Delicious Southern Broccoli Cornbread Recipe
Welcome to my southern-style kitchen, where comfort food is king! Today, I am going to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes – Southern Broccoli Cornbread. This recipe embodies everything that Southern cooking is about: soul-warming flavors, simple and wholesome ingredients, and a little bit of spice to bring the heat.
Southern Broccoli Cornbread is an unforgettable twist on classic cornbread that will blow your taste buds away. The recipe packs all the deliciousness of traditional cornbread and adds a nutritious punch of broccoli florets which makes it almost impossible not to love.
This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it was passed down to me by my grandmother who always said, “If you can’t have your cake and eat it, too, then cornbread is the next best thing.” And boy was she right!
So, let’s get our aprons on and start cooking. You are about to experience the ultimate comfort-food revelation, Spicy Southern Broccoli Cornbread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Have you ever had cornbread that just tasted plain? Well, get ready for a game-changer! The Southern Broccoli Cornbread Recipe is the perfect combination of savory and sweet flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser at any dinner party or potluck.
One of the highlights of this recipe is its star ingredient – the broccoli florets. Not only does it add a burst of green color to the cornbread, but it also adds nutrients like vitamins C and K. And let’s not forget the sharp cheese flavor that comes from adding Cheddar Cheese to the mix!
This recipe has earned its spot as one of my favorites. It’s a great way to infuse healthy veggies into a beloved Southern staple, and it’s perfect for those who love cheesy broccoli dishes. But don’t take my word for it – give it a try and see why it’s a must-have in every Southern kitchen!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this deliciously cheesy and nutritious Southern Broccoli Cornbread Recipe:
- 2 boxes of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix (8.5-ounce package)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 10-ounce package frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For added flavor and texture, you can also include:
- 1/2 cup of fresh broccoli florets (coarsely chopped)
- 1 medium onion (coarsely chopped)
- 3/4 cup cottage cheese
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
Note that some ingredients have variations, which we are going to discuss in the next section.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! Don your apron and let’s make some delicious Southern Broccoli Cornbread.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before starting, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8-inch cast-iron skillet. Take 4 eggs and beat them lightly in a mixing bowl. Melt ¾ cup (1.5 sticks) of butter in a saucepan over low heat or microwave it for a minute or two, then add it to the eggs. Stir until well combined.
In another mixing bowl, combine Jiffy corn muffin mix, milk, and 1 cup cheddar cheese until smooth. Add half of the melted butter and egg mixture to this mixture.
Adding the Broccoli
Drain a thawed 10-ounce package of frozen chopped broccoli using a strainer. Squeeze out any excess moisture and add it to the mixing bowl. Fold broccoli into batter until combined.
Baking the Cornbread
Pour the batter into the greased cast-iron skillet, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and set. To test if it’s done, insert a toothpick in the center of the cornbread – if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
Serving Your Southern Broccoli Cornbread
Allow your mouthwatering broccoli cornbread to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Slice and serve with some honey butter spread on each piece, or pair it with some spicy Southern fried chicken – you can’t go wrong either way!
Substitutions and Variations
For those who want to add a little twist to their broccoli cornbread recipe, there are some variations that will give you a whole new flavor experience. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try out:
– Fresh Broccoli: You can also use fresh broccoli instead of frozen ones, but just make sure to steam them slightly before adding them to your mixture. This will keep the broccoli from becoming too mushy when baked.
– Broccoli Florets: Instead of chopped broccoli, you can use broccoli florets. However, make sure they are not too large and chop them into smaller pieces before incorporating them into the mixture.
– Cornmeal mix: If you don’t have jiffy corn muffin mix on hand, you can substitute it with any other cornmeal mix. Just make sure it is 1 10-ounce package so that the recipe ratios stay true.
– Cheddar Cheese: For those who love extra cheesy flavor, try substituting regular cheddar cheese with sharp cheddar cheese. It will give a tangy and more pronounced cheesiness to your recipe.
– Spicy Southern: For a spicy kick to your southern cornbread, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to your batter.
– Cornbread Casserole: Turn this recipe into a hearty casserole by doubling the ingredients and baking for an additional 15 minutes. You’ll have an all-in-one meal that is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
– Cottage Cheese: Swap out half of the cheddar cheese with cottage cheese for a creamier consistency with less fat but still maintains its cheesy flavor.
