Place any cooled leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days.
You can reheat them in a toaster oven for the best crunch. Do not microwave them as they will become too soft.
FAQs about Patti LaBelle Hot Water Cornbread
Can I use yellow cornmeal instead? Yes, you can use yellow cornmeal if that is what you have. It will taste slightly sweeter, but the texture remains exactly the same as the white version.
Why is my cornbread falling apart? Your water might not have been hot enough, or the batter was too thin. Ensure the water is boiling and the dough rests before frying in the pan.
Is this recipe vegan? Yes, this traditional recipe is naturally vegan. It uses only cornmeal, salt, sugar, water, and oil. Always check your sugar source if you follow a strict vegan diet.
Nutritions
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbs | 24g |
| Protein | 3g |
Conclusion
Making this dish is a rewarding experience for any home cook. The crunch of the hot water cornbread is truly unmatched.
Serve these with your favorite greens or a hearty bowl of chili. We hope you enjoy this classic recipe as much as we do!
Patti LaBelle Hot Water Cornbread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup white cornmeal
- 1 tsp sugar optional
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.75 cup boiling water
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Whisk cornmeal, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
- Pour boiling water into the dry mixture and stir until thick.
- Let the batter sit for five minutes to hydrate.
- Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
- Form patties using a spoon and carefully drop into the hot oil.
- Fry until golden brown on both sides and drain on paper towels.
Notes
I’m Bella Rose, and I’m here to rescue your busy weeknights with quick, delicious, and easy family recipes. From comforting classics to simple, seasoned dishes your kids will actually eat, find everyday meal inspiration that saves you time without sacrificing flavor.