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    Home / Breakfast / Johnnycakes

    Johnnycakes

    Thin, crisp cornmeal griddle cakes with a slightly sweet, toasty flavor, a Rhode Island breakfast tradition.

    ⏱ 10 minPrep time
    🔥 10 minCook time
    🍽 4Servings
    🏷 BreakfastCategory
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    Thin, crisp cornmeal griddle cakes with a slightly sweet, toasty flavor, a Rhode Island breakfast tradition.

    Rhode Island’s griddle gold

    Stone-ground cornmeal, boiling water, and a hot griddle — three ingredients, a century of breakfasts. Crisp edges, tender middle.

    New England recipes →

    Step by stepInstructions

    1. Stir the cornmeal, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
    2. Pour in the boiling water and stir until a thick paste forms; add milk a spoonful at a time until it drops heavily from the spoon.
    3. Heat a lightly greased griddle over medium heat.
    4. Drop spoonfuls of batter and flatten slightly; cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp at the edges.
    5. Serve hot with maple syrup or honey.

    💡 Chef tips & storage

    True johnnycakes use boiling water only — the dough should be thick enough to hold its shape. Use white cornmeal for the authentic Rhode Island version.

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    Recipe details

    Prep10 min
    Cook10 min
    Servings4
    CategoryBreakfast
    PublishedAugust 16, 2026
    Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

    Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

    Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →

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