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What to Serve with Cornbread? Try These 14 Side Dishes

When it comes to finding the perfect accompaniment for your next cornbread creation, don’t let the decision leave you stumped!

After all, a delicious plate of fluffy cornbread needs quality side dishes to round out the meal.

With this list of 14 excellent sides that pair perfectly with any version of cornbread, you can serve up an impressive spread with ease.

Whether you’re after traditional Southern-style fare or unique international flavors, there’s something here for every taste and occasion!

You’ll find vibrant colors and eye-catching presentations plus classic flavors guaranteed to make everyone at the table more than happy.

Get ready to tantalize those tastebuds with these amazing side dish recipes that complete any plate of scrumptious cornbread.

What to Serve with Cornbread? Try These 14 Side Dishes

1. Homemade Ground Beef Chili

Looking for a delicious and hearty chili recipe that you can make at home? Then look no further than this homemade ground beef chili.

This dish is packed with flavor and has a great texture that will leave you feeling satisfied.

Plus, it’s easy to make and can be easily elevated with a few simple tips.

This chili has a rich and savory flavor that is perfect for a cold winter day.

The beef provides a great depth of flavor, while the spices give it a nice kick.

And the best part is that all of the ingredients come together to create a dish that is truly greater than the sum of its parts.

When it comes to texture, this chili is thick and creamy, with just the right amount of chunks of beef and vegetables.

It’s the perfect comfort food. Now let’s talk about how to elevate this dish.

One simple way to do this is to top it with some shredded cheese and diced onions.

This will add even more flavor and make it even more satisfying.

Another great way to elevate this dish is to serve it with some cornbread on the side.

2. Apple Butter

Apple butter is a thick, dark-colored spread made from apples that have been cooked down with sugar and spices until they turn into a thick paste.

It’s usually used as a spread for toast or pancakes, but it can also be used in recipes as a flavoring or filling.

The taste of apple butter is sweet and intense, with the flavors of the apples and spices coming through strongly.

The texture is smooth and spreadable, similar to jam or preserves.

There are a few ways you can use apple butter to elevate your dish.

Try using it as a filling for pies or pastries, or use it to top off a grilled cheese sandwich for a sweet and savory twist.

You can also mix it into oatmeal or yogurt for an extra boost of flavor.

3. Slow Cooker Beans and Ham

If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty dish to make this winter, look no further than slow cooker beans and ham.

This dish is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it’s so easy to make.

Simply throw all of the ingredients into your crockpot and let it do its thing.

The best part about this dish is that it’s so versatile.

You can use any type of bean you like, and the ham can be swapped out for bacon or sausage if you prefer.

The beans and meat cook together in the crockpot, creating a rich and savory flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

This dish is also incredibly filling.

The beans are a great source of protein and fiber, while the ham provides some additional protein and flavor.

Serve this dish with some cornbread on the side, and you’ve got a complete meal that will leave you feeling satisfied.

If you’re looking to take this dish to the next level, try adding some chopped onion, garlic, or green peppers to the mix.

These veggies will add even more flavor and nutrients to the dish.

You can also top each serving with some shredded cheese or sour cream for an extra bit of indulgence.

4. Fried Apples

Fried apples are a delicious and easy way to enjoy this fall fruit.

While you can find fried apples year-round, they are best in the fall when apples are at their peak.

Fried apples are usually made with tart apples like Granny Smith, but you can use any type of apple you like.

When frying apples, be sure to choose ones that are firm and not too ripe.

You want the apples to hold their shape and not turn to mush when cooked.

The best way to fry apples is in small batches so that they cook evenly.

Be sure to watch them carefully so they don’t burn.

There are many ways to enjoy fried apples.

Serve them as a side dish with pork or chicken, or enjoy them on their own as a dessert.

Top them with ice cream, whipped cream, or your favorite caramel or chocolate sauce.

5. Sausage Gravy

Sausage gravy is a dish that is traditionally made with breakfast sausage, milk, and flour.

It is often served over biscuits, but can also be enjoyed on its own.

The taste of sausage gravy is savory and slightly spicy, with a creamy texture.

The gravy gets its creaminess from the milk that is used as a base.

The flour helps to thicken the gravy and gives it body.

There are many ways to elevate this dish and make it your own.

One way is to experiment with different types of sausage.

Breakfast sausage is the most common type used, but you could also try using Italian sausage or even ground beef.

Another way to change up the flavor is to add some shredded cheese to the gravy.

This will give it a richer flavor and make it even more delicious.

For a really unique twist, you could try serving the gravy over waffles instead of biscuits.

The combination of sweet and savory flavors would be amazing.

6. Jalapeno Jelly

Jalapeno jelly is a delicious and unique condiment that can add a lot of flavor to your dishes.

It is made from jalapenos, sugar, vinegar, and pectin.

The taste is sweet and spicy, with a slightly thick and sticky texture.

Jalapeno jelly is great on sandwiches, as a dip for crackers or vegetables, or even just on its own.

If you want to elevate the dish, try serving it with cream cheese and crackers, or using it as a glaze on grilled chicken or pork.

7. Tomato Jam

Tomato jam is a delicious, versatile dish that can be used in a variety of ways.

The sweet and savory flavors of the jam elevate any dish it is paired with.

The texture of the jam is also perfect for spreading on bread or crackers.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to dishes that pair well with tomato jam.

Some of our favorites include grilled chicken, fish tacos, and roasted vegetables.

