This cornbread pudding recipe combines the best bits of classic comfort food into one hearty dish. It’s like taking the cozy feel of a creamy pudding and topping it off with the homey, familiar taste of cornbread. Mixing cheesy goodness with cornbread pudding’s sweet and savory flavors, it’s a straightforward, no-fuss way to treat yourself and your loved ones to some home-cooked charm in just 40 minutes.
Perfect for any time of year, it makes a particularly great side dish for Thanksgiving or a friendly addition to the Christmas dinner table.
Cornbread Pudding Ingredients
- Eggs: Eggs are crucial for binding the ingredients, ensuring the cornbread pudding holds its shape when baked. For a vegan option, a flaxseed meal mixed with water can have a similar binding effect.
- Sour cream: Sour cream adds creaminess to the cornbread, enhancing its moist texture. Greek yogurt or a vegan sour cream substitute can be used to maintain the lushness while altering the fat content.
- Whole kernel corn: Corn kernels introduce a sweet pop and textural contrast within the cornbread pudding. If canned corn is unavailable, frozen sweet corn, thawed and drained, can be a direct replacement.
- Cream-style corn: Creamed corn contributes a creamy texture and sweet flavor to the cornbread mixture. A blend of pureed corn with a touch of cream can mimic this if you can’t find creamed corn.
- Butter: Butter adds a creamy mouthfeel, rich textures and flavors to the cornbread.
- Cornbread mix: This convenient, all-in-one solution creates the crust’s base, ensuring consistent texture and sweetness. A homemade mix of cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt can be prepared as an alternative.
- Paprika: This spice adds a subtle warmth and depth to the cornbread crust, enhancing the overall flavor with a smoky undertone. If you’re out of paprika, a pinch of cayenne or chili powder can add a mild kick.
Directions
Step 1: Combine the ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, sour cream, drained whole corn kernels, cream-style corn and melted butter to create a rich, creamy base. Stir these ingredients until they’re well combined, then gently fold in the cornbread mix, ensuring it’s just blended to avoid overworking the mixture, which can affect the texture of the pudding.
Editor’s Tip: Folding the cornbread mix with a spatula or a wooden spoon minimizes the risk of overmixing. Aim for uniform consistency without aggressive stirring.
Step 2: Prepare for baking
Pour the mixture into a greased 3-quart baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the top with paprika for that slight kick and a bit of color.
Editor’s Tip: An even layer of the mixture in the dish ensures a consistent bake.
Step 3: Bake the pudding
Bake the cornbread, uncovered, for 40 to 45 minutes. You can tell it’s done by inserting a butter knife into the center of the casserole dish; if it comes out clean, your cornbread pudding is ready to go. You’re going for a blend of creamy, corny goodness with a golden brown crisp from the cornbread.
Editor’s Tip: Watch the pudding as it bakes. If you notice the top getting too brown before time’s up, loosely cover it with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Recipe Variations
- Step up the heat: Add diced hot peppers or a spoonful of hot sauce to turn up the heat.
- Make it cheesy: Stir generous amounts of shredded cheddar cheese into the batter until it’s thoroughly speckled through.
How to Store Cornbread Pudding
After allowing the pudding to cool completely, store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Can you make cornbread pudding ahead of time?
You bet! Prepare everything the day before, so all that’s left is baking it to perfection before you want to serve it.
Can you reheat leftover corn pudding casserole?
You can. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the pudding in the microwave, ensuring it’s thoroughly warmed.
Cornbread Pudding Recipe Tips
What is the best cornmeal for cornbread pudding?
A ready-made cornbread mix offers a classic flavor and ensures a custard-like center with a pleasantly crispy top.
What’s the difference between cornbread and cornbread pudding?
Cornbread is a solid and moist bread, while cornbread pudding has a soft, custard-like interior with a bread-like crust. Cornbread pudding combines both textures in every spoonful.
Are corn casserole and corn pudding the same?
Not exactly. Corn casserole often has a firmer, more structured texture, while corn pudding is creamier, almost like a savory dessert.
