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20 Leftover Cornbread Recipes

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Cornbread, with its golden crust and moist, crumbly interior, is a beloved staple on many dinner tables. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish, a base for chili, or a stand-alone snack, there’s something undeniably comforting about this Southern classic. But what do you do when you have a few slices of leftover cornbread sitting in your kitchen, begging not to go to waste? From breakfast casseroles to savory stuffing, and even a sweet dessert twist, we have 20 recipes that will breathe new life into your leftover cornbread.

cooked cornbread dressing in a white casserole dish

How To Store Leftover Cornbread


Storing leftover cornbread properly can help maintain its freshness and flavor. Here are some helpful tips on storing leftover cornbread:

Allow it to Cool: Before storing your leftover cornbread, allow it to cool completely on a wire rack or a cutting board. This helps prevent condensation and moisture buildup inside the storage container.

Wrap in Plastic Wrap or Foil: Once cooled, tightly wrap the cornbread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Ensure that it’s sealed well to prevent air from getting in, which can lead to moisture loss and staleness.

Place in an Airtight Container: If you prefer to use a reusable container, choose an airtight container that is appropriately sized to accommodate the cornbread without too much extra space. The goal is to minimize exposure to air. If the cornbread is large, you can cut it into smaller pieces before placing it in the container.

Store at Room Temperature: Cornbread can be stored at room temperature for up to 1-2 days. If you plan to consume it within this time frame, it doesn’t require refrigeration. Just keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Refrigeration: If you want to extend the shelf life of your leftover cornbread beyond a couple of days, you can store it in the refrigerator. Wrap it in plastic wrap or foil, place it in an airtight container, and store it in the fridge. Cornbread stored in the refrigerator can stay fresh for up to 5-7 days.

Freezing: For longer-term storage, consider freezing your leftover cornbread. Wrap individual slices or portions in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness. Cornbread can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cornbread, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the oven at a low temperature or microwave it for a short time to warm it up. Keep in mind that the texture of cornbread may change slightly after freezing and thawing, but it should still be delicious for a variety of dishes or snacks. Proper storage helps maintain its quality and prevents it from becoming too dry or stale.

What To Do With Leftover Cornbread


Leftover cornbread is just waiting to be transformed into delicious dishes. Whether you’ve got a few crumbled bits or an entire skillet, don’t let this golden treasure go to waste. From savory stuffing and crispy croutons to savory casseroles and sweet desserts, these recipes make the most of every last crumb of your cornbread.

