What to Eat with Mexican Cornbread?
Mexican cornbread is more than just a side dish; it’s a flavorful delight that can complement a wide variety of meals. Whether you’re planning a hearty dinner or looking for something to serve at your next family gathering, Mexican cornbread is a versatile choice that pairs beautifully with many dishes. In this article, we’ll explore what to eat with Mexican cornbread, providing you with mouth-watering options, easy recipes, and helpful tips to elevate your meal. Let’s dig in!
Main Dishes to Serve with Mexican Cornbread
Chili Dishes
When thinking about what to eat with Mexican cornbread, chili often comes to mind first. This classic combination brings together the rich, savory flavors of chili with the slightly sweet and spicy taste of Mexican cornbread. The hearty nature of chili, with its thick tomato base and blend of beans and meat, perfectly complements the dense, moist texture of the cornbread. Whether it’s a beef chili or a vegetarian version, this pairing is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Soups and Stews
Mexican cornbread isn’t just great with chili; it’s also a fantastic companion for a variety of soups and stews. Chicken Tortilla Soup and Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup are two popular options. These soups, rich with Mexican flavors like cumin, cilantro, and lime, work wonders with the slightly sweet heat of the cornbread. Other soups, such as beef stew or vegetable soup, can also be elevated by serving them alongside a warm slice of Mexican cornbread. The cornbread’s texture is perfect for dipping, making every bite a comforting experience.
BBQ Dishes
If you’re firing up the grill, you might be wondering what to eat with Mexican cornbread that will bring out the smoky, savory flavors of your barbecue. The answer is simple: BBQ ribs, pulled pork, and grilled chicken are all excellent choices. The smokiness of the meat pairs well with the cornbread’s subtle sweetness, creating a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful. Don’t forget to add a bit of BBQ sauce on the side for dipping your cornbread—it’s a match made in culinary heaven!
Casseroles
Casseroles are a comfort food staple, and when paired with Mexican cornbread, they reach a new level of deliciousness. Consider serving cornbread with a Mexican Cornbread Casserole, also known as Taco Casserole. This dish layers seasoned ground beef, salsa, black beans, and corn beneath a golden, crispy cornbread topping. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a dinner party.
Southern Classics
For a truly Southern experience, you can’t go wrong with classic dishes like mustard greens, spinach, or green beans. These greens, often cooked with bacon or ham hocks, have a savory richness that balances out the sweet and spicy notes of Mexican cornbread. Add fried okra or baked beans to the mix, and you’ve got a full Southern spread that’s comforting and full of flavor.
Sides to Serve with Mexican Cornbread
Vegetable Sides
When considering what to eat with Mexican cornbread, don’t overlook the humble vegetable. Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes, bring a sweet earthiness that pairs nicely with cornbread. Sautéed greens, like collard greens or kale, add a slightly bitter contrast that can make the flavors of the cornbread pop. For a lighter option, a fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the cornbread, creating a balanced meal.
Taco Toppings
Since Mexican cornbread is already infused with flavors like jalapeños and cheese, it’s natural to pair it with classic taco toppings. Salsa, guacamole, and chopped tomatoes and onions are all excellent choices. These toppings not only add freshness and brightness to the cornbread but also allow you to customize each bite to your liking. Whether you’re serving the cornbread as a side to tacos or simply enjoying it on its own, these toppings can elevate the experience.
Comfort Sides
Comfort food lovers will appreciate the classic combination of Mexican cornbread with sides like mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and coleslaw. These creamy, rich sides complement the slightly crumbly texture of the cornbread, making for a hearty and satisfying meal. The buttery, cheesy flavors of macaroni and cheese, in particular, pair exceptionally well with the spicy notes in Mexican cornbread, creating a dish that’s hard to resist.
Recipes for Perfect Pairings
Mexican Cornbread Recipe
Let’s take a closer look at how to make the star of the show: Mexican cornbread. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced jalapeños
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the shredded cheese, diced jalapeños, and corn kernels.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Chili Recipe
If you’re wondering what to eat with Mexican cornbread for a hearty meal, this chili recipe is a perfect choice.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute.
- Add the kidney beans and diced tomatoes to the pot, stirring to combine.
- Bring the chili to a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot with a slice of Mexican cornbread on the side.
Vegetable Sides Recipe
These vegetable sides are perfect for pairing with Mexican cornbread.
Roasted Vegetables:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss chopped vegetables (carrots, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes) with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender and caramelized.
Sautéed Greens:
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add 1 bunch of chopped collard greens or kale to the skillet.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted and tender, about 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm with Mexican cornbread.
Tips for the Best Mexican Cornbread Experience
Serving Suggestions
To make the most of your Mexican cornbread, consider these serving tips. Serve the cornbread warm, fresh out of the oven, with a side of honey and butter for added sweetness. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container to keep them moist. To reheat, wrap the cornbread in aluminum foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. This will keep the cornbread from drying out and ensure it tastes just as good as when it was first baked.
Flavor Enhancers
If you want to add a little extra flavor to your Mexican cornbread, try these simple tricks. Stir in a bit of honey or sugar to the batter for a sweeter version, or add more diced jalapeños for extra heat. Cheese lovers can mix in different types of cheese, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack, to give the cornbread a richer, creamier taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients to find your perfect flavor combination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What main dish goes well with Mexican cornbread?
Mexican cornbread pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes, including chili, soups, stews, BBQ ribs, and casseroles. The key is to choose dishes that complement the cornbread’s sweet and spicy flavors.
Can Mexican cornbread be served with breakfast?
Absolutely! Mexican cornbread can be a delicious addition to a hearty breakfast. Serve it with scrambled eggs, bacon, or even alongside a breakfast casserole for a satisfying morning meal.
How do you keep Mexican cornbread moist?
To keep Mexican cornbread moist, be sure to include enough fat in the recipe, such as butter or oil. Also, avoid overbaking the cornbread; check it with a toothpick to ensure it’s done but not dry.
Can I make Mexican cornbread without jalapeños?
Yes, you can easily omit the jalapeños if you prefer a milder flavor. You can also substitute them with mild green chilies or bell peppers for a similar texture without the heat.
Conclusion
Now that you know what to eat with Mexican cornbread, you’re ready to create a meal that’s bursting with flavor and comfort. From chili and soups to BBQ dishes and casseroles, there’s no shortage of delicious pairings to enjoy. Whether you’re serving up a Southern classic or trying out new recipes, Mexican cornbread is a versatile side that can enhance any dish. Don’t forget to try out the recipes provided and experiment with different sides and toppings to find your favorite combinations. Happy cooking!