Homestyle Broccoli Cheese Cornbread

Put a spin on the Southern favorite with this broccoli cheese cornbread. Fluffy yet moist and cheesy, it certainly packs a hearty homestyle flavor punch.

Looking to sneak some extra vegetables into your kids’ meals? You need this broccoli cornbread recipe in your life. Cornbread has  been a staple in our Southern kitchens for generations and is definitely a family favorite. But the best part is this recipe is very kid-friendly, as when you mix the broccoli with the goodness of cheese, it doesn’t have an overpowering taste or smell. Your kids will never know it’s there!

The Jiffy cornbread mix makes this recipe sweet, while the cottage cheese keeps it moist. Add in butter, eggs, and broccoli and you have a cornbread recipe that’s quick, easy, and delicious! This is a popular dish to take to picnics and potlucks in the South, but it also works as a side dish alongside a steak or chicken dinner.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, here are my other favorite cornbread recipes: cornbread salad, cornbread-stuffed bell pepper rings, country cornbread sliders, Dixie cornbread, hot water cornbread, and red beans and cornbread.

Recipe Ingredients

• 2 8.5-ounce packages of Jiffy cornbread mix
• 1 stick of butter, softened to room temperature
• 5 eggs
• 2 cups steamed broccoli florets (fresh or frozen broccoli)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped finely
• 6oz cottage cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and spray a 9”x13” casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine corn muffin mix and butter.

Mix until well combined and consistency is like wet sand.

Beat in the eggs one at a time.

Combine until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, like this.

Stir in steamed broccoli (put in food processor if you don’t want kiddos (or husband 😉 to see the larger pieces), onion, cottage cheese, and salt.

Mix until well combined. 

Pour batter into the baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.

Remove from the oven and allow your broccoli cheese cornbread to cool for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can eat them cold or quickly reheat them in the microwave.
• You can also store cornbread leftovers in the freezer for up to three months. Once thawed, reheat in the microwave.

Recipe Notes

• After mixing all the ingredients together, the cornbread mix will be thick and lumpy due to the cottage cheese and pieces of broccoli and onion.
• When cooking time is complete, you should be able to stick a toothpick into the center of the cornbread and not see any wet ingredients when you remove it. If you do, return to the oven and bake for another five minutes. 
• The cornbread will be moist and very hot once it is done cooking. Cutting the cornbread and allowing it to cool on a cooling rack will help the deliciousness start sooner!
• The broccoli does not have an overpowering taste or smell.
• If you like your cornbread with a bit of heat, add a dash of hot sauce to the mixture before cooking.
• You can use fresh broccoli florets or a package of frozen chopped broccoli in this cornbread recipe.
• If you need a substitute for cottage cheese, use sour cream. It won’t give the cornbread that cheesy flavor, but it’ll ensure it remains moist, creamy, and fluffy.
• To beef up the recipe and add even more cheesy flavor, add one to two cups of shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese to the recipe when you add in the cottage cheese. You can also sprinkle additional cheddar cheese over the top before baking.
• If one onion isn’t enough, you can add in 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder or chopped green onions/shallots to this recipe as well.
• To make cornbread muffins, place the batter in a muffin pan instead and bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Recipe FAQs

What do you serve with broccoli cheese cornbread?

This dish makes for an amazing side to a hearty meal. It pairs very well with a steak or chicken dinner, like my chicken fried steak, pulled BBQ chicken, grilled chicken tenderloins, pork chops, or fuss-free fried chicken. It’s also great for soaking up all of that delicious chili sauce.

Serve your broccoli cornbread alongside other sensational Southern side dishes:

Recipe for Fried Okra

Oven-Baked Mac and Cheese (Southern Plate Favorite)

Southern Turnip Greens (Quick and “Fried”)

Fresh Green Beans

Hush Puppies Southern-Style (Crunchy and Delicious)

Tomato, Onion, and Cucumber Salad