Boxed Cornbread Mix Is Good—Here’s How to Make It Better (2024)

I grew up loving my dad’s cheesy, spicy cornbread. I was so devoted that I wouldn’t eat plain cornbread for most of my childhood. Nothing could compare to my dad’s version, filled with jalapeños, cheddar, and sausage or bacon. (Or both.)

He loved cooking our Thanksgiving feast and really loved bragging about how good he was at jazzing up a box of Jiffy—yes, his cornbread always started with Jiffy mix. I never followed in his footsteps, though. I always had this silly voice in my head telling me that making cornbread from a box meant that I was a bad cook, so I felt the need to start from scratch. But you know what? My dad’s cornbread is bomb—and if he can start from the box, then so can I.

The Good Book of Southern Baking: A Revival of Biscuits, Cakes, and Cornbread by Kelly Fields, chef-owner of Willa Jean in New Orleans, made me even more inclined to purchase a boxed mix. In a section of the book called “The Jiffy Fix,” Fields shares many (savory and sweet!) ideas for sprucing up boxed cornbread mix. (The book also includes a recipe for homemade Willa Jean cornbread—and how to use the batter for pancakes, waffles, fritters, and croutons.)

“Growing up, boxed cornbread was all I knew,” says Fields. “If someone is looking for a quick and economical way to feed themselves and their families, I think it’s a great option. It’s also a fun, easy way to experiment with baking and build some baking confidence by altering the mix!”

To her, great cornbread really tastes like cornmeal and has a moist, tender crumb. “And, if I may be incredibly controversial, I do like a touch of sugar in mine too,” she adds.

Below, you’ll find the chef’s favorite ways to make boxed cornbread even better. Start with one (8½-ounce) box of Jiffy corn muffin mix and follow the package instructions, using egg and milk—then pick a flavor option (or a few).

Boxed Cornbread Mix Is Good—Here’s How to Make It Better (2)

Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, 8.5 oz (6 Pack)

Amp up the corn

The best cornbread is the one that really tastes like corn—so why not add extra? Fields recommends stirring 1 cup of fresh corn kernels into the batter, which will also add pops of texture. No fresh corn on hand? Strain 1 (8-ounce) can of creamed corn and stir into the batter along with one additional egg.

Make it tangy

One of the simplest ways is to bring in more flavor and depth is by adding ⅓ cup of sour cream to the batter, which makes the cornbread extra moist and a little tangy. Another tangy option: Add ⅔ cup of buttermilk, which also makes the cornbread super tender.

Heat and spices

If you’re into heat, Fields says there are endless ways to give your cornbread a kick. You can stir in 1 cup of roasted chopped jalapeños or 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne into the batter. Or, you can mix in 3 tablespoons of your favorite chile paste. Fields also recommends trying a little NOLA flair by adding a rounded ¼ teaspoon Cajun spice blend to your cornbread mix.

Boxed Cornbread Mix Is Good—Here’s How to Make It Better (2024)

FAQs

Boxed Cornbread Mix Is Good—Here’s How to Make It Better? ›

One of the simplest ways is to bring in more flavor and depth is by adding ⅓ cup of sour cream to the batter, which makes the cornbread extra moist and a little tangy. Another tangy option: Add ⅔ cup of buttermilk, which also makes the cornbread super tender.

How to jazz up boxed cornbread mix? ›

24 Things To Add to Jiffy Cornbread Mix to Make It Even Better
  1. ⅓ cup white sugar + ¼ cup brown sugar + ⅓ cup sour cream + 4 tablespoons melted butter + 1 tablespoon vanilla.
  2. 1 tablespoon oil, melted butter, or browned butter.
  3. ½ cup mayonnaise.
  4. ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt.
  5. 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup.
Dec 18, 2022

How to make store-bought cornbread better? ›

Stir In Some Mix-Ins

Stir in diced jalapeño peppers, grated cheese, chopped country ham, or crumbled bacon. Bacon makes everything better. If jalapeños have too much of a kick for you, use a chopped poblano pepper.

What can I add to my cornbread mix? ›

10 Mix-Ins for Classic Cornbread
  1. Bacon and scallion. ...
  2. Green chile and cheddar cheese. ...
  3. Crumbled sausage and poultry seasoning. ...
  4. Fresh corn and basil. ...
  5. Pepperoni, parmesan, and black pepper. ...
  6. Spicy shrimp and creole seasoning. ...
  7. Brown sugar and pecan. ...
  8. Cranberry and maple syrup.

