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Home » Soul Food Classics

Modified: May 6, 2025 · Published: Oct 2, 2024 by LaKita · This post may contain affiliate links.

What Goes With Cornbread: 21 Delicious Ideas

Overhead view of cornbread in cast iron skillet topped with butter.
Overhead view of slice of cornbread on white plate with fork in it.
Overhead view of white bowl with black eyed peas, pork chops, and cornbread by a spoon on marble surface.
finished sweet potato cornbread in cast iron skillet topped with butter
Overhead view of cornbread in cast iron skillet on pin with text overlay.
BBQ cornbread muffins in pan on pin with text overlay.
Four photos of recipes with cornbread on pin with text overlay.
Two photos of recipes with cornbread on pin with text overlay.
Overhead view of cornbread in cast iron skillet topped with butter.

Cornbread is a delicious side dish or bread serving that goes great with almost any meal, regardless of the season. If you’re looking for some tasty options to pair with this versatile bread, check out these 21 yummy ideas about what goes with cornbread. 

​A slice of cornbread pairs well with so many dishes including Bacon Mac and Cheese and Green Bean Casserole. 

Overhead view of cornbread in cast iron skillet topped with butter.

Cornbread is one of those delicious recipes that is so simple to make and great to enjoy any time of year. 

It's a Southern staple that pairs well with anything from main dishes and family dinners to other side dishes and your yearly Thanksgiving feast. 

Let's get started!

What Ingredients Are Needed to Make Cornbread? 

There are a few different ways to make traditional cornbread, but to make most recipes you will need a few dry ingredients and wet ingredients.

To make my favorite cornbread recipe for Southern Cornbread you will need cornmeal, buttermilk or whole milk, vegetable oil, butter, and an egg. 

What to Eat With Cornbread 

1. Collard Greens with Ham Hocks

Southern Collard Greens Recipe with Ham Hocks for a classic southern side dish with tender collard greens, smoked ham hocks, plus a few more simple ingredients.

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2. Black-Eyed Peas

Overhead view of white bowl with black eyed peas, pork, corn bread, and spoon in it.

Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas and Pork Chops is a simple recipe that's not just perfect to make New Year's Day but is a comforting, hearty meal, and delicious year-round dinner option.

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3. White Chicken Chili

Close up overhead view of bowl of white chili with spoon in it.

Easy White Chicken Chili is rich and creamy chili, made with shredded chicken, white beans, green chilies, creamy corn, and seasonings, in a flavorful broth. It's hearty, filling, and delicious.

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4. Beef Stew

Crock Pot Beef Stew is a hearty, comforting, flavorful meal that's loaded with beef, and fresh vegetables, in a flavorful gravy. It's simmered low and slow to perfection in the slow cooker making it a complete meal. 

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5. Southern Fried Chicken

Overhead view of fried chicken on large white decorative plate.

Make the perfect Southern Fried Chicken Recipe using buttermilk plus a few other simple ingredients. It's perfectly crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. Your family will be begging for seconds!

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6. Fried Catfish Recipe

Close up overhead view of fried catfish on white plate topped with parsley on black tile surface.

Fried Catfish Recipe is a perfectly crispy and golden cornmeal coated fish that's flaky and tender with each bite. You certainly want to save this recipe to make for your next family fish fry gathering. Crispy, golden, delicious!

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7. Southern Meatloaf Recipe

Close up overhead view of sliced meatloaf topped with sauce in white baking dish.

Easy Southern Meatloaf Recipe is classic comfort food with a southern-style twist. It’s simply made with ground beef, ground pork, white bread, ketchup-based sauce, and more. It’s tender, juicy, and loaded with so much delicious taste that the whole family is sure to love.

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8. Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

Overhead view of finished bbq chicken thighs in cast iron skillet.

Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs are simple to make and have the perfect balance of savory, sticky, and sweet. Baked chicken thighs are topped with a homemade barbecue sauce that's loaded with flavor to cover the juicy chicken. Pair it with your favorite sides for an easy dinner recipe.

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9. Homemade White Gravy 

Close up side view of chicken tenders topped with gravy in white bowl.

This Homemade White Gravy is the perfect addition to so many Southern dishes. It's a simple gravy recipe that only requires five basic ingredients for a thick, creamy, and delicious gravy the whole family is sure to love.

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10. Baked Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli 

Close up overhead view of baked alfredo pasta in white casserole dish.

Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli is the perfect 30-minute dinner recipe the whole family will enjoy. It's made with juicy chicken breast, tender broccoli, creamy alfredo sauce, and your favorite pasta. Baked, tasty, and cheesy!

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11. Cast Iron Chicken Breast 

Overhead view of two pieces of cooked chicken in cast iron skillet on black tile surface.

Try making this Cast Iron Chicken Breast in minutes for the juiciest and most flavorful chicken to pair with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal or enjoy it with a tasty salad. It comes out perfect every time.

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12. Baked Beans with Bacon 

Overhead view of baked beans in large white braiser pan with serving spoon in it.

Southern Baked Beans are the perfect side dish recipe made with simple ingredients including canned beans, bacon, and a sweet and savory sauce. The best southern style recipe to share at family gatherings. 

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13. Hamburger Steak and Gravy 

Overhead view of steaks and gravy in large white braiser pan.

