Sweet or savory, the best cornbread might be somewhere in the middle although it can be better to find one that is tailored one way or another. With a lot of famous brands making their own, it can be hard to tell which is going to give you warm, fluffy muffins that taste the way you remember from your childhood and those that are difficult to use.
Some products come as a specific flavor but a lot of the time, the taste makes you think it is little more than a gimmick. To help make sure you end up with a product that can become a favorite brand in your household, we have created a list of the best cornbread mixes.
Quick Summary of Best Cornbread Mixes
Krusteaz Southern Cornbread and Muffin Mix
Somewhat of a classic this sweet and savory cornbread mix is a staple in many kitchens across the country and is easy to make in a skillet or muffin tin to get the shape you need. As you would hope with a mix it is easy to prepare and you don’t need much in the way of added ingredients.
On the back, you’ll find 3 easy to follow instructions so you can grab the milk, butter, and eggs to make a cornbread that is denser than other brands and one that many people seem to love with chili. These are packs of 12 and comes in 3 different flavors that all hit the mark, even the honey version isn’t overly sweet making it an ideal entree that easy to make when you’re preparing food for your guests and up against the clock.
- Easy to follow instructions
- Not overly sweet
- Good value
CHI-CHI’S Sweet Corn Cake Mix
For sweet corn cakes, this is many people’s go-to cornbread mix. It makes moist cakes that can be used as a side or dessert and is known for being low in fat and cholesterol. You get 12 mixes in this value pack so whenever you’re struggling for a way to bulk out your meal, this offers you a convenient way to use a few household ingredients to make a popular dish.
It tastes great with spices dishes so it’s no surprise to see that CHI-CHI’s advise it goes well with chili, suggesting on the back that you make it in a loaf pan. Still, it can be made into muffin shapes by using a muffin tray. Some prefer their cornbread to be a little firmer as they do end ups on the moist side but this shouldn’t put off everyone else.
- Goes well with spicy food
- Good value in the 12-pack
- Easy to make
- Some people find it a bit moist
Famous Dave’s Corn Bread Mix
A popular cornbread mix that comes in this generous 4-pack so you can always have an easy to use mix to hand. The result is what many people consider to be the best way to enjoy a cornbread, crunchy on the outside but warm and fluffy in the middle.
You only need water, milk, and eggs to combine with the mix, the staple foods in many people’s homes so even if you store the boxes you aren’t using, you should be able to make a batch anytime. It has been made to replicate the taste of the cornbread found at Famous Dave’s restaurants which is never a bad thing since that means you’re getting a subtle sweetness that many people love.
- Good value
- Only requires water, milk, and eggs
- Same taste as Famous Dave’s restaurant cornbread
- Some people prefer their cornbread a little more moist
Gluten Free by Glutino Pantry, Yankee Cornbread Mix
Anyone who has a gluten intolerance will often find that their choices are limited but when it comes to making a cornbread mix, there is no need to miss out. This quality mix makes fluffy moist Yankee cornbread and is as easy to use as other brands. There is no wheat, gluten, or casein to be found so it is a great way to enjoy this inexpensive option with just a handful of ingredients required.
As long as you have buttermilk, butter, and eggs, and sugar at the ready then you can make this impressive product and won’t be able to tell it apart from a regular cornbread mix. Glutino Pantry makes a variety of gluten-free products so they are brand you can trust to get this product right.
- Easy to make
- Great gluten-free alternative
- Makes fluffy, moist cornbread
- Not as sweet as some people like
Betty Crocker Betty Crocker Authentic Cornbread & Muffin Mix, 6.5 oz (Pack of 9)
The name Betty Crocker is synonymous with all things baking so it’s no surprise that this regularly comes up as one of the best cornbread mixes. With a pack of 9, you’re going to have a good supply of an easy to use mix and end up making plenty of perfect cornbread that isn’t too far sweet or savory and is one of the best mixes for adding your own flavor and putting your unique stamp on the recipe.
This is one of the best mixes for stuffing a turkey which is why it flies off the shelves in December. It is best mixed into an 8-inch square pan so expect thinner cornbread, if this is a problem you can always make more.
- Not too sweet or salty
- Has various uses
- Cornbread comes out thinner than most
Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix 8.5oz (Pack of 4)
You only need milk and eggs to make this muffin mix that can be made into cornbread with ease. Jiffy is one of the most popular brands when it comes to flavor as it is another brand that gets the right blend of not overly sweet or salty and goes well with some minor adjustments to the recipe if you want to sweeten things up little and serve it as a dessert.
You get four boxes but they are easy to store since they are on the small side but if one isn’t enough, just add a second to get the right amount for larger groups. You can also get this in a vegan-friendly version but it is this classic box that has made the brand so popular, just add milk and eggs.
