Name: Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 box Jiffy cornbread mix; 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed and chopped; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

This Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread is a delightful twist on traditional cornbread, combining the savory sweetness of corn with nutritious broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese. The result is a moist, flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with soups, stews, or stands beautifully on its own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread brings together the best of comfort food and nutrition in one delicious package. The cornbread base provides that classic, slightly sweet foundation, while broccoli adds color, texture, and nutrients. The melted cheese creates pockets of gooey goodness throughout, and the sour cream ensures the bread stays moist. It’s simple to prepare, requiring just one bowl for mixing, and the end result is a versatile side dish that elevates any meal. Whether you’re a cornbread purist looking to try something new or searching for a way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cornbread mix forms the foundation of this recipe, providing that signature grainy texture and slightly sweet corn flavor that makes cornbread so beloved. It’s a convenient shortcut that ensures consistent results.

Broccoli florets add nutritional value, lovely green color, and a subtle earthy flavor that pairs surprisingly well with cornbread. Steaming them before adding ensures they’re tender in the finished product.

Cheddar cheese creates rich, melty pockets throughout the cornbread and complements the broccoli beautifully. You can use sharp cheddar for more pronounced flavor or mild if you prefer.

Sour cream is the secret to incredibly moist cornbread. It adds tanginess and creates a tender crumb that elevates this cornbread above ordinary versions.

Milk helps thin the batter to the right consistency while adding richness and helping the cornbread rise properly during baking.

Eggs bind everything together and provide structure to the cornbread, ensuring it holds its shape when sliced.

Butter adds richness and flavor that makes this cornbread truly irresistible. The melted form ensures it distributes evenly throughout the batter.

Garlic powder is optional but adds a subtle savory note that enhances the overall flavor profile without overwhelming.

Salt and pepper balance and enhance all the flavors in this cornbread. Even a small amount makes a noticeable difference in the final taste.

Directions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
Prepare the Cornbread Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Jiffy cornbread mix, milk, sour cream, melted butter, and eggs. Stir until well combined.
Add Broccoli and Cheese:
Fold in the steamed and chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, and garlic powder if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bake:
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
Let the cornbread cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm as a side dish.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 8 generous servings, making it perfect for family meals or small gatherings. It requires about 10 minutes of preparation time and 30 minutes of baking, for a total time of 40 minutes from start to finish. Each serving contains approximately 240 calories, offering a satisfying addition to any meal without overwhelming your calorie intake.

Variations

Spicy Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread: Add 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños or a 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to give your cornbread a kick.

Herb-Enhanced: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs like chopped chives, thyme, or rosemary to bring a fragrant dimension to the cornbread.

Southwest Style: Include 1/2 cup of corn kernels and 1/4 cup of diced red bell pepper for added texture and a southwestern twist.

Onion Lover’s Version: Mix in 1/4 cup of sautéed onions or green onions for additional depth of flavor.

Vegetable Medley: Replace half the broccoli with cauliflower, grated carrots, or zucchini for a varied vegetable cornbread.

Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cheese.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature Storage: Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread can be kept covered at room temperature for up to 24 hours.

Refrigeration: For longer storage, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing: This cornbread freezes exceptionally well. Cut it into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating from Refrigerated: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or place the entire cornbread (if intact) in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes.

Reheating from Frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as instructed above. Alternatively, reheat frozen slices in the microwave for 45-60 seconds or until warmed through.

Maintaining Moisture: To prevent the cornbread from drying out when reheating in the oven, cover it with aluminum foil. Remove the foil for the last few minutes if you want to crisp up the top.

FAQs

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh broccoli works excellently in this recipe. Just make sure to steam it until it’s tender-crisp before chopping and adding it to the batter. This ensures the broccoli will be perfectly cooked when the cornbread is done.

How do I know when the cornbread is fully baked?

The cornbread is ready when the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The edges should also begin to pull away slightly from the sides of the pan.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter up to a day in advance and refrigerate it, though you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, bake the cornbread completely, cool it, and reheat it before serving.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It provides similar moisture and tanginess while reducing the fat content slightly.

Is there a way to make this recipe without a cornbread mix?

Yes, you can replace the cornbread mix with 1 cup cornmeal, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. You might need to adjust the liquid ingredients slightly.

What pairs well with Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread?

This cornbread is versatile and pairs wonderfully with chili, soups, stews, barbecued meats, or a simple salad. It also makes a great addition to a brunch spread or a hearty breakfast.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Certainly! Corn kernels, bell peppers, spinach, or grated carrots would all be delicious additions. Just ensure any added vegetables are relatively dry to avoid making the batter too wet.

Is this cornbread suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly. To make it vegan, you would need to use plant-based substitutes for the eggs, milk, sour cream, butter, and cheese.

How can I make this cornbread less calorie-dense?

To reduce calories, you can use light sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce. These changes will maintain most of the flavor while cutting down on fat and calories.

Can I bake this in a different size pan?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for different pans. A 9-inch round pan or an 8×8-inch square pan would work with similar baking times. For a 9×13-inch pan, you might want to 1.5x the recipe and reduce the baking time slightly since the cornbread will be thinner.

Conclusion

Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread is a delightful fusion of comfort food and nutrition that brings together the best of both worlds. Its golden crust and moist, flavorful interior studded with vibrant broccoli and melty cheese make it far more than just a side dish—it’s often the star of the meal. Whether served alongside a hearty soup on a cold evening, paired with barbecue in the summer, or enjoyed on its own as a satisfying snack, this versatile cornbread adapts to any occasion or season.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. It welcomes adaptations based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences. Plus, its make-ahead friendly nature and excellent keeping qualities make it perfect for busy households. By incorporating vegetables into a beloved classic, you’ve found a clever way to add nutrition to your meal without sacrificing taste or comfort.

So next time you’re looking to elevate your cornbread game or searching for a way to incorporate more vegetables into your family’s diet, remember this Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread. It’s sure to become a requested favorite at your table for years to come.

Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread