If you love the comforting warmth of cornbread but crave something with a fresh, cheesy twist, the Broccoli Cheese Cornbread Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This delightful dish brings together fluffy cornbread, sharp cheddar cheese, creamy cottage cheese, and the gentle crunch of tender broccoli, making it a perfect side or even a hearty snack. It’s simplicity and flavor all wrapped into one satisfying bake that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you want a homemade treat that feels both wholesome and indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating your Broccoli Cheese Cornbread Recipe. Each element plays a vital role: from the creamy cheeses adding moisture and richness, to the broccoli lending color and texture, to the trusty Jiffy cornbread mix forming the fluffy base that holds everything together.
- 4 large eggs: They bind the batter together and help achieve a light, tender crumb.
- 16 ounces cottage cheese: Adds creamy moisture and a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with cheddar.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Provides sharp, melty goodness that infuses every bite with cheesy delight.
- ½ cup chopped onion: Brings a mild sweetness and aroma that balances the richness of the cheeses.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1 teaspoon pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth to the savory mix.
- 2 cups broccoli (fresh or thawed frozen): Offers a fresh texture and beautiful green color, plus a nutritious boost.
- 2 boxes Jiffy Cornbread Mix (8.5 oz each): The classic cornbread base that’s quick, easy, and gives you that perfect corn flavor.
- 1 stick butter, melted: Used to grease the pan and adds a golden richness to the edges and surface of the cornbread.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Cornbread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This moderate temperature allows the cornbread to cook evenly, ensuring the cheese melts perfectly and the broccoli softens without drying out the batter.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients and Vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs to prepare a smooth base. Stir in the cottage cheese and shredded cheddar until they are fully combined. Then, fold in the chopped onion and broccoli, seasoning with salt and pepper. This step ensures the broccoli and onion are evenly distributed, so every slice bursts with flavor and color.
Step 3: Incorporate the Cornbread Mix
Add one box of the Jiffy Cornbread Mix at a time to the bowl, mixing gently after each addition. Take care not to over-mix, as this can make the cornbread tough instead of tender. The dry mix blends with the wet ingredients to give you that classic cornbread texture that’s both fluffy and slightly crumbly.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish and Pour Batter
Melt your stick of butter and pour it into a 9×13-inch casserole dish, swirling it around to coat the bottom and sides. Then, drop spoonfuls of the cornbread batter into each corner of the dish to keep the butter evenly spread, finally filling the center until all the batter is used. This nifty trick helps ensure your cornbread gets that perfect golden crust all around.
Step 5: Bake Until Set
Place your dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Once baked, let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing to allow the structure to set properly, giving you neat, perfect squares every time.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Cornbread Recipe
Garnishes
While this Broccoli Cheese Cornbread Recipe shines on its own, fresh garnishes add a lovely finishing touch. A sprinkle of finely chopped chives or green onions adds a burst of color and fresh flavor. For an extra cheesy kick, a light dusting of shredded cheddar right after baking can melt over the warm surface, creating a gooey crown.
Side Dishes
This cornbread pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. It’s a natural companion for hearty chili, rich soups, or smoky barbecue. The cheesy broccoli bite provides a vegetable boost that complements meat dishes or a fresh salad, making your meal feel balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve slices of this cornbread warm in a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of honey butter and hot sauce for guests to customize each bite. You can also cut it into small squares and serve as finger food at parties, showcasing the colorful broccoli flecks that will catch everyone’s eye.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Broccoli Cheese Cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For best results, refrigerate leftovers to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage, where it will keep well for up to four days.
Freezing
This cornbread freezes beautifully. Wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in a microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or warm in a 350-degree oven for 10 minutes to regain that freshly baked texture. For an extra crispy edge, pop them under the broiler for a minute or two, watching closely so they don’t burn.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli works beautifully. Just chop it into small pieces and steam or blanch it lightly if you prefer a softer texture before mixing it into the batter.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the cheddar and cottage cheese with your favorite dairy-free alternatives, such as vegan shredded cheese and tofu-based cottage cheese, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly.
Can I make this recipe without Jiffy Cornbread Mix?
Yes, you can use your own cornbread mix or a homemade recipe. Just be sure to adjust the wet ingredients accordingly to maintain the right batter consistency.
How do I know when the cornbread is done?
The best way is to insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden and firm to the touch.
Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?
Sure! Feel free to experiment by adding finely chopped peppers, corn kernels, or even some cooked bacon bits for extra flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheese Cornbread Recipe is a total winner when you want something comforting yet packed with flavor and texture. The mix of cheeses with the brightness of broccoli creates a perfect harmony that feels homemade and special every time. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for it whenever you want to add a cheesy, veggie-packed twist to classic cornbread.
Print
Broccoli Cheese Cornbread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Broccoli Cheese Cornbread recipe combines the savory flavors of cheddar cheese and tender broccoli with the classic sweet and crumbly cornbread base. Perfect as a side dish for family dinners or gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe adds a nutritious twist to traditional cornbread, delivering a delightful blend of textures and flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Eggs and Dairy
- 4 large eggs
- 16 ounces cottage cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 stick butter, melted
Vegetables
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 cups broccoli, frozen and thawed or fresh, slightly chopped
Dry Ingredients
- 2 boxes Jiffy Cornbread Mix (8.5 oz each)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F to ensure it reaches the proper baking temperature while you prepare the batter.
- Prepare batter: In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the 4 eggs. Add the cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until combined. Fold in the chopped onion, chopped broccoli, salt, and pepper. Add one box of Jiffy cornbread mix at a time, gently mixing to combine all ingredients without over-mixing, which ensures a tender texture.
- Prepare baking dish: Pour the melted butter into a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Use a spoon to spread the butter evenly by placing large spoonfuls of the cornbread batter in each of the four corners first, then fill the center with the remaining batter, helping the melted butter distribute throughout the dish for a crispy, buttery crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cornbread is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Rest and serve: Allow the cornbread to cool and sit for about 15 minutes after baking. This resting period helps it firm up, making it easier to slice into 12 pieces and enhances the flavors before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli for a crunchier texture or frozen broccoli for convenience; just be sure to thaw it well and drain excess moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the cornbread mix to prevent a dense texture.
- Letting the cornbread rest before cutting improves slicing and flavor melding.
- Can be served as a side dish for chili, soup, or grilled meats.
- For a spicier twist, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