- Good value
- Doesn’t take up a lot of room in the cupboard
- Versatile cornbread mix
- Can be a little dry for some tastes
Cornbread Mix Guide
Some people think that cornbread is difficult to get wrong which is fair enough considering you can use a convenient cornbread mix. However, when it is made you still want the right fluffy texture and not overly sweet taste. This is why it is important to do a little research so you know what to expect from a reputable brand.
There are so many to choose from that we had to create the following guide. It details everything you need to know before buying so you can make those perfect cornbread cakes or a tray of the versatile side whenever you like.
What To Look For In Cornbread Mix
Value
Every brand offers you something a little different but since you always want to have the option of an easy to make side, it is a good idea to buy multipacks. The bigger the pack, the better the value can be but even if you opt for a 4-pack you’ll often get a better deal than a single pack.
Also, you never know when you’ll need to make a double portion so it’s best to keep extra around.
Texture
This is hard to critique because everyone has a different palette and preference so don’t be put off by one person’s negative review because the cornbread mix they used made a tray that was too moist. Whether you like a firmer cornbread or a fluffy texture, there is a brand that matches your preference.
Gluten-Free
If you have gluten intolerance then great news – you don’t have to miss out on warm cornbread! Some brands are known for making a better mix than others so stick with a recommended product such as Glutino Pantry, Yankee Cornbread Mix because it is easy to make and the brand has a history of making great-tasting gluten-free alternatives.
Versatility
Not every brand is going to mix well with other ingredients but the ones that do are like gold dust. This is because you never know when you might want to spice things up with a few jalapenos or sweeten the mix a little. There are plenty of brands that are great for mixing things up and some even give a little advice with suggested recipes.
Simple Additional Ingredients
A cornbread mix is going to require wet ingredients so be sure to add any specific products to your grocery shop when you order yours. Thankfully, they are usually as simple as milk and eggs which is preferrable since most people have these in their kitchen so when you’re making a batch of cornbread you have everything you need.
This also gives you the chance to tailor the mix so you can replace salted butter for non-salted or reduce the amount of sugar slightly depending on your taste.
Sweet or Savory
…or something in between? Much like a lot of the key factors in buying cornbread mix, this is down to personal preference. Not all products have to be one or the other as you’ll find some brands even make a variety of flavors.
Most people tend to want a cornbread that gives you a bit of both so if this is you, stay on the lookout for something that is known for its subtle sweetness.
Can Cornbread Batter Be Frozen?
It is fine to freeze your cornbread batter after mixing too much but certain methods are better. It is best to pour them into a muffin tray with muffin cases at the ready. Fill them a little over halfway and freeze for a couple of hours.
When this is done you can remove the muffin cases with frozen batter and store them in an airtight container before returning them to the freezer. You’ll find that they are still fine to use after a few months.
How Many Calories Are There In Cornbread?
Although the word bread might make you think it is closer to something savory, cornbread has a sweetness and ingredient profile that makes it closer to cake. Because of this, you should expect it to contain more calories so make sure you buy a product that comes with clear nutritional information.
In truth, the amount of calories in cornbread varies depending on the specific recipe and will even fluctuate greatly between cornbread mix brands. Some sources advise that one ounce contains around 94 calories but this should be considered a very rough guide.
How To Make Cornbread More Moist
If you find the cornbread mix you are using is on the dry side, there are certain things you can do to make it moist.
A popular and effective way to do this is to replace the milk or water that the mix advises you add with creamed corn. This creates a pan of perfectly fluffy cornbread and means you don’t need to throw out any additional packs you have in the cupboard.
Cornbread Mix Vs Homemade Cornbread
We’re not going to sit here and tell you that your mother’s recipe isn’t as good as a commercial cornbread mix. For a start, we’re not that rude or presumptuous, and second, we haven’t tried it!
There is something about a fresh tray of a family recipe cornbread that is near impossible to beat but what this doesn’t give you is the convenience. Being able to mix a few ingredients then throw it in the oven is great, especially when you have other more complicated dishes to prepare.
Also, a cornbread mix is ideal for families who want to add an extra side to their dinner or need to bulk out a meal for unexpected guests.
What Is The Best Cornbread Mix?
Now that you know what a quality cornbread mix should give you, there is no reason why you can’t be enjoying one of the reputable brands that have been getting their flavor and texture right for many years.
In our eyes, no cornbread mix comes close to Krusteaz Southern Cornbread and Muffin Mix. It has 3 simple instructions, the added ingredients are easy to get hold of and it makes perfect fluffy cornbread easy.