Southern Corn Dodgers
Southern Corn Dodgers are a delightful twist on the classic Johnnycake, bringing the rustic flavors of the Mississippi Valley right to your table. Originating from the United States Regional Cookbook by the Culinary Arts Institute of Chicago in 1947, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a warm, hearty bread perfect for any meal. Whether served alongside a savory stew or slathered with butter, these corn dodgers offer a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. Ideal for vegetarian diets when made with vegetable shortening, they are a versatile addition to any feast.
N/A
Servings
96
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
cornmeal
2 cups (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
fat, melted
2 teaspoons (bacon fat, lard, butter or vegetable shortening)
water, boiling
2 cups (boil until ready to use)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to create a perfect baking environment for your corn dodgers.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal and salt thoroughly before adding the melted fat of your choice. If you want a rich flavor, bacon fat is highly recommended, but lard, butter, or vegetable shortening work wonderfully as well.
3
Pour in the boiling water gradually while stirring, ensuring that you mix the batter thoroughly until it's smooth and well combined. This process helps to activate the cornmeal's flavor.
4
Prepare pie plates by lightly greasing them, then pour and spread the corn dodger batter evenly into the plates, making sure the batter is 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick for the best texture.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crisp. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.
6
Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot with butter, rich gravy, or as a delightful side to various stews and soups.
Nutrition Information
3.2g
Fat
14.4g
Carbs
1.6g
Protein
1.6g
Fiber
0g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Southern Corn Dodgers?
Southern Corn Dodgers are a rustic cornmeal bread similar to Johnnycakes, known for their crispy exterior and tender interior, originating from the Mississippi Valley.
What is the historical origin of this recipe?
This recipe originates from the United States Regional Cookbook published by the Culinary Arts Institute of Chicago in 1947.
What are the main ingredients needed for Southern Corn Dodgers?
The ingredients include 2 cups of cornmeal, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of melted fat, and 2 cups of boiling water.
What type of fat is best for this recipe?
Bacon fat is highly recommended for a rich flavor, but lard, butter, or vegetable shortening also work well.
Are Southern Corn Dodgers suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, they are vegetarian-friendly if you choose to use butter or vegetable shortening instead of bacon fat or lard.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long do Southern Corn Dodgers need to bake?
They should bake for approximately 30 minutes until the tops are golden brown and crisp.
How thick should the batter be spread in the pan?
The batter should be spread to a thickness of 1/2 to 3/4 inch for the best texture.
Why is boiling water used in the batter?
Boiling water is added to the cornmeal to help activate its flavor and ensure the batter is smooth.
How do I test if the corn dodgers are done?
You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean, they are ready.
What is the best way to serve Southern Corn Dodgers?
Serve them hot with butter, rich gravy, or as a side dish to stews and soups.
Should I grease the baking pan?
Yes, you should lightly grease the pie plates before pouring in the batter.
How many calories are in a serving of Southern Corn Dodgers?
Each serving contains approximately 96 calories.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 14.4 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is 3.2 grams of fat per serving.
Do Southern Corn Dodgers contain any sugar?
No, this recipe contains 0 grams of sugar.
How much protein is in Southern Corn Dodgers?
Each serving provides 1.6 grams of protein.
What is the fiber content of this recipe?
There is 1.6 grams of fiber per serving.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a bread, specifically a side dish within Southern cuisine.
Can I use a regular baking sheet instead of pie plates?
The recipe specifically recommends pie plates to achieve the correct thickness and texture.
How much salt is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
Is the cornmeal prepared in any specific way before mixing?
No, the cornmeal does not require special preparation; just mix it with the salt before adding fats and water.
How should I mix the ingredients?
Combine cornmeal and salt, add melted fat, then gradually stir in boiling water until the batter is smooth.
Should I let the corn dodgers cool before eating?
Let them cool for just a few minutes after removing from the oven before slicing and serving them hot.
What is the texture of the finished product?
They have a crispy exterior and a tender, hearty interior.
Is this a classic recipe?
Yes, it is considered a classic Southern comfort food recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 main ingredients: cornmeal, salt, fat, and boiling water.
Can these be served as a snack?
While usually a side dish, they are a versatile bread that can be enjoyed as a snack with butter.
Is this recipe considered a Johnnycake?
It is described as a twist on the classic Johnnycake, very similar but with regional variations.
What region is this recipe associated with?
It is associated with the Southern United States and the Mississippi Valley region.