Cornbread Pudding

Cornbread Pudding is a warm, comforting side dish and dessert-style bake that combines the sweet flavor of corn with the soft, custardy texture of bread pudding.

Made with crumbled cornbread, corn kernels, cream-style corn, eggs, butter, and milk, this dish bakes into a rich and creamy casserole with a lightly golden top. It's especially popular during Thanksgiving, holiday feasts, and family dinners, but it's delicious any time of year.

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Prep Time
15 mins

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Cook Time
50 mins

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Servings
8 people

Why You Love This Recipe

Rich, Creamy, and Comforting
Rich, creamy, and comforting texture.

Simple Ingredients
Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.

Great for Leftover Cornbread
A great way to use leftover cornbread.

Perfect for Holidays
Perfect for holiday meals and potlucks.

Slightly Sweet
Slightly sweet with savory corn flavor.

Make-Ahead Friendly
Can be prepared ahead of time.

Pairs Well with Meats
Pairs well with roasted meats and vegetables.

Tools and Preparation

Essential Tools and Equipment

9x9-inch or 2-quart baking dish
Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula
Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

Baking Dish
Ensures even cooking and a tender center.

Mixing Bowl
Provides space for combining all ingredients.

Whisk
Blends the custard mixture smoothly.

Measuring Cups and Spoons
Help achieve the right balance of moisture and structure.

Rubber Spatula
Gently folds the ingredients together.

Cooling Rack
Allows the pudding to set slightly before serving.

Ingredients

For the Cornbread Pudding:

4 cups crumbled cornbread (day-old works well)
1 can (15 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (15 ounces) cream-style corn
3 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup granulated sugar (optional, for a sweeter version)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for dessert-style pudding)

Optional Add-Ins:
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 chopped green onions
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper

Steps To Create Recipe

1. PREHEAT THE OVEN
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease the baking dish.

2. PREPARE THE CUSTARD
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, melted butter, salt, pepper, baking powder, and optional sugar and vanilla.

3. ADD THE CORN AND CORNBREAD
Fold in the crumbled cornbread, whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, and any optional add-ins until evenly combined.

4. TRANSFER TO BAKING DISH
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

5. BAKE
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.

6. REST BEFORE SERVING
Allow the pudding to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

How to Serve

Cornbread Pudding is delicious:

With Roasted Meat
Alongside roasted turkey or chicken.

With Barbecue
With barbecue ribs or pulled pork.

As a Holiday Side
As part of a Thanksgiving or holiday meal.

With Butter
Topped with a pat of butter.

Garnished with Herbs
Garnished with chopped herbs.

With Chili or Soup
Paired with chili or hearty soups.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Very Moist Cornbread
Using fresh, very moist cornbread without adjusting the liquid.

Overmixing
Overmixing the batter.

Overbaking
Overbaking until dry.

Skipping Rest Time
Skipping the resting time before serving.

Ungreased Dish
Forgetting to grease the baking dish.

Too Much Sugar
Using too much sugar if aiming for a savory version.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months.

Reheating - Oven: Reheat at 325°F (165°C) for 15–20 minutes.

Reheating - Microwave: Heat individual servings for 45–60 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use homemade cornbread?
A: Yes. Homemade cornbread works wonderfully and often provides the best flavor.

Q: Is Cornbread Pudding sweet or savory?
A: It can be either. Reduce or omit the sugar for a savory version, or include it for a sweeter casserole.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble the mixture, refrigerate overnight, and bake when ready.

Q: Can I add cheese?
A: Absolutely. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack are popular additions for a savory twist.

Q: Why is my pudding too dry?
A: It may have baked too long or contained too much dry cornbread without enough liquid.

Q: Can I use frozen corn?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain it before mixing into the batter.

Final Thoughts

Cornbread Pudding is a cozy, versatile dish that bridges the gap between classic cornbread and creamy casserole. Whether served as a holiday side dish or enjoyed as a comforting family meal accompaniment, its tender texture and rich corn flavor make it a dependable crowd-pleaser that's easy to customize to your taste.