Welcome to a delightful twist on a classic comfort food: Broccoli Cheddar Cornbread. This innovative recipe elevates traditional cornbread into a savory sensation, combining the rich, buttery goodness of cornbread with the vibrant freshness of tender broccoli florets, sharp cheddar cheese, and subtle notes of diced onion. Far from just a side dish, this cheesy, veggie-packed cornbread promises a unique and utterly delicious experience that will surprise and satisfy your taste buds. It’s an unexpectedly brilliant fusion that delivers incredible moisture and flavor, making it a standout addition to any meal, whether you’re serving it to your family or bringing it to a festive potluck. Prepare to discover your new favorite cornbread recipe!
Effortlessly Delicious Cornbread: Ready in Under an Hour
While a warm pan of classic cornbread perfectly complements hearty meals like chili and soups, our Broccoli Cheddar Cornbread offers an exciting and flavorful departure from the ordinary. This recipe isn’t just a deviation; it’s a revelation. Many who try it are pleasantly surprised by how well the flavors meld together, creating a moist, tender, and incredibly satisfying bread. It’s also an ingenious way to incorporate more vegetables into your family’s diet, especially for those picky eaters who might shy away from greens. Imagine a fluffy, golden cornbread, studded with bright green broccoli pieces and pockets of melted, tangy cheddar – it’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Whether you’re aiming for a cozy family dinner or seeking a guaranteed hit for your next gathering, this easy-to-make cheesy cornbread is designed to impress and delight everyone at the table.
“This is some amazing cornbread. We will be having this again real soon.”
– Chris
Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Cheddar Cornbread
While cottage cheese might seem like an unusual ingredient in cornbread, it plays a crucial role in achieving that incredibly moist and tender texture that makes this recipe so special. Rest assured, you won’t actually taste the cottage cheese in the finished product; its flavor is completely masked by the other ingredients. However, if you’re absolutely opposed to using it, a great alternative is to substitute the same amount of sour cream. Sour cream will also contribute to the desired moisture, though it might lend a slightly tangier note to the cornbread than cottage cheese would.
For the best results, we highly recommend using thawed frozen broccoli. If you opt for fresh broccoli, it’s essential to partially cook it before incorporating it into the cornbread batter. Raw fresh broccoli tends to be too firm and crunchy, and it won’t soften sufficiently during the cornbread’s baking time, leading to an unpleasant texture contrast with the otherwise soft and moist bread. Thawed frozen broccoli, on the other hand, has already undergone a blanching process, making it perfectly tender for this recipe.
The finely diced onion adds a wonderful depth of flavor and a subtle textural element that complements the broccoli and cheddar beautifully. It enhances the savory profile of the cornbread, creating a more complex and satisfying taste. However, if you’re not a fan of onion or prefer to omit it, the cornbread will still be delicious. For those who enjoy the flavor but wish to avoid distinct pieces of onion, grating it finely instead of dicing is an excellent compromise, allowing the onion to blend seamlessly into the batter.
Jiffy cornbread mix is a popular and convenient choice for this recipe due to its consistent quality and readily available packaging size. However, if Jiffy isn’t available in your local grocery store, don’t fret! You can easily substitute it with another brand of cornbread mix that comes in a similar 8.5-ounce quantity. Brands like Martha White are often a good alternative, providing a comparable base for this flavorful cornbread. Always check the package size to ensure you’re using the correct amount for the recipe.
If you’re pressed for time and need to thaw your frozen broccoli quickly, the microwave is your best friend. Simply place the frozen broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for approximately 1.5 to 2 minutes. The goal is to thaw the broccoli so it’s no longer frozen solid, but not to cook it completely. Overcooking the broccoli at this stage will result in a mushy texture after it’s baked into the cornbread, diminishing the crisp-tender quality we’re aiming for.
This versatile cornbread can be served alongside nearly any dish you would pair with traditional cornbread, but its savory additions make it even more adaptable. Its cheesy, flavorful profile makes it a fantastic accompaniment to robust, comforting main courses. We find it pairs exceptionally well with hearty stews, slow-cooked meats, and creamy chilis. Imagine a slice next to a succulent Mississippi Pot Roast, a tender Crock Pot Ham, or a warming bowl of White Chicken Chili. It also complements various BBQ dishes, hearty soups, or even a simple grilled chicken breast. Its unique flavor profile allows it to stand out while still enhancing your main course.
Proper storage is key to maintaining the delicious moisture and freshness of your Broccoli Cheddar Cornbread. Once the cornbread has fully cooled to room temperature, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. For an extra layer of protection against drying out, place the wrapped cornbread into an airtight container or a large plastic baggie. Stored this way in the refrigerator, your cornbread will remain fresh and delightful for up to three days, ready to be enjoyed whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating cornbread effectively ensures it retains its moist texture and warm, comforting flavor. For the best results, unwrap your cooled cornbread slices and place them on a baking sheet. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until they are heated thoroughly. This method helps to restore a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the interior soft. Alternatively, if you’re in a hurry, individual slices can be reheated in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, depending on the thickness and your microwave’s power. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the cornbread.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Cornbread
Crafting this savory cornbread requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a vital role in its overall texture and flavor. Below, we delve into the essential components that make our Broccoli Cheddar Cornbread truly special. (For precise measurements and the complete recipe, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the end of this article).
- Large Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together, add richness, and contribute to the cornbread’s structure. For optimal blending and a smoother batter, try to bring your eggs to room temperature before mixing. This allows them to emulsify more easily with other ingredients.
