Pan Fried Corn Pones
Golden pan-fried corn pones with crispy bacon bits deliver hearty, savory flavors perfect for breakfast or side dishes, appealing to comfort food lovers and home cooks alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over the corn meal and mix to combine.
- Stir in the egg and bacon bits or chopped cracklings.
- Shape the mixture into pones by pressing between your hands.
- Fry the pones on both sides until golden brown, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the mixture. You can substitute the bacon bits with chopped ham or sausage for a different taste. If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and add some sautéed bell peppers for extra flavor. Be sure to use self-rising cornmeal for the best texture; regular cornmeal will not yield the same results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot as a delicious side dish for your favorite main course, such as grilled meats or stews. They pair beautifully with Debi'S Broccoli Salad or can be enjoyed on their own with a dollop of sour cream or spicy salsa. For a hearty breakfast, serve them alongside scrambled eggs or Kim'S Breakfast for a satisfying start to the day.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the cooled corn pones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pan Fried Corn Pones contains roughly 570 calories, with 14g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (186% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (62% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1441mg per serving (63% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these corn pones ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a few hours in advance and shape the pones, then refrigerate them until you're ready to fry. This helps the flavors meld together. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before cooking for even frying.
What if I don't have self-rising cornmeal?
If you don't have self-rising cornmeal, you can make your own by combining regular cornmeal with baking powder and salt. For each cup of cornmeal, add 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix thoroughly before using in this recipe.
Can I freeze the corn pones?
Yes, corn pones can be frozen. After frying, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).