to salads in black bowls topped with salad dressing and croutons.
Cornbread Croutons
This recipe for Cornbread Croutons uses 3 ingredients and is ready in less than 30 minutes. These small, crispy, and flavorful cubes of cornbread that are perfect topping for salads, soups, and other dishes. They add a unique texture and a distinct cornbread flavor while bringing a touch of southern comfort food to your favorite meals.
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chili in a white bowl topped with crema, cheese, and jalapenos
Texas Chili
Leftover cornbread takes Texas Chili to the next level. Crumble it over a steaming bowl of chili to add a delicious, hearty texture and a hint of sweet, crumbly goodness. It's a perfect match, turning your leftover cornbread into a cozy and comforting chili companion.
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cooked cornbread dressing in a white casserole dish
Southern Cornbread Dressing
Transform your leftover cornbread into a mouthwatering Southern Cornbread Dressing. With a perfect blend of celery, onions, and sage, this Southern classic takes your day-old cornbread and turns it into a delicious side dish for any meal.
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layered southwestern cornbread salad in a glass bowl.
Layered Southwestern Cornbread Salad
Having a backyard barbecue or going to a potluck? This Layered Southwestern Cornbread Salad can be made in advance and served cold. With the layers of colors and flavors, it’s certain to stand out on the buffet table.
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cowboy casserole on a plate along with a casserole dish of cowboy casserole.
Cowboy Casserole with Cornbread and Chicken
This Cowboy Casserole with Cornbread and Chicken is an easy dinner that bakes in one dish! Prep it ahead for an easy weeknight dinner or freezer meal!
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cornbread and chili bake in a cast iron skillet.
Leftover Chili & Cornbread Breakfast Casserole
To make this scrumptious layered Chili & Cornbread Breakfast Casserole, all you need is leftover cornbread and chili (or thick stew), and a few staples! Super-easy!
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cornbread and sausage quiche in a green pie plate.
Cornbread and Sausage Quiche
This post brought to you by Martha White this Cornbread and Sausage Quiche is a Southern spin on classic quiche. It’s one of those unexpected dishes that’s ideal for sharing at a potluck. Cornbread forms the base and when mixed with a rich sausage filled custard and plenty of colby jack cheese, it bakes beautifully puffed and golden.
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a serving of cornbread pudding on a plate with a fork.
Cornbread Pudding
Cornbread Pudding is a delicious way to use up leftover skillet cornbread! Made with cheese, green onions and fresh herbs, it’s lightly browned on the outside, delicate and custard-like in the center and so easy to make!
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brussel sprout panzanella on a black plate.
Brussels Sprouts, Bacon and Cornbread Panzanella Salad
This Brussels Sprouts Salad is a twist on a traditional panzanella made with toasted cornbread cubes, crispy bacon, sautéed sprouts and pomegranate!
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stack of cornbread french toast with strawberries and syrup.
Cornbread French Toast
This recipe for Cornbread French Toast transforms the Southern classic into a delicious sweet breakfast treat! Top with your favorite fruit or just some butter and syrup, there's no way to go wrong.
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mac and cheese in a white casserole dish.
Southwestern Mac and Cheese with Cornbread Topping
Southwestern Mac and Cheese is chock full of tex-mex flavors, contrasting textures, and a hint of spicy pepper, with a sweet buttery cornbread topping.
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cornbread french toast in a glass casserole dish.
Baked Cornbread French Toast
Repurpose leftover cornbread into breakfast for a crowd with easy Baked Cornbread French Toast. No need for individual flipping or soaking.
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sausage cornbread stuffing in a white casserole dish.
Cornbread Sausage Stuffing
BEST STUFFING EVER! Thanksgiving Cornbread Sausage Stuffing with dried cranberries, apples and pecans is destined to become your new go-to recipe!!
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blueberry cornbread ice cream.
Blueberry Cornbread Ice Cream – Rhubarb and Cod
This Blueberry Cornbread Ice Cream features velvety smooth vanilla ice cream accented with swirls of blueberry and chunks of cornbread.
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cornbread salad in a glass bowl.
Cornbread Salad
Cornbread Salad has jalapeno cheddar cornbread, bacon, beans and veggies for a delicious southern favorite. This cornbread salad recipe makes a good sized amount and is perfect for a summer potluck or barbecue.
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sausage gravy covering cornbread biscuits on a blue and white plate.
Cornbread Biscuits with Green Chili Sausage Gravy
Biscuits and Gravy – with a twist! Warm, fluffy cornbread biscuits smothered with sausage gravy infused with roasted poblano peppers.
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a serving of cornbread breakfast casserole on a plate with a fork.
Leftover Cornbread Breakfast Casserole
Not sure what to do with leftover cornbread? This Cornbread Breakfast Casserole recipe is a hearty egg bake with sausage and black beans.
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Easy Green Chile Eggs and Cornbread
Easy Green Chile Eggs and Cornbread
This easy Green Chile Eggs and Cornbread breakfast is made with leftover cornbread topped with spinach, onion, cheese, eggs and chiles.
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cornbread salad in a white bowl.
Cornbread Salad
This Cornbread Salad recipe is made without beans and has a BBQ Ranch flavor that is hard to beat! It’s an easy side dish recipe that’s perfect for a barbecue, dinner time with the family, or a potluck dinner!
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More Leftover Recipe Ideas To Try


Looking for more leftover recipe ideas? Try these other favorites:

  • 20 Leftover Chili Recipes– Leftover chili can be incredibly versatile and can be transformed into various dishes. From the traditional nachos and hot dog toppings to grilled sandwiches and chili lasagna, these recipes make the most of every last spoonful of your chili.
  • Leftover Turkey Pot Pie with Puff Pastry â€“ This one-pan recipe is an easy comfort food recipe made with tender turkey, veggies, and delicious gravy topped with a flaky, buttery puff pastry crust. It’s perfect for those Thanksgiving leftovers.
  • Cranberry Pecan Turkey Salad â€“ This easy recipe combines lefover shredded turkey (or chicken) with the sweet zing of cranberries and the satisfying crunch of pecans, making it an ideal post-holiday dish. Enjoy it in sandwiches, wraps, or atop fresh greens for a delicious meal. 

Let’s Connect! If you make this recipe or any other recipe on Casual Epicure, please don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It helps others who are considering making our recipes and we love hearing about your cooking experiences. And if you snapped some shots, share them on Instagram, and be sure to tag @casual.epicure so we can feature them in our stories.

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