Rooster Cogburn Corn Dodgers Recipe Made Easy and Delicious

There’s something truly special about traditional Southern cooking, and one iconic treat that stands out is the Rooster Cogburn Corn Dodgers. This humble yet flavorful dish, popularized by the classic Western film “Rooster Cogburn,” offers a delightful taste of frontier-era comfort food.

Corn dodgers are essentially little cornmeal cakes that are crispy on the outside and tender inside, making them the perfect accompaniment to hearty stews, barbecue, or breakfast spreads.

Whether you’re a fan of classic American cuisine or just looking to add a nostalgic, rustic dish to your recipe collection, this corn dodgers recipe is straightforward, quick, and incredibly satisfying.

Ready to bring a bit of the Old West to your kitchen? Let’s dive into the recipe that will have your family asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Rooster Cogburn Corn Dodgers recipe is a wonderful blend of simplicity and flavor. It uses pantry staples like cornmeal and buttermilk to create a golden, crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with a soft and slightly sweet interior.

Perfect for breakfast, side dishes, or a snack, these corn dodgers are versatile and kid-friendly.

Unlike many fried or heavily processed snacks, these are made from wholesome ingredients and cooked with minimal oil, making them a healthier choice. Plus, the recipe is very forgiving—easy to double, customize, or tweak to suit your taste.

If you love recipes from the American South or want to explore more plant-based meals, you might enjoy our Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals or try the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas for a refreshing complement to your meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal (preferably stone-ground for texture)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust based on desired sweetness)
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for frying)
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (for extra rise)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Whisk or fork
• Non-stick skillet or cast iron pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or pancake turner
• Small ladle or spoon (for portioning batter)

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda (if using), salt, and sugar until evenly combined.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, beat the egg lightly. Then stir in the buttermilk and melted butter until well blended.
3. Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
4. Preheat Skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to coat the pan.
5. Cook Corn Dodgers: Using a ladle or spoon, drop about 2-3 tablespoons of batter per corn dodger into the hot skillet. Flatten slightly with the back of the spoon to form a small patty.
6. Fry Until Golden: Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp on the outside. Flip carefully with a spatula to cook the other side.
7. Drain and Serve: Remove the cooked corn dodgers and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess butter.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra touch of flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a teaspoon of fresh chopped herbs like chives or thyme to the batter.”

• Make it Vegan: Substitute buttermilk with a mixture of plant-based milk and lemon juice, and replace the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water.
• Cheesy Corn Dodgers: Fold in 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese before cooking for a savory twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat.
• Baking Option: Instead of frying, bake the corn dodgers at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes on a greased baking sheet, flipping halfway through.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These corn dodgers are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve them alongside a Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food to keep the corn theme going, or as a side for barbecue beans or grilled vegetables.

For breakfast, enjoy them with scrambled eggs, sautéed greens, or a drizzle of honey and butter. They also make a delicious handheld snack when stuffed with a bit of cheese or jam.

Conclusion

Rooster Cogburn Corn Dodgers are a timeless Southern classic that brings warmth and nostalgia to any meal. This recipe is straightforward, uses simple ingredients, and produces irresistible golden corn cakes with a crispy crust and tender center.

Whether you’re serving them at a family breakfast, alongside a hearty stew, or as a snack, these corn dodgers are sure to impress.

Beyond their delicious flavor, they also capture a piece of American culinary history, inspired by frontier cooking and the rugged charm of the Old West. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out other favorites like the Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or the 400 Calorie Vegetarian Dinner Recipe Ideas for Healthy Meals for more tasty inspiration.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Rooster Cogburn Corn Dodgers”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A classic Southern cornmeal bread, crispy on the outside and tender inside. Perfect as a side for hearty meals or breakfast.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT30M”, “recipeYield”: “8 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup yellow cornmeal”, “1 cup all-purpose flour”, “1 tablespoon baking powder”, “1 teaspoon salt”, “1 tablespoon sugar”, “1 cup buttermilk”, “1 large egg”, “2 tablespoons melted butter”, “Vegetable oil for frying”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat a skillet with vegetable oil over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, flatten slightly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain on paper towels and serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180”, “proteinContent”: “4g”, “fatContent”: “7g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “24g”}}