There’s nothing quite like a warm, crusty loaf of hot water cornbread fresh from the oven to accompany your favorite Southern comfort foods. And when it comes to making this classic staple, hot water is the secret ingredient that gives it its signature crumb and irresistible aroma. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the heart of Dixie with 18 mouth-watering recipes for crispy hot water cornbread, each one showcasing a unique twist or flavor combination that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
From classic Southern-style recipes to innovative fusions and bold flavor profiles, these cornbreads are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, we’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure that your hot water cornbread turns out perfectly every time.
Classic Southern Hot Water Cornbread
This classic Southern hot water cornbread recipe is a staple of traditional cuisine, perfect for accompanying your favorite comfort foods or as a standalone snack. With its moist texture and subtle sweetness, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose cornmeal
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon sugar
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cups hot water (180°F – 190°F)
– 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, salt, baking soda, and sugar.
3. Add vegetable oil, hot water, and beaten egg to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
4. Pour batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Buttermilk Hot Water Cornbread
This Buttermilk Hot Water Cornbread recipe is a creative spin on the traditional cornbread, adding a hint of tanginess from the buttermilk and a moist texture from the hot water. Perfect for sipping with your favorite soup or stew.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup hot water (around 100°F)
– 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
3. Add buttermilk and hot water; stir until just combined.
4. Fold in melted butter.
5. Pour batter into an 8-inch square baking dish or a 9-inch round cake pan.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet Honey Hot Water Cornbread
Sweet Honey Hot Water Cornbread Recipe
A classic Southern-style cornbread recipe with a twist! This sweet honey hot water cornbread is perfect for those who like a little extra sweetness in their cornbread. With the addition of hot water and pure honey, this cornbread is moist, flavorful, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose cornmeal
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup hot water
– 2 tablespoons pure honey
– 2 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, hot water, honey, and eggs.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Jalapeño Hot Water Cornbread
This spicy cornbread recipe adds a kick to the classic comfort food by incorporating jalapeños and hot water. Perfect for those who like a little heat in their baked goods.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup hot water (around 200°F)
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 2 jalapeños, diced
– Honey or maple syrup for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, hot water, and melted butter.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Fold in diced jalapeños.
6. Pour batter into a greased 8-inch square baking dish.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Serve warm with honey or maple syrup, if desired.
Cheesy Cheddar Hot Water Cornbread
Warm up with this creamy and crumbly cornbread recipe, perfect for a cozy evening or as a side dish for your favorite comfort foods. This cheesy delight is easy to make and will become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup hot water
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, hot water, and melted butter.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Stir in grated cheddar cheese.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic and Herb Hot Water Cornbread
Elevate your cornbread game with this flavorful recipe that combines the warmth of garlic and herbs with the classic comfort of hot water cornbread. Perfect for serving alongside soups, stews, or as a side dish for any meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 cup hot water
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, salt, and baking soda.
3. Add hot water, melted butter, grated cheese (if using), garlic, and herbs. Stir until just combined.
4. Pour batter into a greased 8-inch square baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Skillet-Fried Hot Water Cornbread
This classic Southern cornbread recipe gets a crispy twist by cooking it in a skillet with hot water, resulting in a moist and flavorful bread that’s perfect for accompanying your favorite comfort foods.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose cornmeal
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 cup hot water
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, salt, baking soda, and sugar.
3. Add the melted butter and mix until just combined.
4. Gradually add the hot water while stirring with a fork until a thick batter forms.
5. Pour the batter into a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or oven-safe skillet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bacon and Scallion Hot Water Cornbread
Elevate your cornbread game with the smoky goodness of crispy bacon and the pungency of scallions. This recipe is perfect for a cozy evening or as a side dish for your next BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose cornmeal
– 1/2 cup hot water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green and white parts)
– Honey or brown sugar for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together cornmeal, hot water, sugar, salt, and baking soda.
2. Add melted butter, eggs, crumbled bacon, and chopped scallions to the bowl. Stir until just combined.
3. Pour batter into a greased 8-inch square baking dish.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Serve warm with a drizzle of honey or brown sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet Corn and Hot Water Cornbread Fusion
This unique cornbread recipe combines the sweetness of fresh corn with the savory flavor of hot water, creating a moist and delicious treat perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet corn (about 2-3 ears)
– Hot water, as needed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. Whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in mashed sweet corn.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Crispy Onion Hot Water Cornbread
Elevate your cornbread game with this unique recipe that adds crispy onions and hot water for an extra layer of flavor. This moist and crunchy cornbread is perfect for accompanying your favorite soups, stews, or chili.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 cup hot water
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced and caramelized (see note)
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. Add hot water, caramelized onions, milk, and melted butter. Mix until just combined.
