A healthy and wholesome breakfast is key to improving your energy levels and productivity. Cornbread is an excellent breakfast food because it’s made of whole grains and is loaded with nutrients. So, what can you eat with cornbread for breakfast?
Cornbread tastes good with dairy products like milk, butter, cheese, cottage cheese, and eggs. You can also have it with raw or cooked fruits, vegetables, and meat. Honey, jam, baked beans, maple syrup, and other breakfast staples also go well with cornbread.
Before we dive into the full list of what to have with cornbread for breakfast, let’s look at why it’s a good choice for breakfast.
Benefits Of Having Cornbread For Breakfast
Breakfast is called the most important meal of the day because it fuels the body with nutrients and energy after a long break from eating.
It replenishes your glucose levels and helps you become alert and active.
Hence, it’s essential to make healthy, nutritious food choices for breakfast to start your day on the right note.
Cornbread is a good breakfast option for various reasons.
Firstly, it’s a wholesome food that is rich in carbohydrates and nutrients.
It’s a good source of phosphorus, selenium, and other important minerals.
It’s also incredibly easy to prepare because cornbread requires only a few ingredients.
It doesn’t take much time to put together because the dough doesn’t use yeast nor require time to rise.
Finally, cornbread recipes are highly adaptable.
You can tailor it to your liking and prepare both savory and sweet versions based on your preferences.
Let’s now look at the different foods that cornbread best pairs with.
What Does Cornbread Taste Good With For Breakfast?
Cornbread is a hearty breakfast by itself.
Nonetheless, you may like to add a few side dishes and make a complete meal.
So, here are some of the best foods that go well with cornbread.
1. Milk
In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, milk and cornbread is a big hit.
These two items make a simple but satisfying breakfast that will fill you up easily but not weigh you down.
In the Appalachian Mountain regions, people prepare a concoction by crumbling cornbread into a tall glass and filling it with buttermilk.
Buttermilk has a tangy flavor. However, some people prefer plain or sweetened milk instead of buttermilk.
2. Butter
The combination of melted butter and cornbread is very comforting. It’s a pleasant way to start the day.
You could even mix in some honey or jam with the butter for more flavor.
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3. Cheese
Cheese goes with cornbread just as with normal bread.
You can slather cream cheese on cornbread for an easy and hearty breakfast.
Cornbread also goes well with goat cheese, feta, cheddar, and pepper jack.
The best way to have it is by topping cornbread with the cheese and heating it in the oven or microwave till the cheese melts and coats the cornbread.
4. Honey
When the sweetness of honey meets the saltiness of cornbread, there is an explosion of flavor.
It’s a fantastic combination that children or anyone with a sweet tooth will enjoy.
You can not only savor this combination for breakfast but also enjoy it as the ending to a meal.
5. Jam
Jams and fruit preserves will enhance the flavor of cornbread and make it a complete meal.
If the cornbread is sweet, it may not be the best idea to have it with jam.
In that case, try to choose less-sugary jams and preserves. You can also enjoy cornbread with marmalade.
Adding a dollop of butter will make the combination richer. Although it will add calories, it’s delicious and satisfying.
6. Cottage Cheese
If you’re looking for a healthy side for cornmeal without overwhelming flavors, cottage cheese is a good choice.
You can even toss in some herbs or spices for extra flavor if you prefer.
Many expert cooks recommend adding cottage cheese to cornmeal mix because it makes the cornbread moist and soft.
However, you can also have the two together for breakfast and enjoy similar nutritive benefits.
7. Maple Syrup
Cornbread and maple syrup aren’t a traditional combination. Nonetheless, they pair well.
The sharp and sticky sweetness of the maple syrup adds a certain richness to salty cornbread.
This condiment also works well in sweet cornbread recipes. However, it can turn out to be extremely sweet.
8. Eggs
Eggs with cornbread are a classic American breakfast combo.
Eggs in any form go well with cornbread, so it’s just a matter of finding what works for you.
Soft-boiled eggs are the most popular choice.
Poached eggs will also work very well with cornbread because they have subtle flavors.
Eggs also enhance the nutritional value of the meal and make breakfast more satisfying.
Another combination to try is scrambled eggs with cornbread.
You can even season the egg with cumin, paprika, or cayenne for some flavor.
9. Oatmeal
Just like eggs, oatmeal and cornbread are another American breakfast staples.
There are many ways in which you can mix it up with cornbread for breakfast.
Try crumbling cornbread on top of warm oatmeal in a bowl, and top it with maple syrup or honey for a breakfast that will keep you full till noon.
10. Yogurt
If you aren’t very fond of sweet breakfasts, consider having cornbread with yogurt for breakfast.
Crush your cornbread and mix it in with a bowl of yogurt for a tangy and filling meal.
You can also toss in some granola or shredded nuts for crunch.
11. Fresh Fruit
Cornbread goes well with most seasonal fruits.
Pair it with pears and apples in winter and peaches or mangoes in summer for a seasonal breakfast combination.
The soft and subtle flavors of the cornbread will complement the sharp fruity flavors, making it a refreshing breakfast combination.
12. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a flavorful addition to cornbread.
The slightly salty and creamy texture of the peanut butter adds richness to the combination.
The slight saltiness of the peanut works well with the light sweetness of cornbread.
It’s also a healthy choice that delivers enough protein and carbohydrates at the beginning of the day.
13. Bacon, Ham, Or Sausages
Most meat-based breakfast staples like bacon, ham, and sausages taste good with cornbread.
The crisp and salty flavor of bacon contrasts well with the soft and sweet flavors of cornbread.
Ham also enhances the flavors of cornbread. Children usually enjoy having sausages and cornbread.
14. Greens
Most green vegetables, like kale, collard greens, and spinach, make excellent satisfying meals with cornbread.
The easiest way to pair them is by sauteing the vegetables with salt, garlic powder, pepper, or any other spices you like.
You can also blanch or roast the vegetables and serve them with cornbread.
Adding a dollop of butter will further enrich the combination and make the meal more satisfying.
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15. Baked Beans
You can never go wrong with baked beans and cornbread.
This combination is a Southern staple, and bread and beans have always worked together.
All cornbread varieties, whether sweet or savory, go well with both homemade and store-bought baked beans.
You can either crumble the cornbread on the beans or use it to mop up all the delicious sauce from the baked beans.
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16. Hash Browns
The texture and taste of hash browns complement cornbread perfectly.
They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
It contrasts nicely with the soft and crumbly texture of cornbread.
You can also add some fruit to complete the meal.
