If there’s one comfort food that always steals the show at my family table, it’s Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread. Picture golden wedges, with crisp edges and a moist, hearty center studded with colorful broccoli and melty cheddar. This classic Southern-inspired side deftly balances sweet and savory notes, pairing up the rustic charm of cornbread with the creamy richness of cheese and the wholesome bite of broccoli. Every bite is a symphony of textures—just the thing for cozy dinners, potlucks, or holiday spreads.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread lies in its down-to-earth ingredients, each playing a starring role in every square. Don’t let the simplicity fool you: these essentials work together to deliver irresistible taste, color, and that can’t-say-no-again texture.
- Cornmeal: Gives the bread its classic golden color and rustic flavor that’s pure Southern comfort.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the necessary structure, ensuring the cornbread is tender yet holds its shape.
- Baking powder & baking soda: These lift the batter, making your bread rise to fluffy heights.
- Salt & black pepper: Key players for balancing sweetness and bringing out the flavor of every ingredient.
- Eggs: Bind everything together, resulting in a rich and satisfying crumb.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Infuses luxurious moisture and that subtle, unmistakable richness.
- Cottage cheese: Adds creaminess and keeps the crumb delightfully tender—swap with Greek yogurt if you like!
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers bold, melty flavor in every bite for that signature “cheesy” touch.
- Chopped onion: Rounds out the flavor profile with sweetness and a mild bite when baked.
- Frozen chopped broccoli: Offers bursts of green, nourishing color—well-drained to keep the bread light (or use fresh if you have it!).
- Creamed corn: Brings sweet corn flavor and a touch of moisture, helping keep the bread perfectly tender.
How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Dish
Set your oven to 375°F and give your 9×13-inch baking dish a quick grease—this little bit of love ensures your Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread slides out easily and bakes up with a gorgeous golden crust.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Grab your largest bowl and whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper. Taking a moment to thoroughly blend these dry ingredients ensures every bite has just the right lift and balance.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, beat the eggs until they’re unified and fluffy. Stir in the melted (and slightly cooled) butter, the creamy cottage cheese, and the luscious creamed corn. This is where the batter gets its richness and body.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture over your dry ingredients. Use a gentle hand and mix until everything is just combined—overmixing can make the bread dense instead of tender, so remember, less is more here.
Step 5: Fold in the Veggies and Cheese
To the batter, gently fold in the finely chopped onion, the bright green broccoli (make sure it’s thawed and well-drained), and the irresistible shredded cheddar. This is where Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread starts to look truly swoon-worthy!
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spread the batter evenly in your prepped dish. Slide it into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is deep golden brown and a toothpick in the center comes out clean. That irresistible cheesy aroma will let you know it’s time!
How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley adds a little pop of green and a fragrant freshness to every slice. For an extra-special touch, try adding a light dusting of smoked paprika or even a few extra shreds of cheddar melted on top during the last minutes of baking.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread is the ultimate companion for hearty mains like chili, barbecue chicken, or a steaming bowl of vegetable soup. It’s also spot-on next to roast turkey, honey-glazed ham, or any classic Southern entree. Don’t forget the big salad or a crisp slaw for balance!
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread into bite-sized squares for a festive party tray, or serve it warm in rustic wedges at the dinner table for a fuss-free weeknight side. For brunch, top warmed slices with a soft-poached egg—trust me, it’s unforgettable!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have extra Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread, wrap the cooled pieces in foil or pop them in an airtight container. They’ll keep fresh in the fridge for up to three days—just don’t be surprised if every crumb disappears sooner!
Freezing
This cornbread freezes beautifully! Cut into squares, wrap individually in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. When craving strikes, you’ve got the ultimate homemade side at your fingertips.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm slices in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until fully heated through. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch—wrap the slices in a damp paper towel to keep them moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Steam and chop about 1 to 1.5 cups of fresh broccoli florets, then let them cool before folding them into the batter. You’ll get extra texture and vivid green throughout your Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread.
What’s the best cheese to use for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar brings the boldest flavor, but you can mix things up with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for a hint of spice, or even Gouda for smoky richness. Whatever melts well will work delightfully.
Can I make Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The cornbread’s texture will still be hearty, moist, and crowd-pleasing every time.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
Check for a golden-brown top and use a toothpick—when inserted into the center, it should come out clean. If the edges are pulling away from the dish, that’s another telltale sign your Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread is ready for slicing.
Can I add extra mix-ins or spices?
Of course! A little chopped jalapeno, red pepper flakes, or diced red bell pepper add zip and color. You can even toss in a handful of fresh herbs or a dash of hot sauce to really make the flavor your own.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread, it’s bound to become a regular on your table, just like it did for me. It’s cozy, vibrant, and impresses every single time—so go ahead, give it a whirl and make any meal just a little more special!
Print
Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread is a savory twist on traditional cornbread, loaded with cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, broccoli, and creamed corn for a moist and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Wet Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and well-drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can creamed corn
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: In another bowl, beat eggs, then add melted butter, cottage cheese, and creamed corn; mix well.
- Combine Ingredients: Add wet mixture to dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Fold in onion, cheddar cheese, and broccoli.
- Bake: Pour batter into dish, bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, slice, and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for cottage cheese.
- Use fresh steamed broccoli for a different texture.
- For a spicier version, add hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
