Crispy Cornmeal Cakes for a Perfect Snack

🔥 KITCHEN FINDS

3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out

These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.

This Kitchen Gadget Sprays AND Pours Oil

One bottle for spraying, pouring and keeping cooking oil close at hand.

Check It Out on Amazon →

This Weird Little Tool Slices Watermelon for You

Slice, cube and grab watermelon with one ridiculously simple little gadget.

Check It Out on Amazon →

Mix & Pour Pancake Batter Without the Mess

Mix the batter right in the bottle, then squeeze it straight onto the griddle.

Check It Out on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Crispy Cornmeal Cakes are the perfect blend of crunchy texture and savory flavor, making them an irresistible snack or appetizer. With a golden-brown exterior and a soft, slightly sweet interior, these cakes are not only easy to make but also customizable to fit your taste. Serve them at your next gathering, or enjoy them as a quick snack at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Crispy Cornmeal Cakes are a fantastic addition to your snack repertoire for several reasons:

• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, they’re easy to whip up anytime.
• Quick to Prepare: They come together in under 30 minutes!
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite herbs or spices for a personal touch.
• Crispy Perfection: The frying method creates a delightful crunch that is hard to resist.
• Great for Sharing: Perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for frying)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, cilantro, or chives)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)

How to Make Crispy Cornmeal Cakes

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Once boiling, slowly whisk in the cornmeal and salt, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
2. Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the olive oil, chopped herbs, garlic powder (if using), and black pepper until well combined.
4. Let the mixture cool slightly, then use your hands to form small patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter.
5. In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of cooking oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the cornmeal patties to the pan, being sure not to overcrowd.
6. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Add more oil as needed to keep the skillet coated.
7. Remove the cakes from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Serve warm.

Tips for the Best Results

• For extra flavor, experiment with different herbs and spices based on your preference.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the patties to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Don’t skip the cooling step before forming patties; it helps maintain their shape during frying.
• For a gluten-free option, ensure your cornmeal is certified gluten-free.

Easy Variations

• Add shredded cheese to the cornmeal mixture for cheesy cakes.
• Incorporate diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Mix in some cooked corn kernels for added sweetness and texture.
• Top with a dollop of sour cream or avocado for a creamy finish.

What to Serve With It

• Fresh salsa or pico de gallo for a zesty dip.
• Guacamole for a creamy, rich contrast.
• A side salad to balance the crunchiness.
• Cilantro lime sauce for a refreshing touch.

Storage and Reheating

📚 RECIPE LOVER FINDS

Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out

Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.

❤️ Love This Recipe? Save Your Favorites

Keep all those recipes you actually want to make again together in your own recipe book.

See It on Amazon →

🔥 Yep, Snoop Dogg Has a Cookbook

From Crook to Cook brings Snoop's spin to comfort food, classics and seriously fun recipes.

Check It Out on Amazon →

🥗 100+ Meals You Can Make Ahead

Simple make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals for making the week way easier.

See It on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Store any leftover cornmeal cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

Recipe Card