Get your fill of broccoli in this mildly sweet broccoli cornbread recipe - comfort food side dish at it's best!
Have your broccoli and eat it, too! Oh, wait, that's not the right saying? This is a fun recipe that spins from the traditional cheesy cornbread and adds a serving of veggies. With cottage cheese in the mix, you have your dairy, too! 😉
We've made this quite a few times since first introduced to the recipe. It's the perfect side to a home cooked meal, and with the comfort food season around the corner, you must save this recipe to make very soon! The recipe, as written, yields 8-10 squares in an 9x9 dish, but I have also successfully doubled it and baked in a 9x13-pan for more servings. I don't own a 9x9, so I actually baked a single batch in an in-between Pyrex pan for 12 squares (I think 2.2 quart?).
This cornbread would also make a great appetizer or finger food at your next football party gathering to balance out everyone else's hot wings, chips and dips. Hint-hint: Make it for this weekend's games! 😉
I can't wait to hear what you think of this one!
Recipe Card
Broccoli Cornbread Squares
Ingredients
- 1 (10-oz.) package frozen, chopped broccoli
- ½ cup unsalted butter , melted
- 1 medium yellow onion , peeled and chopped
- 3 large eggs , lightly beaten
- 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 (8.5-oz.) package corn muffin mix (like Jiffy)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly spray an 9x9-inch square baking dish.
- Prepare the broccoli according to the manufacturer's directions. (I use the microwavable steaming packages.) Drain and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together the eggs, cottage cheese and salt until well blended. Stir in the muffin mix, onions and broccoli. Mix until just combined.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until cooked through and golden. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm.
- Recipe source: Country Music's Greatest Eats
Darlene says
Hi Nikki, this looks really good, but I’m allergic to cottage cheese. Could I substitute ricotta for the cottage cheese?
Nikki Gladd says
Hi Darlene, yes! 🙂
Leisa Bailey says
Have you ever tried this with collard greens?
Nikki Gladd says
Hi Leisa, I haven't! But, please come back and let us know your tips if you try! Thanks!
Teresa R Pinkston says
This is the recipe my mom used to use to make this.I have been looking for this version. I love this so much! Thanks for posting!
Nikki Gladd says
How fun and nostalgic! Thanks for the review, Teresa!
richard schmidt says
can i use fresh broccoli rather than frozen?
Nikki Gladd says
Hi Richard,
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli. But, cook it (your preferred method) before adding to the mixture.
Michele H says
These were delicious! We tossed in a handful of grated extra sharp cheddar (just because we like it). I loved how moist these were. I will be making them again!
Tina says
Can I sub Greek yogurt for the cottage cheese?
Anonymous says
I used to eat this when I was young by itself but What would be a good addition this??
L.Blackwell says
I make it to go with Chili.. It's so good with it!
Brittany says
Why does the recipe say to cook in a 9x9 but the image shows a rectangular pan?
Nikki Gladd says
Hi Brittany,
In my post, I explained that I do not own a 9x9-inch pan, so although the original calls for the 9x9, I successfully used my smaller rectangular pan (I do not know the measurements).
Thanks!
April says
How do you blog about recipes for income but not own a 9x9! I know what will be on your Christmas list!
Nikki Gladd says
Haha! I have an 8x8, but not a 9x9. I keep forgetting to pick one up, too. Crazy! 🙂
Andrea says
Can you make this using muffin tins?
Nikki Gladd says
Hi Andrea,
I haven't tried, but I'm sure you can! 🙂
Sarah says
I made this for dinner last night and my husband insisted that I add it to to my repertoire of recipes in heavy rotation. I'm going to try it with corn instead of broccoli next time.
Nikki Gladd says
Isn't it SO good!? Love that your hubs requested it to be a usual occurrence. 🙂
Jennie says
Thank you.
Jennie says
Making this tonight. Do I make the corn bread mix according to directions on box before adding, or add the mix dry?
Nikki Gladd says
Just add in the dry mix! 🙂 Enjoy!!
Diane Hutchings says
My mom used to make this all the time growing up! Thanks for reminding me about it-I'm making it soon!
Shashi @ runninsrilankan(dot)com says
YUM!!! I adore broccoli and am always trying to feed more of it to my daughter - this cornbread is the perfect disguise!!
Katie says
I love broccoli and I love cornbread... Match made in heaven!