Southern 3-ingredient crispy cornmeal pennies are the kind of old-fashioned, crowd-pleasing bite that shows how a few humble pantry staples can turn into something memorable. These little rounds have the comforting flavor of simple cornmeal baking, with crisp edges and a rich buttery finish that make them especially welcome at potlucks, holiday tables, and fall gatherings where easy, economical recipes still shine.
Serve these warm as a side for chili, barbecue, baked beans, or collard greens, or set them out as a snack with honey butter, pepper jelly, or sorghum syrup. They also fit nicely on a brunch table alongside eggs and sausage, and because they are sturdy and crisp, they travel well for picnics, tailgates, and community events.
Southern 3-Ingredient Crispy Cornmeal Pennies
Servings: 6 to 8
Ingredients
1 cup self-rising cornmeal mix
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons melted butter, divided
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place a well-seasoned cast iron skillet in the oven while it heats so the pan gets hot.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the self-rising cornmeal mix, heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons of the melted butter until a thick, scoopable batter forms.
3. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and brush or swirl in the remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter to coat the bottom well.
4. Drop the batter by small spoonfuls into the skillet, spacing them slightly apart to form coin-sized rounds.
5. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes, or until the pennies are golden brown on top and crisp around the edges. If you want deeper color, let them go another 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely.
6. Serve warm straight from the skillet, or loosen with a thin spatula and transfer to a platter. Brush lightly with any extra butter if you'd like a richer finish.
Variations & Tips
Skillet heat matters: Starting with a hot cast iron skillet helps the bottoms set quickly and gives the pennies their crisp, browned edges. If the pan is not preheated, the texture will be softer and less defined.
Adjust the size: For extra-crisp pennies, keep the batter rounds small and fairly thin. If you make them larger, add a minute or two to the baking time and expect a slightly more tender center.
Sweet finish: These are excellent brushed with a little honey-butter right after baking. That simple touch makes them especially good for brunch spreads or autumn gatherings where sweeter Southern sides fit right in.
Richer version: If you want a more pronounced buttery flavor, use browned butter in place of plain melted butter. It adds a nutty note without changing the simplicity of the recipe.