4. Pour batter into a greased 8-inch square baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Note: To caramelize the onion, cook it in a skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of oil until dark golden and crispy.
Smoky Paprika Hot Water Cornbread
Elevate your cornbread game with this smoky twist on a classic recipe. The addition of hot water and smoky paprika gives this cornbread a moist, slightly sweet, and savory flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 cup hot water
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– 1 teaspoon smoky paprika (such as smoked sweet paprika or chipotle powder)
– Honey or maple syrup for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. Add hot water, milk, egg, and melted butter; stir until just combined.
4. Stir in smoky paprika.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Serve: Warm with honey or maple syrup drizzled on top, if desired.
Maple Glazed Hot Water Cornbread
This classic Southern-style cornbread gets a boost of flavor from a rich maple glaze, making it perfect for pairing with your favorite comfort foods. With its moist texture and subtle sweetness, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup hot water
– 2 cups all-purpose cornmeal
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– Maple glaze (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add hot water, melted butter, and egg; stir until just combined.
4. Pour batter into a greased 8-inch square baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Maple Glaze:
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Mix together in a small bowl and brush over cornbread during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Coconut Milk Hot Water Cornbread
Moist and flavorful, this cornbread recipe combines the warmth of hot water with the creaminess of coconut milk to create a unique twist on a classic. Perfect for snacking or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 1/2 cup hot water
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, coconut milk, hot water, egg, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Vegan Hot Water Cornbread
This recipe yields a moist and flavorful vegan cornbread that’s perfect for accompanying your favorite soups, stews, or chili. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be enjoying a warm and comforting side dish in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 cup vegan butter or margarine, melted
– 3/4 cup hot water (around 180°F)
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, salt, and baking powder.
3. Add the melted vegan butter or margarine, hot water, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until just combined.
4. Pour batter into a greased 8-inch square baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Old-Fashioned Lard Hot Water Cornbread
This Southern-style cornbread recipe combines the richness of lard with the warmth of hot water, creating a moist and flavorful treat that’s perfect for family gatherings or casual meals. With its subtle sweetness and crispy crust, this classic cornbread is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 cup lard, melted
– 3 tablespoons hot water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 2 eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. Add melted lard, hot water, sugar, and eggs. Stir until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Hot Water Cornbread with Sorghum Syrup
This classic Southern recipe combines the comforting warmth of hot water cornbread with the rich, molasses-like flavor of sorghum syrup. Perfect for a chilly evening or as a side dish to your favorite comfort foods.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose cornmeal
– 1/2 cup hot water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup sorghum syrup
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together cornmeal and hot water until smooth.
3. Add salt, melted butter, sugar, and sorghum syrup. Whisk until well combined.
4. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Crunchy Cornmeal Hot Water Cornbread
This classic Southern cornbread recipe gets a crunchy twist by using hot water and cornmeal to create a crispy exterior and a moist interior. Perfect for accompanying your favorite comfort foods or as a snack on its own.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose cornmeal
– 1/2 cup hot water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 large egg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add hot water, oil, and salt. Stir until smooth.
4. Beat in the egg until well combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until edges are golden brown and center is set.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Savory Mushroom Hot Water Cornbread
Savory Mushroom Hot Water Cornbread Recipe
Elevate your cornbread game with this savory twist, featuring earthy mushrooms and a hint of hot water for added moisture. Perfect as a side dish or used to mop up juices from your favorite main courses.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose cornmeal
– 2 cups hot water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms (such as cremini or shiitake)
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, sugar, salt, and baking soda.
3. Add hot water, oil, and mushrooms; stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and set.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the warm, comforting taste of Southern-style hot water cornbread! This article features 18 mouthwatering recipes that are sure to become new family favorites. From classic buttermilk and sweet honey variations to spicier jalapeño and cheesy cheddar twists, there’s something for every palate. Try skillet-frying your cornbread for an extra crispy texture or adding smoky paprika for a savory flavor boost. Whether you’re a cornbread newbie or a seasoned pro, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. So go ahead, get baking, and enjoy the comforting taste of Southern hot water cornbread!