Make these Easy Hamburger Steaks and Gravy. They're a family favorite that's the perfect dinner for busy weeknights. Ready in less than an hour, filling and delicious.

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14. Sweet and Sour Cabbage 

Overhead view of cabbage in large white braiser pan on marble surface.

This Sweet and sour cabbage is a simple side dish that combines fresh green cabbage and salty bacon with a delicious sweet and sour sauce. It's flavorful and perfect to pair with almost any meal.

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15. Coca-Cola Glazed Ham 

Overhead view of slices of ham covered in glaze on white plate.

Southern Coca-Cola Ham recipe is a classic dish that combines the sweetness of Coca-Cola with savory ham for a delicious and flavorful meat that's perfect to share with your family for any special occasion.

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16. Mac and Cheese 

Overhead view of baked mac and cheese in baking dish with serving spoon in it.

Try making the Best Southern Mac and Cheese Recipe soon. It is easy to make, loaded with cheesy flavor, and perfect to share with your friends and family. Just a few simple ingredients, but worth every bite!

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17. Ham Green Beas and Potatoes 

Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes for the best side dish to pair with any meal. Filling, comforting, and the perfect Southern-style green beans everyone will love.

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18.  Hamburger Gravy 

Finished hamburger gravy in large white braiser pan.

Old Fashioned Hamburger Gravy is my dad's secret recipe and is sure to satisfy your cravings! It's made with simple ingredients and a short prep time, serve it over biscuits for a comforting breakfast option.

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19. Chicken and Rice 

One Pot Chicken and Rice is a comfort food classic that is elevated with the addition of fresh thyme and rosemary. Plus it's easy to make with a few simple ingredients in one pot. The whole family is sure to enjoy it!

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20. Spicy Pulled Pork 

pulled pork in square white baking dish with forks in it

Spicy Pop Pulled Pork is a version of the pioneer woman pulled pork recipe. It takes your classic pork roast recipe and adds in soda to make the meat extra tender and tasty. Cook it in your slow cooker for a delicious meal!

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21. Cajun Maple Glazed Spatchcock Turkey 

finished turkey on white platter with fresh herbs

Cajun Maple Glazed Spatchcock Turkey is the best way to cook a Thanksgiving turkey that is tender, juicy, and buttery. Seasoned with spicy cajun seasoning and glazed in maple syrup for a delicious blend the whole family will love.  

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What Food Goes Well With Cornbread? 

Try serving cornbread with your favorite main course or as a side dish with any of these delicious options: 

  • Bowl of Chili 
  • Pinto Beans or Kidney Beans 
  • Chicken Wings 
  • Taco Soup 
  • Your favorite thick soups or hearty soups. 
  • Lasagna Soup, Chicken Soup, or Bean Soup  
  • Pork Loins 
  • Turnip Greens or Mustard Greens 
  • Jambalaya or Gumbo 

FAQ About Cornbread 

Can corn bread be frozen? 

Yes, cornbread can be frozen to enjoy later. Allow fully cooked cornbread to cool to room temperature before placing it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag to store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to serve leftover cornbread again, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw overnight.

How to store cornbread? 

Be sure to allow the cornbread time to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Place any leftovers in an airtight container or tightly wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

What's the best way to cook cornbread? 

Cornbread can be cooked or baked in many different ways. It can be made in a baking pan, glass baking dish, corn muffins made in a muffin pan, or in a cast iron skillet. 

How do you reheat cornbread? 

Cornbread can be reheated in the oven at low heat until warm or in the air fryer or microwave for a quicker option. 

What's the Best Thing to Put on Cornbread?

  • Garlic Butter or Melted Butter for Buttery Cornbread 
  • Sour Cream 
  • Cream Cheese 
  • Honey or Honey Butter 
  • Maple Syrup or Cane Syrup

What Can Be Mixed Into Cornbread? 

  • Brown Sugar 
  • Cheddar Cheese 
  • Bell Peppers 
  • Jalapeno Peppers 
  • Chopped Bacon 
  • Green Onions 
  • Freshly Chopped Herbs

Want More Easy Cornbread Recipes? Try These:

  • Honey Butter Cornbread
  • Sweet Potato Cornbread (Slightly Sweet Cornbread)
  • Barbecue Cornbread Muffins
  • Easy Cornbread Dressing (Cornbread Stuffing)
  • Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
  • Hush Puppy Recipe
  • Strawberry Shortcake with Cornmeal Biscuits
  • Cracklin Cornbread

Have any comments, questions, or other recipes to eat with Homemade Cornbread? Please share them in the comments below!

More Soul Food Classics

  • Overhead view of baked strawberry biscuits in white parchment lined baking dish.
    Homemade Strawberry Biscuits
  • Overhead view of bowl of lima beans with meat and a spoon in it.
    Southern Lima Beans with Smoked Turkey (Stovetop Recipe)
  • Close up view of plate of spaghetti and meatballs.
    Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe (Classic + Comforting)
  • Close up view of finished southern cornbread in cast iron skillet topped with butter.
    Southern Cornbread Recipe (Savory Skillet Cornbread)

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Hi, I'm LaKita. I'm a Lifelong home cook and self-taught baker. I've been sharing modern comfort food through food blogging, recipe development, and photography since 2013.

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