How can I enhance my Jiffy mix? ›

To add texture and color to Jiffy mix: Add 1 cup fresh corn kernels, 1 cup chopped roasted bell peppers or pimentos. To make Jiffy cornbread mix spicy: Add 1 cup chopped roasted or jarred, drained jalapeños. You can also add a teaspoon of cayenne.

Should you let cornbread mix sit before baking? ›

By letting the cornbread batter sit at room temperature before baking, the cornmeal has some extra time to absorb the flavor from the other ingredients, and the baking powder gets a head start. I love using my cast-iron skillet for cornbread and preheat it before adding my batter.

Can I use milk instead of water in cornbread mix? ›

Can I substitute water for milk in cornbread mix? Yes, you can, but it may result in a less rich flavor. If you're out of milk, try using cream or half-and-half, evaporated or powdered milk, or even plain yogurt. If you have dietary restrictions, try soy milk or oat milk.

How do you doctor up store bought cornbread? ›

Heat and spices

You can stir in 1 cup of roasted chopped jalapeños or 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne into the batter. Or, you can mix in 3 tablespoons of your favorite chile paste. Fields also recommends trying a little NOLA flair by adding a rounded ¼ teaspoon Cajun spice blend to your cornbread mix.

What does adding more eggs do to cornbread? ›

The primary purpose of using eggs in cornbread (and with other baked goods) is to bind the ingredients together. By holding the ingredients together, the egg improves the mixture's structure and texture while allowing you to create a gel-like substance for easier processing.

Can you add a can of corn to cornbread mix? ›

Fresh corn is always best if it's in season, cut straight off the cob, but frozen is nearly as good. Just let the corn thaw and then drain it completely, patting dry if needed. Canned corn also works in a pinch, too, as long as you drain it thoroughly before mixing it into the batter.

What ingredient keeps cornbread from crumbling? ›

Cornmeal gives cornbread its classic color and flavor, but too much can make your bread crumbly. Try replacing a little bit of cornmeal with flour. The specific measurements will depend on how much cornmeal and flour is in your recipe, but you should try to have more flour than cornmeal in your batter.

Is cornbread mix supposed to be thick or watery? ›

The batter should be thick, but still pourable. Add more milk or buttermilk if necessary.

What ingredients keep cornbread from being dry? ›

Add in some Flour

Adding in flour will help to keep the cornbread moist. I like to use a 50/50 ratio of cornmeal to flour in my recipe.

How can I enhance my store bought muffin mix? ›

Makers love to use these 5 ways to experiment with muffin mixes to make something extra special.
  1. Add Fresh or Frozen Fruit to the Batter. ...
  2. Add a Cream Cheese Filling. ...
  3. Add Nuts to the Batter. ...
  4. Add a Sweet Topping. ...
  5. Make Something Completely Different.

Can you use outdated Jiffy cornbread mix? ›

Is it ok to use “JIFFY” mixes that are beyond the “Best If Used by” date? For best results, we recommend using all “JIFFY” mixes by the “Best If Used By” date. Beyond this date, dependent upon local weather and storage conditions, the quality of the end product may be affected.

How to make Krusteaz cornbread better? ›

Extra corn adds a boost of flavor and a bit of texture to cornbread. Add 1 1/2 cups fresh or drained corn and 2 tablespoons of dried chives. Make it yours. Make it Krusteaz ®.

How to jazz up Martha White cornbread mix? ›

One of the simplest ways is to bring in more flavor and depth is by adding ⅓ cup of sour cream to the batter, which makes the cornbread extra moist and a little tangy. Another tangy option: Add ⅔ cup of buttermilk, which also makes the cornbread super tender.

How do you jazz up store bought muffin mix? ›

Pecans, walnuts, and almonds can add a crunchy texture to moist muffins. Gently fold in 1/2 cup of your favorite chopped nuts into your muffin batter. Or try adding a scoop of peanut butter or peanut butter powder to the batter. If the mix gets a little too thick, just add a splash of water to even out the consistency.

What to add to Krusteaz cornbread mix? ›

How To Spice Up Krusteaz ® Cornbread
  1. Green Chile (or Jalapenos) & Cheddar Cheese. Give your cornbread a spicy kick by adding 1/4 cup chopped green chiles or jalapenos and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese. ...
  2. Peaches & Brown Sugar. ...
  3. Parmesan Cheese & Herbs. ...
  4. Apples & Maple Syrup. ...
  5. Bacon, Green Onion & Pepper Jack Cheese. ...
  6. Corn & Chives.

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