Ah, cornbread—the quintessential Southern staple that has graced American tables for generations.
The first recorded recipe for cornbread dates back to 1796, when it appeared in the book “American Cookery” by Amelia Simmons.1 Since then, this humble dish has become a beloved comfort food across the nation.
But what if we told you that you could take your cornbread game to the next level with a simple boxed mix? Enter Jiffy cornbread, the convenient and delicious solution to your cornbread cravings.
Here’s 18 irresistible ways to transform your Jiffy cornbread from ordinary to extraordinary.
1. Add Honey for a Touch of Sweetness
Stirring in 1/4 cup of honey to your Jiffy cornbread batter will give it a delightful hint of sweetness. The natural sweetness of honey complements the corn flavor without overpowering it.
2. Spice It Up with Jalapeños
For a spicy kick, dice up 1-2 fresh jalapeños (seeds removed) and fold them into the batter. The heat from the peppers will add a delicious depth of flavor to your cornbread.
3. Boost Moisture with Sour Cream
To achieve a moist and tender crumb, replace the milk in the recipe with an equal amount of sour cream. This simple swap will elevate your Jiffy cornbread to new heights.
4. Sprinkle in Some Cheese
Cheddar, pepper jack, or even feta – adding 1/2 to 1 cup of shredded or crumbled cheese to your cornbread batter will result in a savory and irresistible treat. Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination.
5. Herbs for a Fresh Twist
Chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage can add a delightful aromatic element to your cornbread. Start with 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped herbs and adjust to your taste preferences.
6. Bacon Makes Everything Better
Crispy, crumbled bacon folded into the batter or sprinkled on top before baking will give your Jiffy cornbread a smoky, savory flavor that’s hard to resist. For extra decadence, try drizzling some of the bacon grease into the batter as well.
7. Go Nuts for Nuts
Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even pine nuts can add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to your cornbread. Toast the nuts lightly before adding them to the batter for an even more intense flavor.
8. Buttermilk for Tang
Substituting buttermilk for regular milk in your Jiffy cornbread recipe will lend a subtle tangy flavor and contribute to a tender texture. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
9. Corn Kernels for Extra Crunch
Folding in 1/2 to 1 cup of fresh, frozen, or canned corn kernels (drained) into your cornbread batter will provide a delightful pop of texture and enhance the corn flavor. For a more pronounced corn taste, puree half of the kernels before adding them to the batter.
10. Spice It Up with Chili Powder
A teaspoon or two of chili powder added to your Jiffy cornbread mix will give it a warm, spicy flavor that pairs well with chili, soups, and stews. Adjust the amount of chili powder to your desired level of heat.
11. Honey Butter Glaze
Brush your cornbread with a mixture of melted butter and honey right when it comes out of the oven for a glistening, sweet, and savory finish. This simple glaze will take your Jiffy cornbread to the next level.
12. Green Onions for a Savory Twist
Sliced green onions (scallions) stirred into the batter or sprinkled on top before baking will add a mild, savory onion flavor to your cornbread. This addition pairs particularly well with cheesy or bacon-filled variations.
13. Pumpkin Puree for a Seasonal Twist
During the fall months, stir in 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to your Jiffy cornbread batter for a festive and flavorful variation. This seasonal twist is perfect for Thanksgiving dinners or cozy autumn meals.
14. Browned Butter for Nutty Richness
Swap out regular melted butter for browned butter in your cornbread recipe for a deep, nutty flavor. To make browned butter, simply melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns a golden brown color and develops a nutty aroma.
15. Maple Syrup for a Sweet & Smoky Touch
Replace the sugar or honey in your Jiffy cornbread recipe with an equal amount of pure maple syrup for a subtle sweet and smoky flavor. This variation pairs particularly well with bacon or sausage.
16. Caramelized Onions for a Savory Depth
Fold in 1/2 cup of caramelized onions to your cornbread batter for a rich, savory flavor. To caramelize onions, slice them thinly and cook them slowly in a tablespoon of butter or oil over low heat until they turn a deep golden brown, stirring occasionally.
17. Orange Zest for a Citrusy Zing
Grate the zest of one orange into your Jiffy cornbread batter for a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the sweetness of the cornmeal. This variation is perfect for summer barbecues or as a side dish for grilled meats.
18. Experiment with Different Pans
Don’t limit yourself to a standard 8×8-inch square pan. Try baking your Jiffy cornbread in a cast-iron skillet, muffin tin, or even a waffle iron for unique shapes and textures. The possibilities are endless!
Source:
1. Savoring the Past
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.