What to Eat with Cornbread: 40+ Most Tasty

Cornbread, with its golden, crumbly texture and slightly sweet taste, is a beloved staple in many households. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or as leftovers the next day, the question often arises: what to eat with cornbread? In this article, we’ll explore a variety of delicious options to complement your cornbread and enhance your dining experience.

What is Cornbread?

Cornbread is a form of bread prepared mostly with cornmeal, or ground corn. It originated in Native American cuisine and has since become a Southern United States culinary standard.

Cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, eggs, milk, and occasionally sugar or other flavorings are common ingredients in traditional cornbread recipes. It can be baked in a pan, muffin tray, or baking dish, yielding a versatile bread with a little crumbly texture and a sweet or savory flavor, depending on the recipe.

How to Make Cornbread?

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional, for a sweeter cornbread)
• 1 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra tanginess)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish or cast iron skillet with butter or oil.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using). Stir well to combine.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter or oil until well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish or skillet, spreading it out evenly.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Remove from the oven and let the cornbread cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
8. Serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite toppings.

What Goes With Cornbread?

Cornbread is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of flavors and cuisines. Here are some perfect and tasty dishes that go wonderfully with cornbread:

1. Chili con Carne
2. Barbecue Ribs
3. Fried Chicken
4. Southern-style Collard Greens
5. Cajun Jambalaya
6. Vegetable Soup
7. Pulled Pork Sandwiches
8. Smoked Brisket
9. Black Bean and Corn Salad
10. Grilled Shrimp Skewers

What to Eat With Cornbread for Breakfast?

1. Scrambled Eggs with Spinach and Feta

Scrambled eggs mixed with spinach and feta cheese make a yummy and good-for-you breakfast. First, we crack the eggs and whisk them until they’re fluffy. Then, we cook them with spinach until it gets soft. After that, we add some feta cheese, which makes the eggs creamy and adds a salty taste.

2. Bacon and Avocado Cornbread Sandwich

The Bacon and Avocado Cornbread Sandwich is a yummy breakfast. It’s like a big, tasty sandwich. You start with crispy bacon on toasted cornbread, which makes it crunchy. Then, you add creamy avocado slices that are soft like butter and good for you. The cornbread is sweet and holds everything together.

3. Sausage Gravy Over Cornbread

Sausage gravy on cornbread is a yummy breakfast that’s popular in the South. First, you cook sausage in a pan until it’s brown and crumbly. Then you mix in some flour to make it thicker. After that, you slowly pour in milk to make a creamy sauce. Finally, you pour this delicious gravy over warm cornbread. It’s a tasty and filling breakfast that’s perfect for cold mornings.

4. Blueberry Cornbread Muffins

Blueberry cornbread muffins are a delicious blend of sweet and savory ingredients. Fresh blueberries are incorporated into a rich cornbread batter, providing bursts of juicy sweetness with each bite.

These muffins, baked till golden brown and fluffy, are ideal for a quick and easy breakfast or snack. The combination of cornbread and blueberries results in a distinct and delectable flavor profile that will satisfy your cravings.

5. Cornbread French Toast

Cornbread French toast adds a new twist to a popular morning dish. Thick pieces of cornbread are dipped in a combination of eggs, milk, and cinnamon and fried till golden and crispy.

The end product is a delectable breakfast delight with a crispy outside and a delicate, custard-like interior. This decadent meal served with maple syrup and fresh berries, will undoubtedly become a new breakfast favorite.

6. Ham and Cheese Cornbread Waffles

Ham & cheese cornbread waffles add a savory twist to conventional waffles. A cornmeal batter is combined with diced ham and shredded cheese, then baked in a waffle iron until golden and crispy.

The bitter tastes of the ham and cheese complement the sweetness of the cornbread, resulting in a deliciously satisfying breakfast alternative. To add a bit of luxury, serve these waffles with a dollop of honey butter.

7. Cornbread Breakfast Casserole

Cornbread breakfast casserole is a rich and filling recipe that’s ideal for serving a crowd. Crumbled cornbread is topped with eggs, cheese, sausage, and vegetables in a baking dish and baked until golden and bubbling.

This make-ahead breakfast option is ideal for hectic mornings because it can be made ahead of time and warmed as needed. The mix of savory ingredients and fluffy cornbread results in a comfortable and tasty breakfast that will please everyone at the table.

8. Honey Butter Spread

Honey butter spread is a simple yet delicious complement to warm cornbread. Softened butter and honey are mixed until smooth and creamy, then generously spread on heated cornbread.

The honey’s sweetness balances the cornbread’s mild sweetness, and the creamy butter adds richness and taste. This simple spread elevates any breakfast or brunch dish, making it a welcome addition to your morning routine.

9. Cornbread Breakfast Pizza

Cornbread breakfast pizza is a special kind of pizza that tastes different from regular pizza. Instead of the usual pizza dough, it has a thick layer made of cornmeal, which is a bit sweet and crumbly.

On top of this cornmeal layer, we put scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, cheese, and whatever else you like to eat for breakfast. Then, we bake it until it turns brown and bubbly.

10. Cornbread and Chili

Cornbread and chili go well together, especially when it’s cold outside. The warm chili with beans and meat is tasty with the golden cornbread. The cornbread is a bit sweet, which goes nicely with the spicy chili. It’s soft and good for soaking up the yummy broth.

What Main Dishes to Serve With Cornbread?

1. Chili Con Carne

Chili con carne is a traditional Tex-Mex cuisine recognized for its robust tastes and hearty texture, making it an ideal accompaniment to cornbread.

The warm chili matches the cornbread’s somewhat sweet and crumbly texture, resulting in a nice mix of flavors and textures on your plate. Whether you choose beef, turkey, or vegetarian chili, each is perfect with a slice of freshly baked cornbread.

2. Southern Fried Chicken

Southern fried chicken is a yummy dish from the South. It’s like crispy chicken with soft cornbread. They taste great together and make a delicious meal. You can also have collard greens and mashed potatoes with it for a complete Southern dinner.

3. Barbecue Ribs

When you eat barbecue ribs with cornbread, it’s yummy! The tasty smell of the ribs goes well with the slightly sweet cornbread. It makes your taste buds happy! Whether you’re having a barbecue outside in the summer or a party inside, everyone will love barbecue ribs and cornbread.

4. Fried Catfish

Down in the South, people love fried catfish. It’s crispy on the outside and soft inside, which makes it yummy. When you eat it with cornbread, it’s like a perfect team! The sweet cornbread tastes great with the savory catfish, making your mouth happy with different flavors and textures.

5. Vegetarian Black Bean Stew

If you want a yummy meal without meat, try having cornbread with a yummy black bean stew. The stew has lots of good stuff like protein and fiber, and it tastes really good. It goes great with the cornbread because the flavors mix nicely. It’s a tasty and healthy meal!

6. Smoked Brisket

Imagine smoked brisket like a yummy meal that’s cooked slowly on a barbecue. It’s super tender and juicy, and when you eat it, it feels like it’s melting in your mouth because it’s so tasty.

If you eat it with cornbread, it’s even better! The brisket has this rich, smoky taste that goes perfectly with the sweet flavor of the cornbread. It’s like they’re singing together in your mouth because they taste so good together!

7. Creole Jambalaya

Imagine taking your taste buds on an adventure to the exciting roads of New Orleans! You get to enjoy a yummy dish called Creole jambalaya along with some tasty cornbread.

This special food comes from Louisiana and is packed with spicy sausage, juicy chicken, and yummy rice that smells good. When you eat it with cornbread, it becomes even more delicious and makes you feel cozy and happy.

8. Vegetable Chili

If you want something different from the usual chili with meat, try eating cornbread with tasty veggie chili instead. This chili has lots of different colored veggies, beans, and spices in it, so it’s yummy and filling. Even if you don’t eat meat, you’ll still enjoy it! Eat it with cornbread, and you’ll have a yummy meal that’s good for you and tastes great too!

9. Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Make your sandwich better by having pulled pork sandwiches with cornbread on the side. The soft and juicy pork with tasty barbecue sauce tastes really good. Put some coleslaw and pickles in your sandwich for extra crunch and flavor. When you take a bite, you’ll love how the different textures and flavors mix.

10. Shrimp and Grits

Enjoy a yummy dish from the South called shrimp and grits with cornbread. It’s super tasty! The dish has big shrimp cooked in a yummy sauce served over smooth, cheesy grits. When you eat it with cornbread, it tastes even better! It’s a special Southern meal with delicious flavors and feels nice in your mouth.

What to Eat With Cornbread for Dinner?

1. Soup or Stew

Cornbread tastes good with soup or stew. When you eat them together, it feels nice, especially when it’s cold outside. The cornbread is crumbly, and it goes well with the soup’s yummy broth and the soft pieces of meat or vegetables in the stew. It’s like a warm hug for your tummy!

2. Barbecue

Cornbread is like a special bread that’s often served with barbecue food. When you eat barbecue like ribs or pulled pork, cornbread helps make the flavors even better. It’s a little sweet and goes well with the tasty sauces. If you have cornbread along with coleslaw, baked beans, and corn, it makes a delicious barbecue meal that everyone will enjoy.

3. Southern Classics

If you want to try some yummy food from the South, you can have cornbread with dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, and macaroni and cheese. When you eat them together, it’s like a tasty party in your mouth! The crispy chicken, tasty greens, and cheesy macaroni go well with the sweet and crumbly cornbread. It’s a delicious and cozy meal that will make you feel happy and full.

4. Chili

Cornbread and chili go together like peanut butter and jelly! Chili comes in different types – there’s beef chili, turkey chili, and even veggie chili. It’s like a thick, yummy soup with lots of tasty flavors.

When you eat it with cornbread, it’s like having a cozy party in your mouth! Cornbread is a bit sweet and crumbly, which means it falls apart easily. You can make your chili even better by adding cheese, sour cream, and green onions on top. It’s like adding extra fun to your already awesome meal!

5. Seafood

Guess what? Cornbread tastes good with seafood too! If you’re having things like grilled shrimp, blackened fish, or seafood gumbo, cornbread adds a yummy flavor that goes well with the seafood. You can also have some coleslaw or a fresh salad with it, making it a tasty meal for hot summer nights.

6. Vegetarian Options

If you don’t want to eat meat, you can try eating cornbread with veggies, bean salads, or quinoa. Cornbread tastes yummy with these foods because it’s hearty and a little sweet. It makes a nice meal that’s good for you too. You can also add things like hummus, tzatziki, or guacamole to make it even tastier and give you more energy.

7. Mexican Cuisine

Cornbread can go well with Mexican food like enchiladas, tacos, and fajitas. It’s a bit sweet and crumbly, which is different from the strong flavors and spiciness of Mexican dishes. When you eat them together, it makes a tasty mix of flavors and textures. You can also add salsa, avocado, and cilantro to make it even better. It’s like having a party of flavors in your mouth!

8. Grilled Meats

If you want a yummy meal, eat cornbread with grilled steak, chicken, or pork chops. The tasty grilled meats go well with the slightly sweet and crumbly cornbread. It’s great for summer cookouts or simple dinners. You can also add grilled veggies or a salad to make it a full and delicious meal.

9. Holiday Feasts

Cornbread is a yummy bread we often eat during special times like Thanksgiving and Christmas. It tastes great with turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. The bread is a bit sweet and crumbly, which goes well with the other holiday foods. It makes eating together with family and friends extra fun and delicious.

10. Brunch

Finally, cornbread is yummy for brunch too! You can eat it with eggs, hash browns, and fruit for a big, tasty breakfast on lazy weekends. Cornbread tastes a little sweet and falls apart easily, which makes it feel cozy and nice at brunch. It’s a great thing to have when you’re hanging out with friends or family for breakfast.

What Soup Goes With Cornbread?

1. Creamy Potato Soup

Creamy potato soup is a yummy and cozy meal that goes great with cornbread. It’s made with soft potatoes, creamy broth, and tasty spices, so it tastes really good and feels nice and warm. The potatoes are chunky and go well with the crumbly cornbread. You can add crispy bacon, cheese, and green onions on top for extra yumminess. It’s perfect for when you want to feel cozy and full on a chilly night.

2. Vegetable Soup

If you want something not too heavy, you can have cornbread with veggie soup. The soup has lots of veggies, beans, and herbs, which are good for you and taste yummy. Cornbread is a bit sweet and makes you feel cozy when you eat it with the soup. It’s crumbly, which means it breaks apart easily, and that’s nice with the soft veggies and tasty broth in the soup.

3. Tomato Soup

Tomato soup and cornbread go well together. The yummy taste of tomato soup mixes nicely with the sweet and crumbly cornbread. It makes a warm and tasty meal, especially on cold nights. You can make it even better by adding some cheese or sour cream on top of the soup.

4. Chicken Noodle Soup

If you want yummy food that makes you feel cozy, try eating cornbread with chicken noodle soup. The tasty soup with chicken, veggies, and yummy broth goes well with the soft cornbread. It’s like a big hug for your tummy! You can make it even tastier by adding some fresh herbs or a bit of lemon juice to the soup.

5. Black Bean Soup

Black bean soup is like a yummy stew that you can eat with cornbread. It’s full of good stuff like protein and fiber, which helps your body stay healthy. The soup tastes a bit earthy and a little spicy, and when you eat it with cornbread, it’s like having a warm and cozy meal. It’s great for lunch or dinner when you want something filling and tasty.

6. Butternut Squash Soup

To enjoy autumn flavors, have cornbread with a smooth butternut squash soup. The yummy taste of butternut squash goes well with the slightly sweet and crumbly cornbread, making a delicious meal for chilly nights. You can make the soup even tastier by adding a little maple syrup or a bit of cinnamon on top.

7. Broccoli Cheddar Soup

If you want something yummy and cheesy, try eating cornbread with broccoli cheddar soup. The soup is creamy and tasty, and it goes well with the slightly sweet and crumbly cornbread. It makes a delicious meal, especially for special times when you want to treat yourself. You can even add more cheese or bacon bits on top of the soup to make it even better!

8. Minestrone Soup

If you want a yummy meal, try having cornbread with a bowl of minestrone soup. Minestrone has lots of good stuff like veggies, beans, pasta, and spices. It’s healthy and tasty, perfect for lunch or dinner. When you eat it with cornbread, the flavors mix and make your meal even better. The soup is savory and filling, while the cornbread is a bit sweet and crumbly. It’s a delicious and cozy meal that you’ll enjoy!

9. Split Pea Soup

Split pea soup is like a yummy soup made with peas, veggies, and ham. It’s really tasty and fills you up. When you eat it with cornbread, the flavors go well together. The soup is warm and cozy, great for chilly days.

10. Taco Soup

How about having cornbread with your taco soup? Taco soup is yummy and simple to make. It’s made with ground beef, beans, corn, and spices. The soup has strong flavors and feels filling. When you eat it with cornbread, it tastes even better! Cornbread is a bit sweet and crumbles easily. Together, they make a tasty meal for when you have friends over or for a quick dinner during the week.

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Conclusion

Cornbread is a flexible and delicious bread that works well with a wide range of sweet, salty, and imaginative toppings. Whether you favor traditional pairings like honey butter or more daring combos like cornbread stuffing, there are plenty of possibilities to try. Get creative in the kitchen and find your favorite way to eat this famous bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some good dishes to eat with cornbread?

Cornbread pairs well with a variety of delicious meals. You can serve it with chili, beans, or a large bowl of soup. It’s also delicious with fried chicken or barbecued ribs. You can even have it with eggs for breakfast!

Can I eat cornbread with butter?

Absolutely! Adding a small amount of butter to your cornbread might enhance its flavor. Spread some butter on top while it’s still warm, and it will melt into the dish, giving it a rich and creamy flavor. Yum!

Are there any sweet treats I can have with cornbread?

Yes, indeed! Cornbread also mixes well with sweets. For a sweeter taste, sprinkle it with honey or maple syrup. Some folks choose to serve it with jam or jelly for a fruity twist.

Can I eat cornbread with cheese?

Of course. Cheese and cornbread form an excellent combination. Try topping your cornbread with shredded cheese before baking for a luscious, cheesy crust. Alternatively, serve it with a cheese tray for a great snack.

Is there anything I shouldn’t eat with cornbread?

While cornbread is rather adaptable, there aren’t many things it can’t be eaten with. However, some people may not enjoy it with extremely spicy items because the cornbread’s moderate sweetness can offset the spice. Aside from that, feel free to be creative and enjoy it however you like!