Introduction: What to do with leftover cornbread?
Cornbread is a delicious, hearty side dish that is often served with Southern and Tex-Mex inspired meals. However, sometimes we end up with more cornbread than we can eat in one sitting. Rather than letting it go to waste, there are several creative ways to repurpose leftover cornbread. In this article, we will explore some tasty and inventive ways to use up that leftover cornbread in your kitchen.
Crumble and use as a topping
Crumbling leftover cornbread and using it as a topping is a great way to add texture and flavor to a variety of dishes. You can use it as a topping for chili, soup, or even mac and cheese. To make the crumbles, simply break up the leftover cornbread into small pieces and bake them in the oven until they are crispy. You can also add spices like chili powder or cumin to the crumbles to give them an added kick.
Make cornbread stuffing
Cornbread stuffing is a classic Thanksgiving side dish, but it can be enjoyed any time of year. To make the stuffing, crumble up the leftover cornbread and mix it with sautéed onions, celery, and herbs like sage and thyme. Add some broth to the mixture and bake it in the oven until it is golden brown and crispy on top. Cornbread stuffing is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Turn it into cornbread croutons
Cornbread croutons are a tasty addition to any salad or soup. To make them, cut the leftover cornbread into small cubes and bake them in the oven until they are crispy. You can also add some olive oil and spices like garlic powder and paprika to the croutons to give them more flavor.
Use it as a base for a breakfast casserole
Cornbread makes a great base for a breakfast casserole. Simply crumble up the leftover cornbread and layer it in a baking dish with cooked sausage, eggs, cheese, and veggies like bell peppers and onions. Bake the casserole in the oven until it is golden brown and bubbly. This dish is perfect for a weekend brunch or a holiday breakfast.
Create a cornbread bread pudding
Cornbread bread pudding is a sweet and savory dessert that is perfect for a special occasion. To make the bread pudding, mix the leftover cornbread with a custard mixture made from eggs, milk, and sugar. Add some raisins or chopped nuts to the mixture and bake it in the oven until it is golden brown and puffy. Serve the bread pudding warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Make cornbread french toast
Cornbread french toast is a delicious and unique twist on a classic breakfast dish. To make the french toast, cut the leftover cornbread into thick slices and soak them in a mixture of eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Cook the slices on a griddle until they are golden brown and crispy. Serve the french toast with butter and syrup for a decadent breakfast treat.
Cornbread crusted chicken or fish
Cornbread can be used as a flavorful coating for chicken or fish. To make the coating, crumble up the leftover cornbread and mix it with spices like garlic powder and cayenne pepper. Dip the chicken or fish in egg and then coat it with the cornbread mixture. Fry the chicken or fish in hot oil until it is crispy and golden brown. Serve the dish with a side of coleslaw or green beans.
Use in a Southern-style panzanella salad
Panzanella salad is an Italian dish that typically features stale bread as the main ingredient. However, cornbread can be used instead to give the salad a Southern twist. To make the salad, cut the leftover cornbread into cubes and mix it with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and fresh herbs like basil and parsley. Dress the salad with a vinaigrette made from olive oil, vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
Grilled cornbread with toppings for a savory snack
Grilled cornbread with toppings is a tasty and easy snack that is perfect for a summer BBQ. Cut the leftover cornbread into thick slices and grill them until they are crispy and charred. Top the grilled cornbread with toppings like pulled pork, BBQ sauce, and coleslaw for a delicious and savory treat.
