What is the difference between a hoe cake and a pancake?

While they might look similar, hoe cakes are typically made with cornmeal and have a crispy, savory profile. Pancakes use flour and are light, fluffy, and usually sweetened. The texture and ingredients make them distinct from each other.

Are Johnny Cakes and hoecakes the same?

Not exactly. Johnny cakes are usually thinner and crispier, with New England and Caribbean roots. Hoe cakes are Southern in origin, often thicker and cooked with added fat like bacon grease.

Why did George Washington like hoecakes?

George Washington was known to enjoy them for breakfast at Mount Vernon, often served with butter and honey. They were simple, filling, and made with ingredients readily available in early American kitchens.

What's the difference between cornbread and hoecake?

Cornbread is typically baked, fluffy, and often slightly sweet. Hoe cakes are fried, thinner, and have a crisp edge with a dense interior. Both use cornmeal but serve different roles on the plate.

What do Southern people call pancakes?

Terms vary by region—some call them flapjacks, griddle cakes, or even hoe cakes depending on the ingredients and how they're cooked.

What is a gypsy pancake?

This term typically refers to a thin, filled pancake found in Eastern Europe. Though different from hoe cakes, both are made on a griddle and used in savory or sweet dishes.

Hoe Cakes – The Best 9-Part Southern Guide to This Crispy Comfort Food

Name: Classic Southern Hoe Cakes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup yellow cornmeal; ¾ cup hot water (adjust for thickness); ½ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon bacon grease or vegetable oil; (Optional) 1 egg; (Optional) ¼ cup buttermilk

Description

Crispy-edged and golden, these traditional Southern hoe cakes are made with simple ingredients like cornmeal and bacon grease, perfect for breakfast or as a side.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup yellow cornmeal
¾ cup hot water (adjust for thickness)
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon bacon grease or vegetable oil
(Optional) 1 egg
(Optional) ¼ cup buttermilk

Instructions

Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with a thin layer of oil or bacon grease.
In a bowl, combine cornmeal and salt. Slowly stir in hot water until a thick batter forms.
If using, mix in egg and buttermilk for added richness.
Drop 2–3 tablespoons of batter per cake into the skillet and flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
Fry each side for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with butter, honey, or savory toppings.

Notes

For a crispier texture, use only water.
To make it fluffier, add the optional egg and buttermilk.
Batter can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Perfect paired with stews, collard greens, fried chicken, or as a brunch base.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Side Dish
Method: Skillet, Stovetop
Cuisine: Southern, American

Keywords: hoe cakes, Southern skillet bread, cornmeal pancakes, fried cornbread, griddle cakes, traditional Southern recipes