15 Cornbread Recipes That Are Pure Comfort Food
Think outside of the bread basket with sweet casseroles and savory bakes.
Cornbread has been a comfort food staple for generations, but there's so much more to it than the classic slice served with a pat of butter. Sure, a warm skillet of golden cornbread is always welcome next to a bowl of chili or a plate of BBQ, but this Southern favorite can do so much more. It can become the crispy topping on a cozy casserole, the base for a hearty dinner bake, or even an ingredient in colorful salads and holiday-worthy stuffings.
Whether you prefer your cornbread sweet, savory, spicy, or cheesy, there's a recipe here to match every craving. Looking for a tried-and-true classic? Ree Drummond's cast-iron skillet cornbread never disappoints. Want to switch things up? Try jalapeño cornbread or a fluffy batch of honey-sweetened corn muffins. You'll also find creative ways to enjoy cornbread in comforting dinners like barbecue chicken cornbread bake and Instant Pot carnitas with cornbread, plus family favorites like cornbread dressing and stuffing. No matter the occasion, one bite of these breads, and you'll want to add them to your menu all year long.
Skillet Cornbread
You can't go wrong with this classic—and Ree's tried-and-true recipe proves it! Baked in a hot cast-iron skillet, it comes out with irresistibly crispy edges, a golden crust, and a tender, buttery center.
Get Ree’s Skillet Cornbread recipe.
Corn Muffins
Here’s everything you love about cornbread in a handheld bite. They're lightly sweetened with honey, made extra tender with buttermilk, and go great with a generous swipe of homemade honey butter.
Get the Corn Muffins recipe.
Cornbread Casserole
This is a cross between cornbread and creamy corn pudding. Cornbread mix, two kinds of corn, sour cream, butter, and melty cheese bake into a rich, fluffy side dish. Finish each serving with a drizzle of hot honey.
Get Ree’s Cornbread Casserole recipe.
Cornbread Salad
If you're looking for a fresh way to use cornbread, try this: Crumbled cornbread is layered with crisp vegetables, bacon, pinto beans, cheese, and a creamy chipotle ranch dressing for a colorful dish that's packed with flavor and texture.
Get the Cornbread Salad recipe.
Jalapeño Cornbread
Turn up the heat on classic cornbread with this spicy twist! Fresh jalapeños are mixed into the batter and layered on top, while a cast-iron skillet creates irresistibly crispy edges and a golden crust.
Get Ree’s Jalapeño Cornbread recipe.
Bacon-Cheddar Skillet Cornbread
Everything is better with bacon—especially this cornbread with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh chives that are folded into a buttery batter, then baked in a cast-iron skillet until the edges are crisp and the top is beautifully golden.
Get Ree’s Bacon-Cheddar Skillet Cornbread recipe.
Instant Pot Carnitas with Cornbread
Make taco night even more comforting! Juicy, citrusy pork carnitas are cooked until fall-apart tender in the Instant Pot, then crisped under the broiler and piled onto squares of warm cornbread. Finish each serving with your favorite toppings!
Get Ree’s Instant Pot Carnitas with Cornbread recipe.
BBQ Chicken Cornbread Bake
Two comfort food favorites come together in this cozy casserole: A savory layer of barbecue chicken is baked beneath fluffy, golden cornbread, creating a balance of smoky, and sweet flavor in every bite.
Get Ree’s BBQ Chicken Cornbread Bake recipe.
Upside-Down Tomato Cornbread
Summer veggies take the spotlight in this skillet cornbread. Slices of colorful heirloom tomatoes are layered beneath a cheesy, jalapeño-studded cornbread batter, then flipped after baking for a gorgeous presentation that's just as delicious as it looks.
Get the Upside-Down Tomato Cornbread recipe.
Cornbread-Bacon Dressing with Mushrooms
This hearty dressing is everything you want on a holiday table. Cornbread, French bread, and ciabatta are tossed with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, onions, fresh herbs, and savory broth before baking.
Cornbread Dressing with Sausage and Apples
Dressing gets a delicious upgrade with savory Italian sausage and sweet-tart Granny Smith apples. Along with that, cubes of cornbread are mixed with fragrant herbs and rich broth, creating a dressing that's packed with cozy fall flavor.
Get Ree’s Cornbread Dressing with Sausage and Apples recipe.
Cornbread Stuffing with Chorizo
Looking to spice up your spread? A bold take on classic cornbread stuffing combines savory chorizo, smoky roasted poblanos, fresh herbs, and, of course, plenty of cornbread cubes. It’s sure to become a new favorite.
Get Ree’s Cornbread Stuffing with Chorizo recipe.
Cornbread Dressing with Dried Fruits and Nuts
Sweet and savory flavors come together beautifully in this side. Every bite offers a delicious mix of buttery bread, crunchy nuts, and chewy fruit, making it a cozy standout addition to any Thanksgiving table.
Get Ree’s Cornbread Dressing with Dried Fruits and Nuts recipe.
Masa Harina Cornbread
If you've never made cornbread with masa harina, try this recipe! Swapping traditional cornmeal for the finely ground flour gives every slice a richer, deeper corn flavor and an incredibly tender texture. A touch of maple syrup adds sweetness.
Get the Masa Harina Cornbread recipe.
Beans and Cornbread
Sometimes, simple is best. This Southern classic pairs slow-simmered pinto beans with homemade cornbread. Top your bowl with cilantro, shredded cheese, diced onions, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream.
Get Ree’s Beans and Cornbread recipe.
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