Looking for a taste of the South? You will love this Patti Labelles Hot Water Cornbread Recipe. It is simple, comforting, and perfect for dinner.
Learning how to make Patti Labelles Hot Water Cornbread is easy. Follow our guide for the best results every single time.
Tell Me About This Patti Labelles Hot Water Cornbread
Amazing Flavor: This cornbread offers a deep, nutty corn flavor that feels like a warm hug.
Crispy Texture: The outside gets perfectly golden and crunchy while the inside stays soft and tender.
Quick Preparation: You can whip up this entire batch in under thirty minutes for busy weeknights.
Simple Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples to get this classic dish started today.
Why This Recipe is Good For You
This recipe uses cornmeal which provides a good source of fiber. It is a hearty side dish that satisfies your comfort food cravings.
Homemade recipes like this allow you to control the ingredients. You avoid the hidden additives often found in store-bought mixes.
Equipment List
Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl is perfect for combining your dry ingredients.
Cast Iron Skillet: This provides the most even heat for a perfectly crispy crust.
Sturdy Spoon: Use a wooden spoon to mix the hot water and meal.
Tongs: These are essential for safely flipping the patties in hot oil.
Ingredients You Need for Patti Labelles Hot Water Cornbread
Cornmeal: Use high-quality white cornmeal for the best authentic flavor profile.
Salt: A little salt brings out the natural sweetness of the corn.
Sugar: Just a touch of sugar adds a subtle hint of balance.
Boiling Water: This is the secret to softening the meal into a dough.
Vegetable Oil: Use a high-smoke point oil for deep frying the patties.
Step By Step Guide To Make Patti Labelles Hot Water Cornbread
1. Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by combining your cornmeal, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Whisk them together to ensure the seasoning is spread evenly throughout.
2. Add Boiling Water
Carefully pour boiling water into the dry mixture. Stir quickly to form a thick, moldable dough. Let it sit for a minute.
3. Shape the Patties
Wet your hands with cold water to prevent sticking. Scoop small portions of dough and shape them into flat, round patties.
4. Fry Until Golden
Heat your oil in a skillet. Carefully place the patties in the oil. Fry until they are crispy and golden on both sides.

Recipe Success Tips
➡️ Always use water that is fully boiling to ensure the texture stays perfect.
➡️ Keep your hands damp while shaping to keep the dough from sticking everywhere.
➡️ Don’t overcrowd the skillet so the patties fry evenly without dropping the temperature.
➡️ Drain the finished bread on paper towels to remove any excess frying oil.
What to Serve With This
This cornbread pairs beautifully with hearty Southern main courses. Try serving it alongside some crispy Jamaican Fried Chicken Recipe for a full meal. You can also enjoy it with a side of City Barbeque Potato Salad Recipe. The combination of textures is wonderful. If you want something fresh, a simple green salad or collard greens are excellent choices too. Everyone will love this meal.
How To Store Leftover
Let the cornbread cool completely before storing it away. Place the leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to three days. You can easily reheat them in a toaster oven or skillet. This will bring back that signature crunch. Do not leave them out for too long to ensure safety.
Seasonal Recipe Matchups
This recipe is great for any time of year. In the summer, serve it at your backyard cookouts. In the winter, it serves as the ultimate comfort food with soup. You might also pair it with some Bojangles Pimento Cheese Recipe for a fancy snack. No matter the season, this classic dish always fits perfectly on your table. It is a timeless favorite for all your guests.
Nutritions
Serving Size: 1 patty | Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g
FAQs about Patti Labelles Hot Water Cornbread
Can I use yellow cornmeal? Yes, you certainly can. Yellow cornmeal has a slightly stronger corn flavor, but it works perfectly well for this recipe if you prefer that color.
Why is my cornbread falling apart? Your water might not have been boiling hot enough. Boiling water is necessary to gelatinize the starch and hold the patties together during the frying process.
Can I bake these instead? This specific recipe is designed for frying to get the crispy crust. Baking will result in a completely different, biscuit-like texture that lacks that signature crunch.
Final Words
We hope you enjoy this classic Southern treat. It is a wonderful way to bring tradition into your kitchen.
Enjoy your meal with friends and family. Happy cooking from your friends at Brooke Bites!

Patti Labelles Hot Water Cornbread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups white cornmeal
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1.5 cups boiling water
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients in a medium bowl until well combined.
- Carefully pour the boiling water over the cornmeal mixture.
- Stir the mixture quickly until it forms a thick, sticky dough.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat.
- Shape the dough into small patties using damp hands.
- Fry the patties in the hot oil until golden brown on both sides.
- Remove the cornbread and drain on paper towels before serving.
Notes

Hi, I’m Brooke Harper, the heart behind Brookebites. I’m a proud housewife, a mom to my wonderful 15-year-old daughter Lily, and a happy dog mom to our playful shepherd.











Leave a Review