Unveiling the Best Cornbread Mix Options
Are you preparing for a backyard BBQ, a potluck, or have some chili simmering in the crockpot? There are countless reasons to reach for a box of quick and convenient cornbread mix. However, with so many options lining the shelves, which brand stands out as the best choice?
To find out, I embarked on a taste test adventure at my local grocery store, grabbing every brand available. And as a devoted Trader Joe’s fan, I couldn’t resist adding their mix to the mix (pun intended). Here are eight popular boxed cornbread mix brands, evaluated based on taste and ease of baking.
Please note that prices and availability may vary.
1. Trader Joe’s Cornbread Mix
Available for purchase in-store
Trader Joe’s manages to stand out by incorporating actual corn kernels into their mix, setting it apart from the competition. This mix boasts a delightful blend of sweetness, richness, earthiness, and soulfulness that is truly exceptional. Although the recipe calls for oil instead of butter, I found that using a high-quality olive oil elevated the flavor even more. A definite winner that I will be returning to for my next cornbread baking session.
2. Krusteaz Honey Cornbread and Muffin Mix
Priced at $2.34 at Walmart
Despite its unappetizing name, Krusteaz delivers a delectably sweet cornbread with a sticky honey-like texture that is simply irresistible. Baking for just 30 minutes produced a beautiful golden crust, leaving me thoroughly impressed. If served in a restaurant, one would never guess it came from a mix.
3. Fleischmann’s Simply Homemade Cornbread Baking Mix
Priced at $1.93 at Walmart
Fleischmann’s offers a good-quality mix that falls just short of greatness, especially when compared to honey-flavored varieties. If you prefer a less sweet cornbread mix with solid quality, this option is worth considering.
4. Zatarain’s Honey Butter Cornbread Mix
Priced at $2.46 at Walmart
Despite baking the mix longer than instructed, the cornbread turned out slightly underdone for my taste, lacking the desired golden crust. While it didn’t quite hit the mark in terms of honey butter flavor, it’s still a decent option, albeit a bit disappointing compared to others.
5. Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
Priced at $0.62 at Walmart
At a budget-friendly price, Jiffy offers a good-tasting cornbread mix with a satisfying grittiness. This sturdy and reliable option is perfect for accompanying soul food dishes, making it a popular choice among many.
6. Dolly Parton’s Sweet Cornbread and Muffin Mix
Priced at $2.87 at Walmart
Unfortunately, Dolly Parton’s mix falls short in terms of flavor and quality, leaving much to be desired.
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