40 Cornbread Pairings & Sides

Cornbread delivers pure comfort with its soft texture and rich, buttery flavor. A golden, crumbly slice fresh from the oven feels like a warm hug on your plate.

It’s easy to make, whether you’re using a quick mix or starting from scratch with a few simple pantry staples. Some love it sweet with a drizzle of honey, while others go savory with additions like cheese or jalapeños.

It can be moist and dense or light and crumbly, depending on how you make it. Cornbread isn’t just food—it’s a little piece of tradition that makes every meal feel special.

Try Homemade cornbread for the full savory effect.

What to Serve with Cornbread:

When planning a meal with cornbread, think about what hearty dishes would benefit from its warm, comforting texture. Rich, flavorful options like stews and soups are an obvious choice, but there are many other meals that can be elevated by this golden bread.

Here are 40 proven pairing ideas to try with your next cornbread...

1. Chili

A favorite pick, the spiciness of chili balances the slightly sweet flavor of cornbread.

Cornbread soaks up the chili's rich sauce, creating a satisfying bite every time. Together, they offer a comforting, hearty meal.

2. Pulled Pork

The tender, smoky pork pairs beautifully with the crumbly texture of cornbread. Its sweetness highlights the barbecue flavor, making every bite feel complete.

Perfect for Southern-style meals. Try our Delicious Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe

3. Fried Chicken

The crispy, seasoned coating on fried chicken contrasts with cornbread’s softness. Together, they deliver a blend of savory and buttery flavors.

This pairing feels like a true comfort food classic.

4. Beef Stew

Cornbread complements the rich, hearty flavors of beef stew. It can soak up the stew’s broth while adding a soft, crumbly texture.

This combo feels filling and comforting on cold days.

5. Collard Greens

Cornbread adds balance to the earthy, slightly bitter taste of collard greens. Crumbling it over the greens creates a nice texture contrast.

Together, they make a classic Southern pairing.

6. Barbecue Ribs

Cornbread and barbecue ribs combine sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. The bread's slight sweetness enhances the tangy barbecue sauce.

Plus, its texture helps balance the tenderness of the ribs.

7. Grilled Sausages

Grilled sausages bring bold, savory flavors that pair well with cornbread’s subtle sweetness. The sausage's juices soak into the bread, creating a rich, satisfying bite.

A simple yet delicious combination.

8. Sloppy Joes

Cornbread stands up well to the saucy, sweet filling of sloppy joes. It absorbs the sauce without getting soggy, making it a sturdy and tasty side.

This pairing offers a mix of textures and flavors.

9. Pot Roast

Cornbread pairs beautifully with the tender, juicy meat and vegetables in pot roast. It can soak up the flavorful juices, adding extra richness to the meal.

A great choice for hearty dinners.

10. Shrimp and Grits

Cornbread complements the creamy, savory flavors of shrimp and grits. Its slight sweetness contrasts with the seafood's saltiness.

Together, they create a well-rounded Southern dish.

Breakfast Ideas:

11. Fried Eggs

The light, buttery flavor of cornbread enhances the richness of fried eggs. It adds texture to the plate while keeping breakfast simple and satisfying.

A quick, no-fuss pairing. This is popular with our kids for breakfast, but you might like the eggs less runny than we do!

12. Bacon

Bacon’s salty, smoky flavor works well with cornbread’s sweet notes. Crumble bacon over cornbread or serve them side by side for a simple breakfast.

Together, they offer a flavorful start to the day.

13. Sausage Gravy

Cornbread acts as a perfect base for the creamy, peppery sausage gravy. The bread's texture balances the richness of the gravy.

This pairing feels hearty and filling.

14. Honey Butter

Honey butter enhances the natural sweetness in cornbread while adding creaminess. Spread it over warm slices for an irresistible breakfast or snack.

Simple yet indulgent.

15. Fruit Jam

Fruit jam brings a tangy sweetness that contrasts nicely with cornbread. The flavors complement each other without being overpowering.

A quick and easy way to add variety. It beats plain jam toast in my books, for breakfast.

16. Yogurt and Honey

Creamy yogurt adds a tangy element, while honey highlights cornbread’s sweetness. Together, they create a balanced, light meal or snack.

A healthy twist on traditional pairings.

17. Maple Syrup

Drizzling maple syrup over cornbread turns it into a breakfast treat. The syrup’s deep, rich flavor enhances cornbread’s buttery notes.

A simple and satisfying option.

Soups and Salads

18. Tomato Soup

The tangy, savory taste of tomato soup contrasts well with cornbread’s mild sweetness. Dunking cornbread into the soup adds texture to each bite.

