Cornbread, with its slightly sweet and crumbly texture, is a versatile side dish that can elevate a simple meal to a comforting feast. But What To Serve With Cornbread to create the perfect culinary harmony? Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, finding the right pairings can transform your cornbread from a humble side to a star component of your meal.
What goes with cornbread, including turkey chili, quinoa-stuffed bell peppers, BBQ slow cooker BBQ chicken, hot honey, and more.
This guide explores 20 tasty dishes that go exceptionally well with cornbread. From hearty soups and stews to flavorful meats and even sweet accompaniments, you’ll discover a range of options to complement your favorite cornbread recipe. Let’s dive into the delicious world of cornbread pairings and find your next perfect meal combination.
Hearty Soups and Chili
Cornbread and soup are a classic comfort food duo. The slightly sweet cornbread is perfect for soaking up savory broths and adding a satisfying bite to liquid-based meals.
1. Thick & Healthy Turkey Chili
Thick & Healthy Turkey Chili is a protein-packed and fiber-rich option that perfectly balances the richness of cornbread. The lean turkey and beans create a hearty base, while the spices and vegetables offer layers of flavor that are beautifully enhanced by the subtle sweetness of cornbread. The crumbly texture of the cornbread is ideal for scooping up the chili, making each bite a delightful combination of textures and tastes.
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15. Spiced Vegan Butternut Squash Soup
Bowl of spiced vegan butternut squash soup topped with pepitas and sage.
For a vegetarian and equally comforting option, Spiced Vegan Butternut Squash Soup is an excellent choice. The creamy, slightly sweet, and spiced soup pairs wonderfully with the coarser texture of cornbread. Dipping cornbread into the warm soup provides a comforting contrast and allows the cornbread to absorb the delicious flavors of butternut squash, herbs, and spices.
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Barbecue and Grilled Delights
The smoky and savory flavors of barbecue and grilled dishes are wonderfully complemented by the mild sweetness of cornbread. Cornbread acts as a fantastic neutral base that soaks up sauces and balances rich, meaty flavors.
2. BBQ Baked Chicken Thighs
BBQ chicken thighs on a white plate, showcasing their juicy and glazed appearance.
BBQ Baked Chicken Thighs offer a classic barbecue flavor profile that’s enhanced by cornbread. The juicy, tender chicken coated in smoky BBQ sauce is a perfect match for the slightly sweet and absorbent cornbread. Cornbread helps to soak up the delicious BBQ sauce and provides a satisfying carbohydrate element to the meal.
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5. BBQ Pulled Chicken Burgers
BBQ Pulled Chicken Burgers take the BBQ theme to the next level. While the burgers themselves are often served in buns, serving cornbread on the side allows you to enjoy the tangy BBQ pulled chicken and crunchy coleslaw with a different, equally satisfying carbohydrate. Cornbread provides a delightful alternative to buns and complements the BBQ flavors beautifully.
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Steak and Savory Meats
Cornbread is a fantastic accompaniment to steak and other savory meat dishes. Its mild flavor and slightly crumbly texture provide a pleasant contrast to the richness of the meat and the intensity of steak seasonings.
3. Bavette Steak (Flank Steak)
Bavette Steak, also known as flank steak, is a flavorful and juicy cut that pairs wonderfully with cornbread. The robust beef flavor and garlicky notes of the steak are beautifully balanced by the gentle sweetness of cornbread. Cornbread serves as an excellent side to soak up the steak juices and create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
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14. Flank Steak Salad
For a lighter yet still satisfying option, Flank Steak Salad combines tender steak with fresh greens and vegetables. Cornbread can be served alongside this salad to add a comforting and carbohydrate-rich element. The balsamic dressing and fresh salad components create a vibrant contrast with the denser cornbread, offering a balanced and flavorful meal.
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19. Dutch Oven Whole Chicken with Meyer Lemon
Dutch oven whole chicken surrounded by roasted vegetables and lemons.
Dutch Oven Whole Chicken with Meyer Lemon is a show-stopping dish that becomes even more comforting with cornbread. The juicy, flavorful chicken, infused with lemon and herbs, is beautifully complemented by the slightly sweet and crumbly cornbread. Drizzling the chicken jus over the cornbread elevates the pairing even further, creating a rich and deeply flavorful experience.
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Seafood and Fish
While perhaps less traditional, cornbread can be a surprisingly delightful partner for certain seafood and fish dishes, especially those with rich or buttery preparations.
6. Buttery Fish with Crispy Skin
Pan-seared buttery fish with crispy skin served with sautéed broccolini.
Buttery Fish with Crispy Skin offers a rich and flavorful seafood option that pairs unexpectedly well with cornbread. The buttery, succulent fish with its crispy skin provides a luxurious element that is grounded by the simple comfort of cornbread. Cornbread acts as a neutral base that allows the delicate flavors of the fish to shine while adding a satisfying texture contrast.
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Vegetarian and Vegetable-Forward Dishes
Cornbread isn’t just for meat-centric meals! It can also be a wonderful addition to vegetarian dishes, providing a hearty and flavorful carbohydrate component.
9. Turkey and Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
Turkey and quinoa stuffed bell peppers topped with feta cheese and basil.