With these substitutions and variations, you’ll never get tired of this comforting southern broccoli cornbread recipe. Experiment with different ingredients and find what works best for you!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing the Southern Broccoli Cornbread recipe, there are a couple of directions you can take. The first thing to keep in mind is that this dish is hearty enough to serve as a main course, especially if you do a version with meat such as ham or bacon.
For a light but filling meal, try pairing the cornbread with some simple steamed or sautéed greens, such as collard greens or spinach. These will add a nice contrast to the cheesy and savory cornbread.
If you’re looking for something more indulgent or party-worthy, consider serving it as part of a Southern-style spread. Pile on some pulled pork or fried chicken, coleslaw, barbecue sauce, and baked beans for an all-out feast that celebrates the best of Southern comfort food.
Another fun way to eat the Southern Broccoli Cornbread is to cut it into small squares or wedges and serve it alongside chili or soup. The bread will soak up the flavors of the soup and turn into an even more delicious bite.
No matter how you serve it, this cornbread makes the perfect addition to any southern-style meal. Give it a try and see what combinations you can come up with in your own kitchen!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this Southern Broccoli Cornbread recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, stored, and reheated easily. This makes it a great option for meal prep or for taking to potlucks.
To make ahead, prepare the cornbread as usual, then let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and storing it in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to serve, simply thaw if frozen, slice into servings, and reheat in the oven or microwave.
To store leftovers, let the cheesy cornbread cool completely before wrapping it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and storing it in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
If you plan on reheating this dish frequently, I suggest using an oven-safe baking dish to avoid having to transfer it to another container. A cast-iron skillet is perfect for this recipe and will also give you a nice crust on the bottom.
Whether you’re prepping ahead of time or storing leftovers, this Southern Broccoli Cornbread recipe will still taste delicious!
Tips for Perfect Results
As a chef, I always aim for perfection in my dishes, and this Southern Broccoli Cornbread Recipe is no exception. Here are some tips to ensure that your cornbread turns out perfectly every time.
1. Don’t overmix the ingredients
Overmixing the ingredients can cause your cornbread to be dense and tough. Mix the ingredients just enough to combine them, but don’t overdo it.
2. Use fresh broccoli florets
Using fresh broccoli is always better than frozen or canned, as it adds more texture and flavor to the dish. I recommend steaming the broccoli before adding it to the batter to make it easier to mix and incorporate.
3. Stick to the recipe measurements
This recipe has been tested and perfected to achieve the best results, so it’s crucial to stick to the measurements of each ingredient listed. Don’t try to add more or less of any ingredient, as it can significantly affect the texture and taste of your cornbread.
4. Preheat the oven and use a cast-iron skillet
Preheating your oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit and using a well-oiled cast-iron skillet will ensure that your cornbread bakes evenly with a crispy crust.
5. Add cheese for extra flavor
For a more indulgent version of this Southern Broccoli Cornbread Recipe, add some grated cheddar cheese on top before baking. It will add that extra cheesy goodness that everyone loves!
By following these tips, you can guarantee that your Southern Broccoli Cornbread will turn out perfectly every time – crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside with delicious broccoli bites. Enjoy!
Bottom Line
If you’re on the hunt for a tasty and unique twist on traditional cornbread, you’ve come to the right place. This Southern Broccoli Cornbread recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser and will have your family and friends coming back for more.
With its savory blend of cheddar cheese, broccoli florets, and muffin mix, this recipe is easy to put together and packs a delicious punch. Whether you’re looking for a side dish to serve at your next family dinner or simply want a tasty snack, this cornbread will do the trick.
And don’t forget about the many variations and substitutions available to make it your own! Swap in fresh broccoli for frozen, experiment with different types of cheese, or add your own favorite mix-ins to create a personalized version of this classic recipe.
So grab your apron, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, and get ready for some delicious southern-style cuisine straight from my kitchen to yours. Trust me, once you’ve tried this cheesy broccoli cornbread, you won’t be able to resist coming back for another helping.
Southern Broccoli Cornbread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (8 1/2 ounce) package Jiffy corn muffin mix
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 cup frozen chopped broccoli floret
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (reduced fat works too)
Instructions
- Thaw and drain broccoli
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Combine first three ingredients, mix thoroughly.
- Stir in onion and broccoli
- Sprinkle in cheese and continue mixing, batter will be lumpy.
- Pour mix into muffin tin or square baking pan (I use an 8x8).
- Bake at 400 degrees until golden brown and solid in the middle.
- NOTE: Bake time may not be exact, my old oven is a little "off".