Cornmeal Mush

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Creamy and comforting, cornmeal mush offers a hearty breakfast or side dish with a mild corn flavor and smooth texture. Perfect for cold mornings or cozy dinners, it pairs well with butter, syrup, or savory toppings, appealing to those who enjoy warm, nostalgic comfort foods.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 2/3 cup instant milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 eggs

Instructions

  1. Mix the dry ingredients (yellow cornmeal, instant milk, salt) with 1/2 cup water to form a smooth paste.
  2. Slowly add the paste to 1 1/2 cups boiling water, stirring constantly until the mixture is thick and bubbly, about 10 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the eggs.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, you can substitute some of the water with vegetable broth. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. Make sure to stir continuously to avoid lumps when adding the cornmeal paste to the boiling water, ensuring a smooth consistency. This dish can also be flavored with herbs or spices to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions

Cornmeal mush is versatile and can be served as a breakfast dish topped with fruits and nuts or as a side dish with savory meals. It pairs beautifully with Marie'S Gingered Carrots for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, try adding sautéed vegetables or cheese. Enjoy it with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of herbs for added flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or milk to the cornmeal mush in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, for quick reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cornmeal Mush contains roughly 394 calories, with 9g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value), calcium (15% of the Daily Value), and iron (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2183mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).

394 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.1g 18% DV
Total Fat 5.7g 7% DV
Carbs 78.3g 28% DV
Fiber 3.4g 12% DV
Sugar 0.3g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2183.2mg 95% DV
Potassium 478.8mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 84.6mg 28% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 78.5mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 1.1mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 1mcg 5% DV
Calcium 196.7mg 15% DV
Iron 2.5mg 14% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular milk instead of instant milk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk for instant milk in this recipe. Just use the same amount of liquid, adjusting the water content accordingly to maintain the right consistency. Keep in mind that using whole milk will make the mush creamier.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, cornmeal is naturally gluten-free, making this cornmeal mush suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Always check the packaging of your cornmeal to ensure that it is processed in a gluten-free facility.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cornmeal mush ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat with a little water or milk, and stir well before serving. This makes it a great option for meal prep, especially for busy mornings.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →