If you’re searching for a side dish that brings a unique twist to your table, look no further than this broccoli cornbread recipe. Combining the heartiness of cornbread with the nutritional benefits and vibrant taste of broccoli, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any cookout or holiday gathering. The added richness of cheddar cheese melds beautifully with the subtle, earthy tones of the broccoli, creating a comforting yet distinctive flavor profile.
This broccoli cornbread recipe is wonderfully easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. With just a few simple ingredients—most notably Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, broccoli, and cheddar cheese—you can whip up this dish in no time. The preparation process involves minimal steps, from mixing the batter to baking it to golden perfection, which means you can enjoy more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.
Besides its simplicity, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. Serve it warm as a side dish alongside your main courses—its cheesy goodness and moist texture make it an excellent companion to meats like pulled pork or a hearty pot roast. It’s also a standout addition to any holiday menu, fitting right in with traditional favorites like sweet potato soufflé and various dressings.
The charm of this broccoli cornbread lies not just in its delicious taste but also in its ability to bring people together. It’s a comforting, homemade treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing, offering a delightful blend of textures with every bite. Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy winter feast, this broccoli cornbread is sure to enhance your meal with its flavorful presence and rustic appeal. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your loved ones with this easy-to-make, irresistible side dish.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | A unique side dish combining cornbread with broccoli and cheddar cheese, creating a comforting flavor profile. |
| Preparation | Easy to prepare with simple ingredients like Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, broccoli, and cheddar cheese, involving minimal cooking steps. |
| Versatility | Can be served warm as a side dish, complementing meats like pulled pork or pot roast, and fits well into holiday menus. |
| Benefits | Offers a blend of textures and flavors that enhance meals, providing a satisfying and nourishing option for gatherings. |
| Appeal | Brings a rustic appeal to any meal, perfect for various settings like summer barbecues or cozy winter feasts. |
Contents
Ingredients
To start making this delicious broccoli cornbread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix: The base of our cornbread, this mix is convenient and provides the perfect texture.
Eggs: These bind the ingredients together and help the cornbread rise.
Milk: Adds moisture and creaminess to the cornbread.
Frozen Broccoli: Easy to store and just as nutritious as fresh, ensuring you can enjoy this recipe year-round.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar works best for a richer flavor.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a moist, tender crumb.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the cornbread.
| Ingredient | Description |
|---|---|
| Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix | The base of the cornbread, convenient and provides the perfect texture. |
| Eggs | Bind the ingredients together and help the cornbread rise. |
| Milk | Adds moisture and creaminess to the cornbread. |
| Frozen Broccoli | Easy to store and just as nutritious as fresh, available year-round. |
| Cheddar Cheese | Sharp cheddar works best for a richer flavor. |
| Butter | Adds richness and helps create a moist, tender crumb. |
| Salt and Pepper | Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the cornbread. |
Preparation Steps
Preparation of Ingredients
Choosing Broccoli: Opt for frozen broccoli florets rather than stems or pieces for a more consistent texture and better presentation. Florets are more tender and flavorful, which integrates perfectly with the cornbread.
Chopping Broccoli: Ensure the broccoli is chopped into small, even pieces to distribute evenly throughout the cornbread, allowing every bite to be packed with flavor.
Mixing the Ingredients
Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients: Start by pouring the Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix into a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs and milk as specified. It’s important to ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to mix more evenly.
Mixing the Batter: Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture on medium speed until smooth and homogeneous. This process should take about 1-2 minutes. Avoid overmixing to keep the cornbread from becoming too dense.
Incorporating Broccoli and Cheese
Adding the Broccoli and Cheese: Fold in the chopped broccoli and shredded cheddar cheese into the batter. Stir gently with a spatula to incorporate the ingredients without deflating the batter.
Seasoning: Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. This step is crucial as it brings out the natural flavors of the cornbread and its additions.
Baking the Cornbread
Preparing the Baking Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or a non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cornbread after baking.
Spreading the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly. This ensures that the cornbread cooks uniformly and achieves a consistent golden brown crust on top.
Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cornbread for 35-45 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s a good idea to start checking at the 30-minute mark. The cornbread is done when it’s lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Following these detailed steps will help you create a perfect broccoli cornbread that is moist, flavorful, and a sure hit at any gathering. Whether it’s served as a side at a barbecue or as a comforting addition to a festive holiday meal, this broccoli cornbread combines simplicity with great taste for a memorable culinary experience.
| Step Category | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation of Ingredients | Choosing and Chopping Broccoli | Choose frozen broccoli florets for consistent texture and chop them into small, even pieces for uniform distribution in the cornbread. |
| Mixing the Ingredients | Combining and Mixing | Combine Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix with eggs and milk in a large bowl and mix until smooth, ensuring ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing. |
| Incorporating Broccoli and Cheese | Folding in Ingredients | Gently fold chopped broccoli and shredded cheddar cheese into the batter, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavors. |
| Baking the Cornbread | Preparing Pan and Baking | Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan, spread the batter evenly, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-45 minutes until golden brown on top. |
Serving Suggestions
Broccoli cheese cornbread, with its savory and hearty flavors, makes an excellent companion to a variety of main dishes and complements an array of meal plans. Here are some top serving suggestions to help you incorporate this delightful side into your meals:
Perfect Pairings with Meats: This cornbread goes wonderfully with barbecue staples such as pulled pork or a succulent pot roast. The creamy, cheesy texture and the robust flavors of broccoli meld perfectly with the smokiness of pulled pork and the rich, deep flavors of pot roast, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Holiday Gatherings: During Thanksgiving or any festive holiday meal, broccoli cheese cornbread can serve as a stellar addition to the traditional side dishes. Pair it with sweet potato soufflé, scalloped corn casserole, and a selection of dressings. Its unique flavor profile brings a refreshing twist to the holiday table, making it a memorable part of the feast.
With Vegetarian Meals: For a vegetarian option, this cornbread pairs beautifully with a winter squash risotto or a hearty vegetable stew, making it a versatile choice for various dietary preferences.
As a Standalone Snack: Enjoy it as a snack with a spread of butter or a drizzle of honey for a delightful sweet and savory treat. The cornbread’s richness makes it satisfying enough to enjoy on its own.
| Serving Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Perfect Pairings with Meats | Goes well with barbecue staples like pulled pork and pot roast, complementing the smoky and rich flavors of these meats. |
| Holiday Gatherings | A great addition to traditional side dishes during festive meals such as Thanksgiving, pairing with sweet potato soufflé and other holiday favorites. |
| With Vegetarian Meals | Combines well with vegetarian dishes like winter squash risotto or a hearty vegetable stew, accommodating different dietary needs. |
| As a Standalone Snack | Can be enjoyed as a snack with butter or honey, providing a satisfying sweet and savory flavor on its own. |
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Broccoli cheese cornbread not only tastes great but is also practical for make-ahead meal planning. Here are some tips for storing and reheating this dish:
Making Ahead of Time
Preparation: You can mix the batter a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. When ready to bake, simply follow the baking instructions, perhaps adding a few minutes to the baking time if the batter is cold from the fridge.
Day-Before Cooking: Fully prepare and cook the cornbread a day before your event. Once cooled, cover the pan with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature to keep it moist before serving.
Storing Leftovers
Refrigeration: Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will last for 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual pieces of cornbread in a paper towel (to absorb any excess moisture) and place them in a zip-top bag before freezing. They can be stored this way for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Microwave: For a quick reheating method, wrap the cornbread in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. The damp paper towel provides moisture that keeps the cornbread from drying out.
Oven: Reheat larger quantities in the oven. Place the cornbread in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
By following these storage and reheating tips, you can ensure that your broccoli cheese cornbread remains as delicious as when it was first baked. Whether serving immediately or preparing for future meals, this cornbread is a reliable and tasty option that adapts well to various culinary needs.
| Aspect | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Making Ahead of Time | Preparation & Day-Before Cooking | Mix batter a day in advance and refrigerate, or fully cook and refrigerate the cornbread. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature to maintain moisture before serving. |
| Storing Leftovers | Refrigeration & Freezing | Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze wrapped individual pieces for up to 2 months. |
| Reheating | Microwave & Oven | For a quick warm-up, use the microwave with a damp paper towel for moisture. For larger quantities, reheat in the oven covered with foil at 350°F. |
Broccoli cheese cornbread is a dish that blends the comfort of traditional cornbread with the fresh taste of broccoli and the rich, melting goodness of cheddar cheese. This versatile side dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an excellent addition to any meal, from casual family dinners to special holiday gatherings.
Its simplicity and quick preparation time are significant advantages, especially for those looking to add a wholesome and tasty side dish to their meals without spending hours in the kitchen. With a mix like Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, the recipe is nearly foolproof, providing a perfect base that complements the addition of broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese. The resulting cornbread is moist, flavorful, and has a delightful texture that appeals to both children and adults alike.
Moreover, broccoli cheese cornbread’s flexibility in serving options enhances its appeal. It can be paired with a variety of main courses, from pulled pork to pot roast, and fits seamlessly into a Thanksgiving spread alongside other classic dishes. For vegetarians or those looking for lighter meal options, it pairs beautifully with salads and vegetable-based dishes, offering a satisfying richness that balances lighter fare.
This cornbread is not only a treat fresh out of the oven but also keeps well, making it an excellent choice for make-ahead meal planning. Its ability to be frozen and reheated without losing flavor or texture makes it a practical choice for busy cooks who need to prepare dishes in advance. Whether you are planning a large family gathering or simply want a delicious and easy side dish for weeknight dinners, this recipe provides both convenience and taste.
The storage and reheating tips provided ensure that you can enjoy broccoli cheese cornbread at its best, even days after it has been made. These practical tips help maintain the cornbread’s moisture and flavor, making leftovers just as enjoyable as when they were first baked.
In conclusion, broccoli cheese cornbread is more than just a side dish; it’s a versatile, easy-to-make option that brings comfort, nutrition, and great taste to the table. It’s a testament to the idea that the best meals are often those made with simple ingredients and a lot of love. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your culinary repertoire, bringing smiles and satisfaction to your dining table.