Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread

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Elevate your cornbread game with our Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread recipe—a delightful fusion of comforting flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Loaded with wholesome ingredients and a cheesy kick, this cornbread is perfect as a side dish for any meal or as a savory snack to enjoy on its own. With simple steps and delicious results, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the savory goodness of this cheesy broccoli cornbread!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 4 large eggs
  • ¾ cup butter, melted
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 2 (8.5-ounce) packages cornbread mix
  • 1 (12-ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and finely chopped
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Directions:

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure your cornbread doesn’t stick.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese and eggs until well blended. Stir in the melted butter until fully incorporated.
  3. Add Flavor: Mix in the finely chopped onion and a pinch of cayenne pepper, stirring until combined. These ingredients add depth and a hint of spice to your cornbread.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the cornbread mix, thawed and finely chopped broccoli, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed. This creates a hearty and flavorful batter.
  5. Transfer to Baking Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of cheesy goodness will fill your kitchen!
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the cornbread to cool slightly before slicing it into squares and serving. The cheesy broccoli goodness is ready to be enjoyed!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 16
Calories: (Per Serving)

Serving and Storage Tips:

  1. Serve Warm: Enjoy the Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread fresh out of the oven while it’s still warm and fragrant for the best flavor and texture.
  2. Pair with Soup or Chili: Serve slices of cornbread alongside your favorite soups or chili for a hearty and satisfying meal.
  3. Top with Butter or Honey: Spread warm slices of cornbread with butter or drizzle them with honey for an extra touch of indulgence.
  4. Make Cornbread Croutons: Cube leftover cornbread and toast it in the oven until crispy to use as croutons in salads or soups.
  5. Serve with BBQ: Accompany grilled meats and barbecue dishes with slices of cornbread for a deliciously savory and satisfying meal.
  6. Freeze for Later: Wrap individual slices or the entire cornbread loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  7. Reheat in the Oven: To refresh leftover cornbread, wrap it in aluminum foil and reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
  8. Store at Room Temperature: Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  9. Enhance with Toppings: Elevate the flavor of leftover cornbread by topping it with salsa, sour cream, or your favorite cheese for a quick and delicious snack or light meal.
  10. Serve at Gatherings: Bring a batch of Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread to potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings to share its deliciousness with friends and loved ones.

With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the savory goodness of Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread anytime, whether freshly baked or reheated as a tasty leftover. Experiment with different serving styles and accompaniments to discover your favorite way to enjoy this flavorful side dish!

Variations :

  1. Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread: Add diced jalapenos and shredded cheddar cheese to the batter for a spicy kick.
  2. Bacon and Chive Cornbread: Mix crispy crumbled bacon and chopped fresh chives into the batter for a savory twist.
  3. Garlic Parmesan Cornbread: Incorporate minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese into the batter for a flavorful and cheesy option.
  4. Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Cornbread: Stir chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil into the batter for a burst of Mediterranean flavor.
  5. Green Onion and Feta Cornbread: Fold chopped green onions and crumbled feta cheese into the batter for a tangy and savory variation.
  6. Spinach and Artichoke Cornbread: Add chopped cooked spinach and canned artichoke hearts to the batter for a deliciously creamy option.
  7. Buffalo Chicken Cornbread: Mix shredded cooked chicken tossed in buffalo sauce into the batter for a spicy and satisfying twist.
  8. Maple Bacon Cornbread: Drizzle maple syrup over the batter and sprinkle with crispy bacon pieces before baking for a sweet and savory combination.
  9. Pesto and Mozzarella Cornbread: Swirl pesto sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese into the batter for an Italian-inspired flavor profile.
  10. Corn and Pepper Jack Cornbread: Fold canned corn kernels and shredded pepper jack cheese into the batter for a Tex-Mex twist.

FAQs :

  1. Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen? Yes, you can use fresh broccoli. Simply blanch it briefly in boiling water, then chop it finely before adding it to the batter.
  2. Can I use low-fat ingredients to make this recipe healthier? While you can use low-fat cottage cheese and reduced-fat cheddar cheese, keep in mind that it may affect the texture and flavor of the cornbread.
  3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free cornbread mix and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  4. Can I make individual muffins instead of a large pan of cornbread? Yes, you can portion the batter into muffin tins lined with paper liners and adjust the baking time accordingly.
  5. Can I add other vegetables to the cornbread? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with adding diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even grated zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.
  6. Can I omit the onions from the recipe? Yes, you can omit the onions if you prefer or substitute them with finely chopped shallots or green onions for a milder flavor.
  7. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can customize the cheese in this recipe to your liking. Try using sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese for different flavor profiles.
  8. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly if the batter is chilled.
  9. Can I add herbs or spices to the batter? Absolutely! Experiment with adding dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano, or spices like paprika or chili powder for added flavor.
  10. Can I serve this cornbread with a dipping sauce? Yes, you can serve Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread with a side of ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or honey butter for dipping.

Say goodbye to boring cornbread and hello to flavor-packed Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread! With its combination of wholesome ingredients and cheesy goodness, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether served alongside your favorite main dish or enjoyed on its own, each bite promises a burst of comforting flavors that will leave you craving more. Try it for your next meal and savor the deliciousness of this cheesy twist on a classic side dish!