Jiffy boxed cornbread is a quick and easy staple in many kitchens, but sometimes you want to take it up a notch. Here are nine simple yet effective ways to elevate your Jiffy cornbread, making it richer, more flavorful, and just plain better.
1. Add Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
Incorporating sour cream or Greek yogurt into your Jiffy cornbread batter can significantly enhance its moistness and richness. These ingredients add a subtle tanginess while creating a creamier texture that makes each bite more satisfying. To achieve this, simply mix in about 1/2 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt into the batter before baking.
2. Use Buttermilk Instead of Regular Milk
One of the easiest ways to improve Jiffy cornbread is by replacing the water or regular milk with buttermilk. Buttermilk adds a slight tang and increases the cornbread’s fluffiness, resulting in a tender and light texture. The acidity in buttermilk reacts with the baking soda in the mix, giving you a more delicate crumb and a richer flavor.
3. Incorporate Corn Kernels
Adding whole corn kernels to your cornbread batter gives it a delightful burst of sweetness and texture. Whether you use fresh, frozen, or canned (drained) corn, about 1 cup will do the trick. This addition not only enhances the corn flavor but also provides a pleasant bite that makes the cornbread more interesting.
4. Add Honey or Maple Syrup
For a touch of natural sweetness, stir in a couple of tablespoons of honey or maple syrup. This will give your cornbread a deeper, richer flavor profile and a slightly sticky top crust that’s incredibly appealing. The sweetness balances well with the corn flavor, making the cornbread even more delicious.
5. Mix in Cheese
Grated cheese, such as cheddar or a Mexican blend, can be mixed into the batter to create a savory cornbread with a delicious cheesy flavor. Adding about 1 cup of cheese not only imparts flavor but also adds moisture to the cornbread. The cheese melts into the batter, giving the cornbread a gooey, satisfying texture.
6. Include Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs like chives, rosemary, or thyme can elevate the flavor of your cornbread, adding a gourmet twist. Finely chop the herbs and mix about 1-2 tablespoons into the batter. The herbs will add a fresh, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the corn and the richness of the cheese or butter you might be using.
7. Add Creamed Corn
For a richer, more corn-forward flavor, mix in a can of creamed corn. This addition makes the cornbread more moist and flavorful, giving it a luscious, creamy texture. Simply fold in the creamed corn after mixing the batter. The result is a cornbread that is dense, moist, and packed with corn flavor.
8. Stir in Jalapeños
For those who like a little heat, finely chopped jalapeños are a great addition to your cornbread batter. Depending on your spice tolerance, one or two jalapeños will add a nice level of spiciness without overpowering the other flavors. The jalapeños add a zesty kick that contrasts well with the sweetness of the corn.
9. Top with Bacon Crumbles
Crispy bacon crumbles make an excellent topping for cornbread, adding a salty, smoky crunch. To do this, cook the bacon until crispy, crumble it, and sprinkle it on top of the batter before baking. Alternatively, you can mix the crumbles directly into the batter for an even distribution of that irresistible bacon flavor throughout the cornbread.
