Tennessee Mountain Corn Bread

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A hearty and flavorful cornbread loaded with corn, sausage, peppers, and onions, perfect for family gatherings or comfort food cravings with a savory, slightly spicy taste.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup whole kernel corn
  • 1 pound ground sausage
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Mix the corn, sausage, chopped bell pepper, and chopped onion together in a bowl.
  2. Add the buttermilk, flour, cornmeal, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the mixture.
  3. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
  4. Bake for 45 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown and cooked through.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider using spicy sausage or incorporating jalapeños into the mixture. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. To enhance the texture, you might also try adding shredded cheese or using a combination of cornmeal and whole wheat flour.

Serving Suggestions

Tennessee Mountain Corn Bread pairs beautifully with hearty stews or chili, making it a perfect side for a winter meal. Serve it warm with butter or honey for a delightful addition. You can also enjoy it as a breakfast side with scrambled eggs or alongside dishes like Peggy's Easy Cheese Cake for a comforting meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap individual pieces in foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 30-60 seconds until heated through. This will help retain moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tennessee Mountain Corn Bread contains roughly 349 calories, with 5g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (48% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1812mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).

349 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.3g 11% DV
Total Fat 7.6g 10% DV
Carbs 65g 24% DV
Fiber 2g 7% DV
Sugar 30.1g 60% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1811.6mg 79% DV
Potassium 160.1mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 8.3mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 430.6mcg 48% DV
Vitamin C 44mg 49% DV
Vitamin D 2.2mcg 11% DV
Calcium 180.5mg 14% DV
Iron 4.1mg 23% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten

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 make this cornbread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before pouring it into the baking dish. This can help maintain the texture when baked.

Can I freeze the cornbread?

Absolutely! Allow the cornbread to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven or microwave.

What can I substitute for ground sausage?

If you're looking for a healthier option or a vegetarian alternative, consider using ground turkey or a plant-based sausage substitute. You can also use crumbled tofu seasoned with herbs and spices for a flavorful, meatless version.

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 → Dairy recipes → All recipes →