I am an avid fighter against the pre-packaged meal. Even if I'm looking for a quick weeknight recipe, there's no way I'll reach for a box of just-add-ground-beef helper. There are just too many additives, preservatives, and unpronounceable chemicals in these boxes. My one exception: a box of Jiffy is basically a pantry staple in my house, and I have no qualms using it anytime I want to make cornbread or corn muffins. I can make some pretty amazing from-scratch cornbread, but why bother when the box of Jiffy always turns out perfect with so much less prep work and clean-up? It's quick, it's easy, and it fits nicely into my weeknight meal budget. So I got to thinking - what other Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix recipes can I make with that box?
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What is Jiffy?
Back in the 1930s, then-owner Mabel White Holmes created a baking mix that made biscuits "so easy even a man could do it." From there, the Jiffy baking mix grew with the expansion of 15 different baking mixes, from corn muffins, waffle mix, chocolate chip muffin, honey corn muffin, buttermilk pancake, and pizza crust to golden yellow cake and pie crust.
Now, Jiffy is still the classic cornbread mix that we turn to when we're having a hearty dinner of beans and cornbread or a batch of cornbread muffins to go with a winter soup. Although you can never go wrong with these classics, there are an innumerable ways to use this dependable mix. Here are 17 Jiffy corn muffin mix recipes you can make using a box of Jiffy.
1. Chicken and Dumplings
When Rachel Ray, the queen 30-minute weeknight meals, says you should use a box of Jiffy when making chicken and dumplings, you say yes! A recipe like this is the perfect way to transform that cornbread mix into something new and exciting. This recipe might have just vaulted itself to the top of my comfort food list this winter.
Get the recipe at Food Network.
2. Creamed Corn Sweet Cornbread
Nothing screams Southern roots like a batch of creamed corn cornbread. This is one of the easiest sides to whip up, especially if you reach for a box of Jiffy mix. Just add a can of creamed corn and some fresh kernels, along with a dollop of sour cream to keep the whole thing nice and moist. Mix in some jalapeños for a kick. And just like that, you transformed a normal cornbread recipe into the best Jiffy cornbread ever!
Get the recipe at Back To My Southern Roots.
3. Egg Corn Muffins
I love me a good corn muffin, and it's easy enough to transform Jiffy muffin mix into a batch of your favorite snacks. So why not go the extra mile and bake an egg on top? These cornbread muffins make the perfect brunch, just put them in a muffin pan. Feel free to sprinkle on some bacon or cheddar cheese if you want to make this Jiffy cornbread recipe extra savory.
Find the recipe at Taste of Home.
4. Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake
There's something magically transformational about the way that sour cream affects Jiffy mix. It adds some extra moisture but it also adds a beautiful tanginess, making the resulting dish so much more than just a box.
This delicious Jiffy corn muffin mix recipe makes a great on-the-go breakfast, but it's so sweet you could also serve it as an after-dinner treat.
Get the recipe The Creative Bite.
5. Easy Tamale Pie
I love, love, love tamales! When you steam fresh masa inside a corn husk, it fluffs up and really accentuates the corn's natural sweetness. The only problem? They take forever to make!
Enter this easy tamale pie, which uses a box of Jiffy Corn Muffin mix. It has all the great flavor you love from tamales but takes a fraction of the time. Yet another reason to love your cast iron skillet!
6. Chili Cornbread Bake
Speaking of quick and easy, there's so much to love about this recipe that uses Jiffy mix to make chili casserole. I mean, I always serve cornbread on the side of my favorite chili, so why not bake them all up together?
And while this Jiffy corn muffin mix recipe uses beans, we all know that I'm going to be using classic Texas chili recipes and making a bowl of Texas red - double the meat and skip the beans! Top it off with some shredded cheddar cheese and I'm a happy camper.
Get the recipe at From Valerie's Kitchen.
7. Mom's Peach Cobbler
Who doesn't love a bowl of delicious peach cobbler? I've been known to make a double batch just to make sure that I have enough for breakfast the next day (without the vanilla ice cream topping, of course, because I'm not an animal).
