Looking for a Johnny Cake Recipe? How about one with green onions and chives. Cornbread is one of my comfort foods and goes with so many dishes. I also like to make Johnny Cakes to serve as appetizers.
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What is a Johnny Cake? Glad you asked. It’s a simple pancake made with cornmeal, cooked in a cast iron skillet or griddle. They are crispy on the outside but soft and dense on the inside.
The inspiration for making Johnny Cakes cakes came from this months Southern Living Magazine. You know how it is when you look at a magazine and all those mouthwatering photos pop out at you. I couldn’t resist trying the recipe because it reminded me of a recipe handed down from my grandmother.
The Southern Living recipe calls for collard or turnip greens, but I made mine with green onions and chives from my patio garden. The idea of adding greens for a flavor boost is so fun, I’ve always had them plain before.
Johnny Cake Recipe
(Adapted from Southern Living Magazine)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups fine cornmeal
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1-1/2 cups boiling water
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions (optional)
- 1 heaping tablespoon chopped chives (optional)
- Combine milk and butter in a sauce pan on medium heat. Stir until butter melts. Set aside.
- While bring water to boil, combine cornmeal, salt, green onions and chives in a large heatproof mixing bowl.
- Whisk in 1-1/2 cups boiling water. Add milk and butter mixture. Whisk to combine.
- Heat an ungreased cast iron skillet or griddle on medium high. Drop about 1/4 cup of the batter per cake on hot skillet. Cook until lightly browned and crispy for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
- Serve hot with your favorite dish.
Johnny Cake Recipe Notes
I can imagine this recipe being modified in lots of ways with spices, minced garlic, chopped jalapeño peppers or green chiles.
Of course I noted the green onions and chives as optional because Johnny Cakes are just as delicious plain. I love to eat them with honey or maple syrup drizzled on top.
A large griddle would come in handy when making a lot of cakes. If you don’t have one just use a cast iron skillet as I did. If you’re lucky enough to have an old fashioned cast iron skillet that has been seasoned to perfection, use that instead. 😉
Serving Ideas
Serve Johnny Cakes with anything you might serve with cornbread. How about one of the following.
- Boiled Shrimp
- Crawfish
- Grilled Oysters
- Chili
- Stew
- Charcuterie Tray
For more down home goodness try my small batch spicy sweet refrigerator pickled veggie recipe and get the party started.
Be sure to follow Thistle Key Lane on Pinterest, where the boards are up to date with seasonal inspiration that you can use right now!
Have you ever tried Johnny Cakes? If so what’s your favorite version, plain or loaded with possibilities?
Cheers!
Michelle
©2019 Johnny Cake Recipe With Green Onions And Chives post first appeared on Thistle Key Lane™
JOHNNY CAKE RECIPE
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups fine cornmeal
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1-1/2 cups boiling water
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions optional
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives optional
Instructions
- Combine milk and butter in a sauce pan on medium heat. Stir until butter melts. Set aside.
- While bring water to boil, combine cornmeal, salt, green onions and chives in a large heatproof mixing bowl.
- Whisk in 1-1/2 cups boiling water. Add milk and butter mixture. Whisk to combine.
- Heat an ungreased cast iron skillet or griddle on medium high. Drop about 1/4 cup of the batter per cake on hot skillet. Cook until lightly browned and crispy for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
- Serve hot with your favorite dish.