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:
- Texas Chili: A bold, beefy chili without beans
- Chili Con Carne: Traditional Mexican-style chili with meat and beans
- White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili: A lighter option with seasonal flavors
- Buffalo Chicken Chili: A spicy twist on classic chili
- 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:
- Pot Pie Soup: All the flavors of chicken pot pie in soup form
- Southwest Chicken Soup: A zesty, Tex-Mex inspired soup
- Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup: A quick and easy bean soup
- Cheeseburger Soup: A creamy, indulgent soup with ground beef
- Chicken Noodle Soup: A classic comfort food
- 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:
- Beef Bourguignon: A French classic with tender beef and red wine
- Spicy Turkey Stew: A lighter stew with a kick of heat
- Mixed Bean and Vegetable Stew: A hearty vegetarian option
- 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:
- Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken: Tender, saucy chicken that falls off the bone
- Fall-off-the-Bone Baby Back Ribs: Succulent ribs with a sticky glaze
- Oven-Baked Marinated Chicken Wings: Crispy, flavorful wings
- Maple Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin: A sweet and savory pork dish
- Apple Pork Chops: Juicy pork chops with a fruity twist
Southern Comfort Food Classics with Cornbread
Embrace Southern cuisine with these traditional pairings:
- Chicken & Dirty Rice: A flavorful one-pot meal
- Slow Cooker Pinto Beans: Creamy, smoky beans
- Black Eyed Peas with Smoky Collards and Cheesy Grits: A trio of Southern favorites
- 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:
- Instant Pot Mexican Carnitas: Tender, flavorful pulled pork
- Jiffy Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread: A spicy twist on classic cornbread
- Easy Jiffy Tamale Pie: A comforting casserole with Mexican flavors
- Mexican Cornbread with Ground Beef: A hearty, all-in-one meal
Other Delicious Mains and Sides for Cornbread
Explore these unique and tasty options:
- Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole: A fun twist on two comfort food classics
- One Pan Macaroni and Cheese with Breadcrumbs: Creamy mac and cheese with a crunchy topping
- Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Ham: Sweet and savory beans
- Gluten-Free Cornbread Stuffing: A holiday favorite made gluten-free
- Cornbread Salad: A unique layered salad with cornbread crumbles
- Cornbread Chorizo Stuffing: A spicy, flavorful stuffing
- Chili Cornbread Casserole: A hearty, all-in-one meal
- Mini Keto Corn Dog Muffins: A low-carb twist on a classic
- 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:
- Texas Jalapeno Jelly: Sweet and spicy jelly
- Texas Roadhouse Cinnamon Honey Butter: A sweet, flavored butter
- Crunchy Chili Crisp: A spicy, crunchy topping
- Easy Homemade Hot Honey: Spicy-sweet honey
- Butter (plain, garlic, herb): Classic and flavored options
- Honey (regular, spicy): Sweet and spicy varieties
- Cheese (cheddar, etc.): Melty, savory toppings
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: A creamy, flavorful spread
- Cream Cheese: A tangy, creamy option
Salads that Go Great with Cornbread
Balance out your meal with these fresh salad options:
- Cobb Salad: A hearty salad with various toppings
- Broccoli Salad: A crunchy, creamy salad
- Cornbread Salad: A unique salad featuring cornbread crumbles
Creative Cornbread Pairings
Think outside the box with these innovative combinations:
- Korean Chicken Kabobs: Spicy-sweet grilled chicken skewers
- Country-Style Pork Ribs: Tender, flavorful ribs
- Grilled Jalapeño Poppers: Spicy, cheesy appetizers
- One-Pot Red Kidney Beans: A simple, hearty bean dish
- Instant Pot Keto Pork Chops: Quick and easy pork chops
- 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.