But don’t limit yourself to just these options.

Get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations.

  • Be sure to use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
  • Add a touch of heat by including chili peppers in the recipe.
  • Balance out the sweetness by adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.

8. Cinnamon Whipped Cream

When it comes to cornbread, there are a lot of different ways that you can enjoy it.

One of the best ways to enjoy cornbread is by pairing it with cinnamon whipped cream.

The combination of the two is absolutely delicious and will definitely leave you wanting more.

The taste of cinnamon whipped cream is sweet and rich, with a perfect hint of spice from the cinnamon.

The texture is smooth and creamy, making it the perfect topping for cornbread.

When it comes to elevating this dish, there are a few things that you can do.

One tip is to add a bit of vanilla extract to the whipped cream.

This will give it an even richer flavor that pairs perfectly with the cornbread.

Another tip is to sprinkle some chopped nuts on top of the whipped cream.

This adds a nice crunch and a bit of extra flavor.

9. Sweet Potato Casserole

This dish is a holiday staple in many households, and for good reason.

Sweet potato casserole is not only delicious, but it’s also relatively easy to make.

The sweet potatoes are usually boiled until they’re soft, then mashed with some sugar, butter, eggs, and spices.

The mixture is then poured into a baking dish and topped with marshmallows or pecans before being baked.

The result is a warm, comforting casserole that’s perfect for chilly weather.

The sweet potatoes provide a lovely sweetness and the marshmallows add a nice touch of decadence.

If you’re looking to elevate this dish, try adding some orange zest to the mashed sweet potatoes.

It’ll give the casserole a lovely citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.

You could also try using different types of nuts in the topping – hazelnuts or almonds would be lovely.

10. Corn Pudding

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of corn pudding.

This dish is traditionally made with corn kernels, milk, eggs, sugar, and flour, and then baked until it’s nice and creamy.

The result is a delicious side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

One of the best things about corn pudding is its versatility.

It can be enjoyed as-is or elevated with a few simple ingredients.

If you’re looking to give your corn pudding a little something extra, try adding in some shredded cheese, diced bacon, or even a dollop of sour cream on top.

11. Macaroni and Cheese

There are few things in this world as comforting as a big bowl of mac and cheese.

The creamy, cheesy goodness is the perfect comfort food for a cold winter’s night.

And while it may be tempting to just open a box of Kraft and call it a day, we’re here to tell you that there’s so much more to this dish than that.

When done right, mac and cheese can be a gourmet dish that will tantalize your taste buds.

The key is in the quality of the ingredients.

Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more robust flavor, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese.

A mix of cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan will give you a depth of flavor that you never knew was possible.

As for the pasta, ditch the white flour noodles and opt for something with more substance, like whole wheat or quinoa noodles.

And finally, don’t skimp on the toppings.

A few slices of bacon or some chopped up chives can really take this dish to the next level.

12. Collard Greens

There are few things more southern than a plate of collard greens.

This leafy green vegetable has a strong, slightly bitter flavor that is offset by its juicy, crunchy texture.

While it is traditionally cooked with ham hocks or bacon, there are plenty of ways to make this dish your own.

If you’re looking to elevate your collard greens, try adding some shredded chicken or smoked sausage to the mix.

You can also add in some diced onions or garlic for an extra punch of flavor.

For a truly unique dish, try using collard greens in a stir-fry or as a wrapping for grilled meats.

13. Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are a classic southern dish that can be enjoyed all year round.

The key to making the perfect fried green tomato is to get the right mix of crispy and juicy.

The outside should be nice and crispy, while the inside should be soft and juicy.

One tip to elevate this dish is to add a flavorful dipping sauce.

A simple ranch or BBQ sauce will do the trick, or you could get creative and make your own dipping sauce.

Another way to elevate this dish is to stuff the tomatoes with your favorite filling.

Cheese, bacon, and diced vegetables are all great options.

14. Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup to warm you up on a cold day.

This dish is packed with flavor and texture, and there are plenty of ways to elevate it so that it’s even more delicious.

One of the best things about chicken noodle soup is that it’s so versatile.

You can add whatever vegetables you like, and the broth can be as light or rich as you prefer.

The noodles are also a great way to add some extra heartiness to the dish.

To make your chicken noodle soup even more flavorful, try adding some fresh herbs or spice it up with a bit of cayenne pepper.

And for an extra boost of protein, add some cooked chicken or hard-boiled eggs.

With so many possibilities, it’s easy to see why this classic soup is a favorite comfort food for so many people.

Conclusion

Here are 14 of the best side dishes to serve with cornbread.

Each dish has a unique taste and texture that compliments the cornbread perfectly.

With these dishes, you’ll have a delicious and well-rounded meal that everyone will enjoy.

So, next time you’re wondering what to serve with cornbread, be sure to try one of these delicious recipes.

What to Serve with Cornbread? Try These 14 Side Dishes

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Sides
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1. Homemade Ground Beef Chili
  • 2. Apple Butter
  • 3. Slow Cooker Beans and Ham
  • 4. Fried Apples
  • 5. Sausage Gravy
  • 6. Jalapeno Jelly
  • 7. Tomato Jam
  • 8. Cinnamon Whipped Cream
  • 9. Sweet Potato Casserole
  • 10. Corn Pudding
  • 11. Macaroni and Cheese
  • 12. Collard Greens
  • 13. Fried Green Tomatoes
  • 14. Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite sides from the list above.
  • Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
  • If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!