25 Leftover Cornbread Recipes

There are plenty of delicious leftover cornbread recipes that you can make to help fight food waste and stretch your dollar. 

From classic cornbread stuffing to cornbread waffles and even cornbread croutons, these recipes will make you fall in love with cornbread all over again.

In this article, we’ve compiled 19 of the best leftover cornbread recipes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds (and everyone else at the table). 

Why Use Leftover Cornbread?

While cornbread is a delicious side dish, let’s be honest, there is always leftovers. With that said, I personally believe it’s one of the best leftovers you can have! Cornbread can be used creatively to create new and exciting dishes. 

Not only is using leftover cornbread a great way to reduce food waste, but it also adds a unique flavor and texture to your dishes.

Some of the benefits of using leftover cornbread in your cooking include:

• Adding a crunchy texture to your dishes
• Swapping out typical staples such as corn and potatoes to create delicious dishes with ingredients you already have on hand
• Reducing food waste

Leftover cornbread can be used in endless ways.From breakfast to dinner and even dessert. It can be crumbled and used as a topping for casseroles or salads, or it can be used as a base for stuffing or a breakfast casserole, or even waffles!

Inspired yet? It’s time to get “cornbread” creative.

Savory leftover Cornbread Recipes

Cornbread Taco Casserole

Layer crumbled cornbread, leftover taco meat (or even leftover chili), black beans, corn, salsa, and shredded cheese in a baking dish. Bake until bubbly and golden for a fun and tasty twist on taco night.

Savory Cornbread Stuffing

Cornbread stuffing is a classic dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving or any other holiday meal. This recipe is a savory twist on traditional stuffing, using leftover cornbread as the base. It’s easy to make and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Cornbread Panzanella Salad

Crisp up your leftover cornbread in the oven and toss it with fresh tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and a tangy vinaigrette for a delicious and unique twist on the classic Italian bread salad. If you like this salad, you’ll probably love our Mediterranean cucumber salad.

Cornbread Sausage Quiche

Cornbread Sausage Quiche melds a crumbly cornbread base with a flavorful filling of sausage, eggs, cheese, and sautéed veggies, resulting in a mouthwatering and filling dish perfect for brunch.

Cowboy Casserole

This casserole is typically made with a base of ground beef, cheese, corn, and tater tots. But you can easily take a different spin on it by swapping out the tater tots for leftover cornbread. It’s similar to a walking taco casserole or a crispy taco pie. Serve it alongside some redneck caviar for the ultimate meal. 

Cornbread Crab Cakes

Cornbread Crab Cakes blend flaky crab meat with crumbled cornbread, creating a deliciously unique twist on traditional crab cakes. Seasoned and pan-fried, they boast a crispy exterior and tender interior.

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Cornbread Strata

Savory layers of cornbread, vegetables, cheese, and eggs meld together, creating a comforting, scrumptious, and satisfying baked dish.

Cornbread Crumbs

Breadcrumbs are boring. Let’s be honest. But cornbread crumbs, leveraging leftover crumbled cornbread, adds texture and a distinct, slightly sweet flavor to various dishes.

Cornbread Salad with Greens and Beans

Combine crumbled cornbread, mixed greens, black-eyed peas, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled bacon with a zesty dressing for a hearty and flavorful salad.

Cornbread Croutons

Cube your leftover cornbread, toss it with melted butter and your favorite seasonings, and bake until crispy. These croutons make a delicious addition to salads or a hearty chicken soup.

Cornbread Chicken Pot Pie

Transform your cornbread into a tasty topping for a chicken pot pie. Combine cooked, diced chicken with mixed vegetables and a creamy sauce, then top with crumbled cornbread and bake until golden brown.

Cornbread Casseroles

If you are looking for a hearty and filling meal, then cornbread casseroles are a perfect choice. These casseroles are a great way to use up leftover cornbread and create a delicious and satisfying meal for your family or guests. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Chili Cornbread Casserole: This casserole combines the flavors of chili and cornbread for a delicious and filling meal. Layer leftover cornbread, chili, and cheese in a baking dish and bake until hot and bubbly.
• Chicken and Cornbread Casserole: This casserole is a great way to use up leftover chicken and cornbread. Layer shredded chicken, cornbread, and vegetables in a baking dish and bake until hot and bubbly.
• Cornbread and Sausage Casserole: This casserole is a great and easy breakfast or brunch option. Layer crumbled sausage, cornbread, and leftover eggs in a baking dish and bake until cooked through.

These are just a few ideas for cornbread casseroles. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and try out different combinations to find your favorite.

Leftover Cornbread Recipes for Breakfast

When making cornbread for breakfast, consider adding in some extra ingredients like cheese, jalapenos, or bacon to give it an extra boost of flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cornmeal to change the texture and taste of your cornbread.

Overall, cornbread is a delicious and easy way to add some variety to your breakfast routine. Try out some of these ideas and see how to incorporate cornbread into your morning meals.

Here are a few ideas to start your day off with a cornbread breakfast:

Chili-Topped Cornbread Waffles

Crumble your leftover cornbread and mix it into your favorite waffle batter. Cook the waffles in a waffle maker, then top them with warm chili, shredded cheese, and sour cream for a savory and satisfying meal.

Cornbread Breakfast Casserole

Layer cubed cornbread, cooked breakfast sausage, sautéed vegetables, and shredded cheese in a baking dish, then pour over whisked eggs and milk. Bake until set for a hearty and flavorful breakfast casserole.

