What’s a hearty bowl of authentic Texas chili without a slice of warm, cheesy cornbread on the side? While Texas chili might be all about bold spices and tender beef, this Cheesy Cornbread with Creamed Corn brings a perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and just the right amount of crunch. Together, they’re a match made in comfort food heaven.
Growing up, cornbread was always a staple at the dinner table—soft, buttery, and served with everything from soups to BBQ. My mom’s recipe was a simple version like Betty Crocker’s Traditional Cornbread Recipe. But after discovering the bold flavors of Texas chili, I knew I needed a side dish that could hold its own—this cheesy cornbread with creamed corn is rich, flavorful, and made for pairing with hearty meals.This version, packed with creamed corn, gooey cheese, and a hint of spice, is exactly that. It’s moist on the inside, slightly crispy on the edges (thanks to baking it in a cast-iron skillet), and loaded with flavor in every bite.
If you’re planning to try my chili recipe, don’t skip this side dish—it takes things to a whole new level!
Why This Cornbread Is the Perfect Pair for Texas Chili
Creamed Corn – Adds moisture and a natural sweetness that balances the smoky, spicy flavors of chili.
Cheese – Cheddar (or pepper jack for some heat) brings creaminess and a little salty kick.
Jalapeños – Optional, but they complement the spice in your chili without overpowering the dish.
Sweet and Savory Balance – A drizzle of honey on top contrasts beautifully with the bold flavors of both the chili and cornbread.
A Brief History of Cornbread
Before cornbread became the comfort food staple we know today, it was a vital part of Native American cuisine. Long before European settlers arrived in North America, Indigenous tribes such as the Cherokee, Creek, and Chickasaw were grinding corn (or maize) into meal to create simple, nourishing breads. These early versions of cornbread were rustic, unsweetened, and often cooked over open flames or baked on hot stones—perfectly suited to complement savory dishes.
When European settlers arrived, they adopted and adapted these early recipes, introducing ingredients like eggs, milk, and baking soda to create lighter, fluffier bread. Over time, cornbread became a culinary staple across the Southern United States, prized for its simplicity, affordability, and ability to stretch meals for large families.
Different regions put their own spin on this humble bread:
- Southern cornbread: Typically savory, baked in a cast-iron skillet, and known for its crispy crust and rich, buttery flavor.
- Northern cornbread: Tends to be sweeter, with a lighter, cake-like texture.
- Modern variations: Add-ins like cheese, jalapeños, and creamed corn (like in this recipe!) have become popular for adding extra richness, spice, and texture.
Today, cornbread remains a beloved symbol of Southern hospitality and comfort food tradition. It’s the perfect side for hearty meals like chili or barbecue and serves as a flavorful reminder of the rich culinary history that shaped American cuisine.
Cornbread History Timeline:
- Pre-Colonial Era: Native Americans create early cornbread using ground maize.
- 1600s: European settlers adopt and adapt cornbread recipes.
- 1800s: Cornbread becomes a Southern U.S. staple, evolving with regional variations.
- Early 1900s: Introduction of baking powder and baking soda for fluffier cornbread.
- Mid-1900s: Modern adaptations introduce cheese, jalapeños, and creamed corn.
- Today: Cornbread remains a comfort food classic, beloved across the U.S.
For an in-depth look at cornbread’s origins and its cultural significance in American cuisine, check out the Wikipedia page on Cornbread.
Here’s my go-to recipe for cheesy cornbread with creamed corn, a moist, flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any meal.
Cheesy Cornbread with Creamed Corn Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 (15 oz) can creamed corn
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or pepper jack)
- 1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped (optional)
- ½ cup sour cream (optional for extra moisture)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a cast-iron skillet or 9x9-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In another bowl, mix buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Stir in the creamed corn, sour cream, and jalapeños.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed, then fold in 1 cup of the shredded cheese.
- Pour the batter into your skillet and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving alongside a bowl of Texas chili.
No Buttermilk? Here’s a Quick Substitute!
Buttermilk adds a subtle tang and helps create that tender, fluffy texture we all love in cornbread. But if you don’t have any on hand, don’t worry—you can make a simple homemade substitute with ingredients you probably already have.
How to Make Buttermilk at Home:
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Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk (or any milk you have)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
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Instructions:
- Pour 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice into a measuring cup.
- Add milk until you reach the 1-cup line.
- Stir well and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. The milk will curdle slightly and thicken—this is what gives it that signature buttermilk texture and tang!
This quick homemade buttermilk works just as well as store-bought and will give your cheesy cornbread with creamed corn the perfect flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle with honey or serve with a pat of butter for a comforting, slightly sweet finish.
Sprinkle fresh herbs (like chopped cilantro) on top for added color and flavor.
Pair with a glass of Zinfandel or Malbec—just like with the chili, these wines complement the richness and spice perfectly.
Baking Essentials
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Lodge Cast Iron Wedge Pan – Perfect for achieving a crispy, golden crust on every piece.
Lodge Cast Iron Wedge Pan$21.20Buy NowWe earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.03/14/2025 01:14 pm GMT -
OXO Good Grips Mixing Bowl Set – Non-slip mixing bowls that make prepping your batter easier.
OXO Plastic Good Grips 3-Piece Mixing Bowl Set with Red/Green/Blue Handles$27.99Buy NowWe earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.03/14/2025 01:14 pm GMT -
USA Pan Nonstick Square Baking Pan – A great alternative if you’re not using a cast-iron skillet.
Square Cake Pan, 8 inch, Nonstick & Quick Release Coating, Made in the USA from Aluminized Steel$21.29Buy NowWe earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.03/14/2025 01:14 pm GMT
Serving & Storage Accessories
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Butter Dish with Lid – Perfect for serving cornbread with fresh butter.
Porcelain Butter Dish with Lid$18.99Buy NowWe earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.03/14/2025 01:14 pm GMT -
Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers – Great for storing leftovers while keeping them fresh.
Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, BPA Free, Airtight Lids Set of 5 (3.2 Cup)$29.99Buy NowWe earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.03/14/2025 01:14 pm GMT
Make It a Meal: Chili + Cornbread = Comfort Food Bliss
Pair this cheesy cornbread with my Authentic Texas Chili recipe for the ultimate comfort food feast. The hearty, meaty richness of the chili combined with the soft, cheesy texture of the cornbread creates a balance of flavors that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re hosting a game-day party, planning a cozy family dinner, or just treating yourself, this duo will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Let’s Talk Cornbread!
What’s your favorite way to serve cornbread? Sweet, spicy, cheesy, or plain and simple? Drop a comment below with your thoughts, and if you try this recipe, tag me on social media—I’d love to see your delicious creations!