A comforting and nostalgic pairing.

19. Chicken Noodle Soup

Cornbread complements the savory, herby broth of chicken noodle soup. It provides a soft, crumbly texture alongside the soup's tender noodles.

A warm and satisfying combination. See more chicken recipes that might work with cornbread.

20. Vegetable Soup

Cornbread adds substance to light, veggie-packed soups. Its subtle flavor doesn’t overpower the vegetables but enhances the overall meal.

A perfect option for healthier dinners.

21. Caesar Salad

Cornbread contrasts with the crunchy lettuce and creamy dressing in Caesar salad. Serve it as a side or crumble it over the salad for extra texture.

A unique twist on a classic dish. Who needs plain croutons when you have cornbread croutons?

22. Chili Lime Salad

The zesty, fresh flavors of chili lime salad cut through cornbread’s richness. The pairing feels light and refreshing, perfect for balanced meals.

A nice mix of sweet and tangy.

Cheesy Pairings:

23. Mac and Cheese

Cornbread’s mild sweetness complements the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. Together, they create a rich, satisfying comfort food pairing.

Great for Southern-style meals.

24. Queso Dip

Cornbread becomes a fun, flavorful dipping option with queso. The cheesy, spicy dip enhances every bite of cornbread.

Perfect for snacks or appetizers.

25. Cheddar and Chives

Adding cheddar and chives turns plain cornbread into a savory treat. The cheese brings richness, while chives add a fresh, herby note.

Great for serving alongside soups or meats.

26. Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese spread brings bold, tangy flavors to cornbread. The creamy texture contrasts well with the crumbly bread.

Together, they make a classic Southern pairing.

Sweet Additions to Cornbread:

27. Honey

A drizzle of honey highlights cornbread’s natural sweetness. It’s a simple topping that doesn’t overpower.

Perfect as a quick snack or light dessert.

28. Whipped Cream

Adding whipped cream turns cornbread into a dessert-style dish. The light, airy cream balances the bread’s dense texture.

A sweet and simple indulgence.

29. Peach Cobbler

Combining peach cobbler and cornbread creates a warm, comforting dessert. The sweet peaches and crumbly cornbread pair beautifully.

A must-try for Southern food lovers.

30. Cinnamon Butter

Cinnamon butter adds warmth and spice to cornbread. Spread it over warm slices for a flavorful upgrade.

A cozy option for cool days.

Creative Pairings with Cornbread

31. Hot Dogs

Use cornbread to make corndog-style bites or serve it on the side. Its sweetness complements the salty, savory hot dogs.

A fun twist on a classic combo.

32. Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers’ bold flavors pair well with cornbread’s subtle sweetness. Together, they create a balanced and hearty meal.

Great for mixing cuisines.

33. Fried Okra

Cornbread’s soft texture contrasts with fried okra’s crispiness. Together, they create a Southern-style meal full of flavor.

A satisfying mix of textures.

34. Taco Filling

Use cornbread as a base for taco fillings like seasoned beef, cheese, and salsa. The sweet bread complements the spicy, savory toppings.

A creative way to enjoy tacos.

35. Pork Chops

Pork chops’ savory, tender meat pairs well with cornbread’s soft, crumbly texture. The combination feels hearty and satisfying.

A simple and timeless pairing.

36. Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms bring bold, rich flavors that contrast nicely with cornbread. Together, they create an elegant and tasty side option.

Perfect for gatherings or special meals.

Beverages that go well with Cornbread:

37. Sweet Tea

Sweet tea’s refreshing flavor balances cornbread’s richness. The drink complements savory and sweet cornbread dishes alike.

A true Southern staple.

38. Lemonade

Zesty lemonade cuts through cornbread’s buttery texture. The sweet and tart flavors feel refreshing alongside hearty meals.

A great drink choice for summer.

39. Buttermilk

Traditional buttermilk adds creaminess and tang to cornbread. Drinking it alongside creates a rustic, comforting meal.

A classic pairing for simplicity.

40. Hot Chocolate

Sweet, rich hot chocolate contrasts beautifully with cornbread. Perfect for cozy winter meals or snacks.

A unique twist for a comforting experience.

What to do with Leftover Cornbread

Leftover cornbread doesn’t have to go to waste—it can transform into something new and delicious. Here are some ideas:

Crumble it into breadcrumbs for casseroles or a crispy topping. Use it as a base for stuffing, blending its flavors with herbs and savory ingredients. Cube it and toast for quick cornbread croutons, perfect for salads or soups.

For a sweet twist, turn it into bread pudding with milk, sugar, and spices. You can even layer it in parfaits or use it in a breakfast casserole for something hearty and unique.