All you need is a box of Jiffy Golden Yellow Cake Mix and a bunch of fresh peaches. Just like that - dessert is served!
Get the recipe at Southern Bite.
8. Slow Cooker Corn Pudding
There's nothing more satisfying than putting a delicious meal on the table and knowing that it was a breeze to cook up. Using the slow cooker makes it effortless to make this deliciously savory corn pudding.
I like to lean towards the savory side with my corn pudding, adding salty ingredients like cheddar cheese and cream cheese before topping it with chives. Keeping it vegetarian makes it easier to feed a crowd, but you could add ham, bacon, or chicken to this dish, too!
Get the recipe at Show Me The Yummy.
9. Mini Corn Dog Muffins
This type of appetizer is perfect for your next Superbowl party. Just whip together the corn muffin batter and stuff a quarter of a hot dog inside. They'll look like regular old cornbread muffins, but your guests will get a surprise as they bit into it!
Serve them up with your favorite sauces. I'm a mustard girl through-and-through when it comes to hot dogs, but you could also serve up ketchup and barbecue sauce.
10. Blueberry Cheesecake Cookies
You had me at cheesecake cookies. It's amazing how adding cream cheese and white chocolate chips to a box of Jiffy blueberry muffin mix can make such an incredible dessert. It doesn't hurt that they're ready in only 15 minutes, so you can wow your dinner guests with very little effort.
Get the recipe at Dessert Now, Dinner Later.
11. Cheesy Garlic Cornbread Drop Biscuits
Drop biscuits are my favorite, and not only because they're super easy to make. I admit it, I do love that I don't have to form or shape the dough - just measure it out and drop it on the sheet pan. But they also get crispier all the way around because they have more surface area than traditional biscuits.
It's also nice and easy when you can use cornbread mix to make biscuits. So put away the measuring spoons and get ready for some super savory biscuits!
Get the recipe at The Cookie Rookie.
12. Jiffy Hush Puppies
Any true Southerner can't omit a side of hush puppies to go along with your favorite meal. They add the perfect counterpoint to a rich chili or a savory piece of meat. All you need to transform a box of Jiffy corn muffin mix into a crunchy delicious side is to deep fry them into golden brown balls of deliciousness. Easy peasy!
Get the recipe at Kithcens Joi.
13. Cornbread Dressing
Dressing (or stuffing) is a crucial side for Thanksgiving dinner, but no one said it has to be reserved for the holidays. I could whip up this as a side dish for any kind of meal and definitely make enough so I have leftovers for the next day.
Add your favorite toppings (like ham, onions, or peppers if you're in my house) to a few boxes of Jiffy cornbread mix and you'll be ready to go!
Get the recipe at A Worthey Read.
14. Texas Chocolate Chip Cookies
What's the secret ingredient to these chocolate chip cookies? Jiffy cornbread mix! Your friends and family won't be able to get enough of these no-fail chocolate chip cookies.
While no one knows why they're called Texas cookies, the corn muffin mix adds a little bit of extra grit to the texture of these cookies. Maybe that grit is what makes them Texas true.
Get the recipe at Life's Too Short To Skip Dessert.
15. Cajun Cornbread Crusted Chicken Tenders
If you can add some grit to your cookies, why not add some to your chicken tenders? It's pretty common in parts of the South to fry up chicken or fish in cornmeal, adding a serious texture to your crunchy eating experience.
This recipe uses Jiffy cornbread mix to get the same results. Add in some spicy cajun seasoning and this recipe might be your new favorite way to make chicken tenders!
Get the recipe at Plain Chicken.
16. Taco Cornbread Pizza
Pizza? Check. Taco Seasoning? Check. Deliciousness? Triple-check! Prepare the cornbread mix as shown on the box then spread it on a parchment-lined pan. Bake then top with taco meat and toppings.
Get the recipe at What Megan's Making.
17. Southern Hoecakes
Hoecakes, not to be confused with normal pancakes, are so simple to make! Prepare the batter as you would for corn muffins, however instead of scooping into a muffin tin, place them in a hot skillet and turn when golden brown. Top with maple syrup and melted butter!!