50 Best Cornbread Side Dishes to Serve

Cornbread is a versatile and beloved side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. From hearty chilis and stews to savory BBQ meats and fresh salads, there are countless delicious options to serve alongside this Southern staple.

Key Takeaways

  • Chili and soups are classic pairings for cornbread
  • BBQ meats like pulled pork and ribs complement cornbread perfectly
  • Southern classics like fried chicken and collard greens are traditional pairings
  • Mexican-inspired dishes offer unique and flavorful combinations
  • Simple toppings like butter and honey enhance cornbread’s flavor

What to Serve with Cornbread: Top 40+ Sides and Mains

Chili and Cornbread: A Classic Combination

Chili and cornbread are a match made in heaven. The hearty, spicy flavors of chili perfectly complement the sweet, crumbly texture of cornbread. Here are some delicious chili recipes to try:

  1. Texas Chili: A bold, beefy chili without beans
  2. Chili Con Carne: Traditional Mexican-style chili with meat and beans
  3. White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili: A lighter option with seasonal flavors
  4. Buffalo Chicken Chili: A spicy twist on classic chili
  5. Vegetarian Sweet Potato and Quinoa Chili: A hearty meatless option

Savory Soups to Complement Cornbread

Warm, comforting soups are another excellent pairing for cornbread. Try these tasty options:

  1. Pot Pie Soup: All the flavors of chicken pot pie in soup form
  2. Southwest Chicken Soup: A zesty, Tex-Mex inspired soup
  3. Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup: A quick and easy bean soup
  4. Cheeseburger Soup: A creamy, indulgent soup with ground beef
  5. Chicken Noodle Soup: A classic comfort food
  6. Creamy Curried Cauliflower Soup: A vegetarian option with bold flavors

Hearty Stews Perfect with Cornbread

Rich, flavorful stews are ideal for soaking up with a piece of cornbread. Consider these options:

  1. Beef Bourguignon: A French classic with tender beef and red wine
  2. Spicy Turkey Stew: A lighter stew with a kick of heat
  3. Mixed Bean and Vegetable Stew: A hearty vegetarian option
  4. Mushroom Stew: A savory, umami-rich stew

BBQ and Smoked Meats that Pair Well with Cornbread

The sweetness of cornbread balances perfectly with smoky, tangy BBQ flavors. Try these mouthwatering combinations:

  1. Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken: Tender, saucy chicken that falls off the bone
  2. Fall-off-the-Bone Baby Back Ribs: Succulent ribs with a sticky glaze
  3. Oven-Baked Marinated Chicken Wings: Crispy, flavorful wings
  4. Maple Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin: A sweet and savory pork dish
  5. Apple Pork Chops: Juicy pork chops with a fruity twist

Southern Comfort Food Classics with Cornbread

Embrace Southern cuisine with these traditional pairings:

  1. Chicken & Dirty Rice: A flavorful one-pot meal
  2. Slow Cooker Pinto Beans: Creamy, smoky beans
  3. Black Eyed Peas with Smoky Collards and Cheesy Grits: A trio of Southern favorites
  4. Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage: A Cajun-inspired dish

Mexican-Inspired Dishes to Serve with Cornbread

Add some south-of-the-border flair to your cornbread meal:

  1. Instant Pot Mexican Carnitas: Tender, flavorful pulled pork
  2. Jiffy Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread: A spicy twist on classic cornbread
  3. Easy Jiffy Tamale Pie: A comforting casserole with Mexican flavors
  4. Mexican Cornbread with Ground Beef: A hearty, all-in-one meal

Other Delicious Mains and Sides for Cornbread

Explore these unique and tasty options:

  1. Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole: A fun twist on two comfort food classics
  2. One Pan Macaroni and Cheese with Breadcrumbs: Creamy mac and cheese with a crunchy topping
  3. Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Ham: Sweet and savory beans
  4. Gluten-Free Cornbread Stuffing: A holiday favorite made gluten-free
  5. Cornbread Salad: A unique layered salad with cornbread crumbles
  6. Cornbread Chorizo Stuffing: A spicy, flavorful stuffing
  7. Chili Cornbread Casserole: A hearty, all-in-one meal
  8. Mini Keto Corn Dog Muffins: A low-carb twist on a classic
  9. Paula Deen Corn Casserole: A rich, creamy side dish

Simple Condiments and Spreads for Cornbread

Sometimes, the simplest toppings are the best. Try these easy options:

  1. Texas Jalapeno Jelly: Sweet and spicy jelly
  2. Texas Roadhouse Cinnamon Honey Butter: A sweet, flavored butter
  3. Crunchy Chili Crisp: A spicy, crunchy topping
  4. Easy Homemade Hot Honey: Spicy-sweet honey
  5. Butter (plain, garlic, herb): Classic and flavored options
  6. Honey (regular, spicy): Sweet and spicy varieties
  7. Cheese (cheddar, etc.): Melty, savory toppings
  8. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: A creamy, flavorful spread
  9. Cream Cheese: A tangy, creamy option

Salads that Go Great with Cornbread

Balance out your meal with these fresh salad options:

  1. Cobb Salad: A hearty salad with various toppings
  2. Broccoli Salad: A crunchy, creamy salad
  3. Cornbread Salad: A unique salad featuring cornbread crumbles

Creative Cornbread Pairings

Think outside the box with these innovative combinations:

  1. Korean Chicken Kabobs: Spicy-sweet grilled chicken skewers
  2. Country-Style Pork Ribs: Tender, flavorful ribs
  3. Grilled Jalapeño Poppers: Spicy, cheesy appetizers
  4. One-Pot Red Kidney Beans: A simple, hearty bean dish
  5. Instant Pot Keto Pork Chops: Quick and easy pork chops
  6. Smoky Bacon Turkey Chowder: A rich, flavorful soup

Tips for Serving Cornbread

  • Serve cornbread warm for the best flavor and texture
  • Cut cornbread into squares or wedges for easy serving
  • Offer a variety of toppings and spreads for guests to customize their cornbread
  • Consider making mini cornbread muffins for individual servings
  • Experiment with different cornbread recipes, like jalapeño cheddar or honey butter

FAQs about Cornbread Pairings

Q: Can cornbread be served as a dessert? A: Yes! Try serving warm cornbread with honey, butter, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert.

Q: Is cornbread only for Southern cuisine? A: While cornbread is a Southern staple, it pairs well with many cuisines, including Mexican, BBQ, and even some Italian dishes.

Q: Can I make cornbread ahead of time? A: Yes, cornbread can be made ahead and reheated. Store it in an airtight container and warm it in the oven before serving.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat cornbread? A: Wrap cornbread in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze cornbread? A: Yes, cornbread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Cornbread is a versatile and delicious side dish that complements a wide range of meals. From classic chili and BBQ pairings to creative Mexican-inspired dishes and simple toppings, there’s no shortage of delicious options to serve with this beloved bread.

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