- Small Curd Cottage Cheese: This secret ingredient is the key to an exceptionally moist cornbread. Despite its distinct appearance, the cottage cheese blends seamlessly into the batter, leaving no discernible taste while providing unparalleled tenderness. If you’re truly adverse to cottage cheese, please refer to our FAQ section above for a suitable alternative, like sour cream, which offers a similar moistening effect.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show for its savory, cheesy goodness! We typically use mild cheddar for a balanced flavor that doesn’t overpower the broccoli. However, feel free to experiment with sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy tang, or even a blend of your favorite shredded cheeses like Colby Jack or Monterey Jack for a different profile. The quality of your cheese will significantly impact the final taste.
- Finely Diced Onion: Onion introduces a delicate savory aroma and a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the other ingredients. Its fine dice ensures it softens beautifully during baking, integrating its flavor without creating large, crunchy pieces. If you’re not a fan of onion or wish for an even more discreet flavor, consider grating it instead of dicing, or simply omit it if necessary.
- Thawed Frozen Broccoli, Chopped: Broccoli is the vegetable hero here, adding vibrant color, a pleasant texture, and a boost of nutrition. It’s crucial that the broccoli is thawed but not fully cooked before adding it to the batter. This ensures it finishes cooking in the oven, becoming tender-crisp rather than mushy. Remember to chop it into small, bite-sized pieces so it disperses evenly throughout the cornbread.
- Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are essential for enhancing all the other flavors in the cornbread. They balance the richness of the cheese and the earthy notes of the broccoli. We recommend starting with the specified amounts and adjusting to your preference. If you are sensitive to salt, you can certainly reduce the amount or omit it entirely based on your dietary needs.
- Jiffy Cornbread Mix: For convenience and consistent results, Jiffy cornbread mix is our go-to. Its pre-measured blend of cornmeal and leavening agents simplifies the baking process. Should Jiffy not be available, any similar 8.5-ounce brand of cornbread mix will work equally well, ensuring the same base texture and structure for your savory creation.
- Salted Butter, Melted: Butter provides unmatched richness and flavor, contributing to the golden crust and moist interior of the cornbread. Using real salted butter is highly recommended over margarine, as the flavor profile and fat content of butter offer a superior baking result. Melting the butter ensures it disperses evenly throughout the batter and the baking dish.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Broccoli Cheddar Cornbread
Making this savory cornbread is surprisingly straightforward, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. Follow these simple steps to bring this delightful dish to life in your kitchen.
- Prepare Your Oven and Wet Ingredients: Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your batter is. In a large mixing bowl, gently beat the four large eggs until they are slightly whisked and uniform in color. This initial step creates a smooth base for your batter.
- Combine Dairy and Cheese: To the beaten eggs, add the full 16-ounce container of small curd cottage cheese and the 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined. Don’t worry if the cottage cheese still appears chunky; it will melt down and integrate beautifully during baking, contributing to the cornbread’s signature moistness.
- Introduce Vegetables and Seasonings: Next, fold in the ½ cup of finely diced onion, the 2 cups of chopped, thawed frozen broccoli, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Mix gently until all these delicious additions are evenly distributed throughout the wet mixture. Ensure the broccoli is well-drained after thawing to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
- Incorporate Cornbread Mix: Gradually add the two 8.5-ounce boxes of Jiffy cornbread mix to the wet ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined and no dry streaks of mix remain. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough and dry cornbread. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and often result in a tender crumb.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the ½ cup (1 stick) of melted salted butter into a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Then, carefully spoon large dollops of the cornbread batter into each of the four corners of the dish. This clever trick helps to evenly disperse the melted butter underneath the batter, creating a beautifully crispy and golden bottom crust. Once the corners are filled, spread the remaining batter evenly across the center of the dish until it’s all used up.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the casserole dish in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The cornbread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top is beautifully golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the cornbread from the oven. For the best texture and to allow the flavors to fully meld, let it rest in the pan for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This cooling period also makes it easier to cut neat, perfect slices.
Craving More Delicious Recipes? Explore Our Favorites!
If you’ve enjoyed the savory goodness of our Broccoli Cheddar Cornbread, you’re in for a treat! We have a treasure trove of other delightful recipes that might just become your new kitchen staples. From classic cornbread variations to comforting casseroles and hearty soups, there’s something here for every craving. Dive in and discover your next favorite meal:
- Mexican Cornbread
- Sweet Cornbread
- Cornbread Muffins
- Skillet Cornbread
- Bacon Cornbread
- Broccoli Casserole
- Broccoli Chicken Casserole
- Chicken Divan
- Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
- Cornbread Taco Bake
Broccoli Cheddar Cornbread
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10 minutes
45 minutes
55 minutes
12
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 16 ounce container small curd cottage cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup finely diced onion
- 2 cups thawed frozen broccoli, chopped (thawed but not cooked)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 (8.5 ounce) boxes Jiffy Cornbread Mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. In a large mixing bowl, beat 4 large eggs.
- Add in 16 ounce container small curd cottage cheese and 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese and mix together.
- Next add in ½ cup finely diced onion, 2 cups thawed frozen broccoli, chopped, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper and mix.
- Add in 2 (8.5 ounce) boxes Jiffy Cornbread Mix and combine all the ingredients but be sure not to over mix.
- Pour 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted into a 9×13-inch casserole dish then add the cornbread batter in large spoonfuls in the four corners of the dish, to keep the melted butter evenly dispersed, then fill the center until all the batter is used.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until set.
- Cornbread is best if you let it sit for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Side Dish
American
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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