Southern 4-Ingredient Poor Man Hoecakes

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Directions and Instructions

1. Start by setting a large cast iron skillet on the stove over medium heat to warm up. Pour in enough bacon grease or vegetable oil to generously coat the bottom of the pan, about 2 to 3 tablespoons.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal and a pinch of salt, especially if your bacon grease isn’t particularly salty. Create a small well in the center of the cornmeal mixture.
3. Crack the egg into the well and add the milk or water. Whisk everything together until you’ve achieved a smooth, pourable batter, which should be slightly thinner than pancake batter. Adjust the consistency with a splash more liquid or a bit more cornmeal if necessary.
4. To check if your skillet is ready, flick a tiny drop of batter into the pan. If it sizzles right away, you’re good to go! If not, give it another minute or two to heat up.
5. Working in batches, pour small puddles of batter into the hot grease, about 2 to 3 tablespoons for each hoecake, allowing them to spread out into thin rounds.
6. Let the hoecakes cook undisturbed until the edges turn deep golden brown and crispy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Gently flip them over and cook the other side until it’s golden brown, another 1 to 2 minutes.
7. Transfer the cooked hoecakes to a plate lined with a kitchen towel or paper towel. While they’re still hot, brush or dab a little more bacon grease or butter on top to enhance that rich flavor.
8. Continue with the remaining batter, adding more grease or oil to the skillet as needed. Stack the hoecakes on the plate to keep them warm and tender.
9. Serve the hoecakes hot, either stacked high and topped with butter, drizzled with your favorite sweetener, or alongside eggs, beans, or greens for a complete meal.

Notes or Tips

• Feel free to experiment with different types of seasonings or add-ins, such as herbs or cheese, to give your hoecakes a unique twist.
• If you don’t have bacon grease on hand, vegetable oil works just as well for frying.
• These hoecakes can also be made ahead of time and kept warm in a low oven until you’re ready to serve.

Cooking Techniques

Using a cast iron skillet not only adds flavor but also helps achieve that perfect crispy texture. It’s essential to ensure your skillet is at the right temperature before pouring in the batter. An evenly heated pan allows for uniform cooking and prevents sticking.