Cornbread French Toast

You’ve heard of Challah French toast, but what about cornbread French toast? Dip slices of cornbread into a mixture of eggs, whole milk, and cinnamon, then fry in butter until golden brown. 

Cornbread Waffles with Berry Compote

Turn your cornbread into waffle batter by adding a few extra ingredients like milk, eggs, and baking powder. Serve the waffles with a homemade berry compote and whipped cream for an indulgent breakfast or dessert. If berries aren’t in season, you can use frozen blueberries or raspberries. 

Dessert Recipes Using Leftover Cornbread

Cornbread is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, including desserts. Sweet cornbread can be used to create delicious desserts that are perfect for any occasion. Here are a few cornbread dessert ideas that you can try:

Cornbread Bread Pudding 

Transform your leftover cornbread into a warm, comforting bread pudding. This dessert is perfect for those who love a sweet and creamy treat, almost custard-like. Combine cubed cornbread with a mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Bake until golden and serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of ice cream.

Cornbread Cobbler

A twist on the classic fruit dessert, this dessert uses crumbled cornbread as the topping. Simply mix together your favorite fruit filling, pour it into a baking dish, and top it with crumbled cornbread before baking.

Cornbread Ice Cream 

A unique and delicious ice cream flavor made with crumbled cornbread, cream or half and half, sugar, and vanilla extract. This dessert is perfect for those who love a sweet and creamy treat.

Cornbread Trifle

Layer crumbled cornbread, whipped cream, and your choice of fruit in a trifle dish for a visually stunning and delicious dessert. Try using peaches, berries, or even a caramel apple compote for a flavorful combination.

Cornbread Stuffed Apples

Hollow out apples and fill them with a mixture of crumbled cornbread, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Bake until the apples are tender and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cornbread Strawberry Shortcake

Replace the traditional biscuit or sponge cake with cornbread for a delightful twist on strawberry shortcake. Layer slices of cornbread with sweetened whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a light and refreshing dessert.

Cornbread Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping

Turn your cornbread into a scrumptious coffee cake by adding a layer of cinnamon-sugar streusel on top before baking. The sweet crumble complements the slightly savory cornbread for a perfect pairing with your morning coffee.

Cornbread Ice Cream Sandwiches

Slice cornbread into thin rounds and sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream in between. You can use classic flavors like vanilla or chocolate or try something unexpected like honey lavender or peach cobbler ice cream.

Cornbread Cake with Candied Bacon

Crumble your leftover cornbread and mix it into a basic cake batter to create a cornbread cake. Frost with a honey buttercream for a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors.

Cornbread Crumb Cookies

Incorporate cornbread crumbs into your favorite cookie dough for a unique twist on classic cookies. The subtle corn flavor adds a new dimension to chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, or even snickerdoodle cookies.

These are just a few cornbread dessert ideas that you can try. With some creativity, you can use cornbread to create various delicious desserts that your family and friends will love.

Leftover Cornbread FAQs

Should leftover cornbread be refrigerated?

Leftover cornbread can be stored at room temperature for up to two days, but for longer storage and to maintain freshness, it is recommended to refrigerate it. When stored in the refrigerator, properly wrapped cornbread can last for up to one week. To prevent the cornbread from drying out, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container before refrigerating. 

Can I freeze leftover cornbread?

You can definitely freeze leftover cornbread. If you want to store cornbread for longer than one week, we recommend freezing it. To freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then again in foil. Wrapped like this, cornbread should last a few months in the freezer.

How do you refresh leftover cornbread?

To refresh leftover cornbread and bring back some of its original moisture and texture, you can use the following methods:

Microwave method: 

Place the leftover cornbread on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp towel. This will help to introduce some moisture back into the cornbread as it heats. Microwave the cornbread on a low power setting for 15-30 seconds, checking its warmth and texture after each interval. Be cautious not to overheat it, as microwaving for too long can make it tough and chewy.

Steaming method: 

Fill a pot with a small amount of water and place a steamer basket or heatproof colander over the pot, ensuring that the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the basket. Place the cornbread in the steamer basket, cover it with a lid, and heat the water to produce steam. Steam the cornbread for a few minutes until it’s warmed and moistened. This method works well for refreshing cornbread without making it overly soggy.

Tips for Leftover Cornbread Recipes

Use a cast iron skillet for crispy edges. For any of these casserole-based recipes, we recommend using a cast iron skillet for extra crispy edges.

Add in the veggies. Don’t feel like you have to stick to your typical broccoli and green beans when it comes to pairing cornbread with veggies. Try bell pepper or jalapenos for some added zest.

Don’t forget to season as you go. Just because you’re cornbread was seasoned once doesn’t mean a dish made with cornbread won’t need some added salt, pepper, or garlic powder added to it in the process. Leverage fresh herbs as well!

When all else fails, cheddar cheese! Shredded cheese, whether cheddar, Colby Jack or a Mexican mix, is a great way to turn old cornbread into something new and delicious. Whether it’s grated cheese on a slice of cornbread or mixed in generously to a casserole, cheese never fails.

Chicken broth (or buttermilk) is your friend. At the end of the day, leftover cornbread might taste or have a slightly stale mouthfeel. If you’re making a savory dish, a few tablespoons of chicken broth will soften your dish. A sweet dish? Try a drop of either buttermilk or cream to bring your old bread back to life. 

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With a little creativity, you can turn leftover cornbread into a new and exciting dish that your whole family will love. Have questions about these leftover cornbread recipes? Leave them in the comments below.