Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread

Cornbread may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of comfort food. But once you try this Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread, that will have to change. It’s the kind of side that starts with “just a small piece” but always ends with me going back for more.

Broccoli Cornbread

If only you could have been in my kitchen when I first baked this broccoli cornbread recipe. The delightful scent of it filled the air. This is one of those recipes that smells so good baking, you can’t help but find yourself hovering near the oven door.

You’d take a square of the warm, cheesy broccoli cornbread to eat it straight out of the pan. And, I’d say to be careful because it’s still hot. But then, I’d also be eating one right alongside you. Because who wants to wait?

Broccoli and Cheese Cornbread

Look, I adore vegetables. I don’t deny it. And, I’m convinced that more people would love vegetables if they got to experience them this way. Cheesy and flavorful, wrapped in a moist cornbread. This kind of recipe is a great way to sneak some extra broccoli into little kids without a fight.

I was inspired to try this with broccoli after making a side of corn spoon bread. The texture in this is very close to what it would be as a broccoli spoonbread. Rich and moist, it’s almost a little custardy, kind of like a corn pudding.

Cheesy Cornbread

This kind of side dish will always remind me of my mom. Every holiday, she tried to make something special out of the limited ingredients she had access to. So at Christmas and Thanksgiving, sweet corn pudding was always on the table.

And, when New Year’s rolled around, she’d prepare a big pot of beans, and she’d bake cornbread in her cast iron skillet. If she was blessed enough to have a little extra in the budget, she’d chop up a slice or two of ham for the beans.

As a kid, that humble meal was not my favorite. But now I look back and realize that these were more than just meals. They were traditions that she built with intention, creating moments we kids could count on year after year.

I try to find ways to build those same moments with my own kids. And, so I’m always looking for recipes that they really enjoy. I didn’t expect this to really be as big a hit with them, but my boys happily devoured the whole pan!

Broccoli and Cheese

If you have a broccoli hater in the family, this broccoli and cheese cornbread might convince them to give the little trees another try. Cheese seems to make everything better. And, I’m always looking for a new take on this classic combo.

I love using this cheddar cheese sauce on all kinds of vegetables. It’s creamy, flavorful, and rich. But, we love it best on broccoli! And, I could make a whole meal out of these parmesan roasted broccoli florets.

If you’ve got a mac and cheese lover (and who doesn’t?) at your table, be sure to try my best ever broccoli mac and cheese. It tastes so much better than the stuff from a box, and it takes the same amount of time!

Cheesy, savory, and creamy with a toasted, buttery top, this broccoli gratin deserves a spot in the vegetable hall of fame. For a long time, this was one of the most requested vegetables at our table.