Turkey and Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers, while containing turkey, are packed with vegetables and quinoa, making them a balanced and nutritious meal. Cornbread adds a comforting side that complements the savory filling of the bell peppers. The slight sweetness of cornbread can also enhance the flavors of the vegetables and feta cheese in the stuffed peppers.
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17. Healthy Corn and Zucchini Fritters
Stack of healthy corn and zucchini fritters topped with greek yogurt and roasted corn.
For a lighter and vegetable-focused pairing, Healthy Corn and Zucchini Fritters are a fantastic choice. These fritters, bursting with sweet corn and zucchini, offer a delightful textural contrast to cornbread. Serving cornbread alongside these fritters creates a balanced meal with both soft and crispy elements, and complementary corn flavors.
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18. Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts
Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts offer a sweet and savory vegetable side that pairs beautifully with cornbread. The caramelized Brussel sprouts with maple and bacon (or pancetta) provide a rich and complex flavor profile that is balanced by the simple, slightly sweet taste of cornbread. The textures also complement each other, with the crisp-tender sprouts and crumbly cornbread creating a satisfying combination.
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Burgers and Sandwiches (Deconstructed)
While burgers and sandwiches are often served with buns, cornbread can be a delightful alternative or side, especially if you’re looking for a change or want to reduce refined carbohydrates.
12. Cast Iron Skillet Burger
Cast Iron Skillet Burger provides a classic burger experience that can be enhanced with cornbread. Instead of or alongside a bun, serve a juicy skillet burger with a side of cornbread. You can enjoy the burger toppings and patty with bites of cornbread, creating a comforting and slightly less carb-heavy meal than a traditional burger on a bun.
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10. Hawaiian Roll Turkey Pesto Sliders
Hawaiian Roll Turkey Pesto Sliders offer a flavorful slider option that can be complemented by cornbread. While these sliders are served on sweet Hawaiian rolls, cornbread can be served as a side to add a different carbohydrate element and textural contrast. The pesto, turkey, and Swiss cheese flavors of the sliders pair well with the mild sweetness of cornbread.
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Salads with Substance
Cornbread can transform a light salad into a more substantial and satisfying meal. It adds carbohydrates and texture to leafy greens and flavorful dressings.
11. Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
Italian pasta salad with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful vegetarian salad that can be elevated with cornbread. The bright, tangy Italian dressing, Mediterranean vegetables, and herbed feta cheese create a vibrant salad that is nicely balanced by the comforting and slightly sweet cornbread. Serving cornbread with this pasta salad makes it a more complete and filling lunch or light dinner.
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Eggs and Brunch Dishes
Cornbread is a wonderful addition to breakfast or brunch spreads, pairing well with egg dishes and savory breakfast flavors.
16. Classic Egg Salad
Classic Egg Salad is a simple and versatile dish that is delicious with cornbread. Enjoy egg salad as a topping for cornbread, or serve cornbread alongside egg salad as a side. The creamy, rich egg salad and the slightly sweet cornbread create a comforting and satisfying combination, perfect for a light meal or brunch.
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Flavor Enhancers and Condiments
Sometimes, cornbread needs little more than a flavorful topping or condiment to shine.
4. Spicy Hot Honey Sauce
Jar of spicy hot honey sauce with a honey dipper.
Spicy Hot Honey Sauce is a simple yet incredibly flavorful condiment that is amazing drizzled over cornbread. The sweet heat of the honey sauce provides a fantastic contrast to the mild sweetness of the cornbread. This pairing is surprisingly addictive and offers a quick and easy way to elevate plain cornbread.
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8. Garlic Herb Butter
Garlic Herb Butter is a rich and aromatic compound butter that is perfect for spreading on warm cornbread. The roasted garlic, fresh herbs, and lemon zest in the butter infuse the cornbread with savory and bright flavors. This simple addition transforms cornbread into a decadent and flavorful side.
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Creamy and Comforting Sides
Creamy side dishes offer a delightful textural contrast to cornbread and create a comforting and satisfying meal.
20. Miso Mashed Potatoes
Miso Mashed Potatoes bring an umami-rich and creamy element to the cornbread experience. The miso butter adds a depth of flavor to the classic mashed potatoes that pairs surprisingly well with cornbread. The creamy potatoes and crumbly cornbread create a comforting texture combination, while the umami and slight sweetness provide a balanced flavor profile.
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13. Cast Iron Chicken Breast With Garlic Butter
Juicy cast iron chicken breast with garlic butter in a skillet.
Cast Iron Chicken Breast With Garlic Butter offers a succulent and flavorful chicken dish that becomes even more comforting when served with cornbread. The juicy chicken with its herbed garlic butter crust is beautifully complemented by the slightly sweet and absorbent cornbread. Cornbread is perfect for soaking up the delicious garlic butter sauce and creating a complete and satisfying meal.
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Enjoy Your Cornbread Feast!
As you can see, the question of what to serve with cornbread has a multitude of delicious answers. From hearty chili and BBQ to steak, seafood, and even sweet and spicy sauces, cornbread is a truly versatile side that can enhance a wide range of dishes. Explore these pairings and discover your own favorite cornbread combinations for your next meal!
