A uniquely New England tradition, johnnycakes are thought to have first originated in Rhode Island. The subtle crunch of cornmeal gives them appealing texture and a bit of heft. This version, embellished with crisp bits of bacon and sharp cheddar cheese and served with honey or syrup, makes a delightful sweet-and-salty breakfast treat.
Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Servings
4
1 2/3 cups white cornmeal, preferably stone-ground
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. fine sea salt
1 1/2 cups milk
2 eggs
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Unsalted butter, at room temperature, for serving
Honey, pure cane syrup or pure maple syrup for serving
Directions
Preheat an oven to 200°F.
In a large fry pan over medium heat, warm the oil. Add the bacon and cook, stirring, until crisp and golden, about 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain. Pour off and reserve the fat, leaving a film of fat in the pan.
Reheat the fry pan over medium heat until hot. For each johnnycake, pour about 1/4 cup of the batter into the pan and cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 1 1/2 minutes. Flip the johnnycakes and cook until golden on the other side, about 1 minute more. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet and keep warm in the oven. Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the pan with more reserved fat, as needed. Serve the johnnycakes piping hot with plenty of butter and honey. Serves 4.
Variation: For a spicier version of these johnnycakes, stir 1 seeded and minced jalapeño chili into the batter.
Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Breakfast Comforts, by Rick Rodgers (Weldon Owen, 2010).
Rated 5 out of
5 by
Campbell from
Wonderful recipe!I loved this version of Johnnycakes!! They were sweet and salty and very satisfying with butter and syrup. My husband was thrilled. I have to laugh at the continued controversy regarding “Where did Johnnycakes originate?!”. If you ask RI residents you will hear the origin story. You will get an entirely different story if you ask someone else. I’ve heard Johnnycakes is the adaption from the name “journey cakes” that were easily carried and concealed by people escaping slavery. Wherever they originated all the stories are valid and deeply held by those who tell them. Johnnycakes are delicious and homey and this recipe was a wonderful version!
Date published: 2021-02-26
Rated 1 out of
5 by
soylorn from
No instructionsI can't say how the recipe tastes, because it's not actually given! Does the bacon go into the batter, or is it served on top? What about the cheese? Am I supposed to beat the eggs just slightly, or should I separate the egg whites and beat them until they form peaks then fold them in like if I was making regular pancakes?
Date published: 2016-11-04
Rated 4 out of
5 by
flanycga62 from
Delicious Variation of the JohnnycakeAlthough this was a delicious variation of the johnnycake, you should check your history. The "johnnycake" did not originate anywhere near Rhode Island. Although it wasn't called a "johnnycake", these cakes were staples of the African slaves that were brought over to America. The natives of Jamaica called them "johnnycakes." Jamaica was one of the islands where the slave ships disembarked the slaves that were ill-suited for hard labor before coming to America. Just saying.
