Wondering how to freeze cornbread? Here’s everything you need to know, including storage tips, shelf life, and yummy recipes you’ll love!
Storebought or homemade cornbread is a popular side dish to serve for a holiday dinner or with hearty soups and stews.
You can enjoy savory or sweet preparations, and it’s a favorite of children and adults, alike.
But, if you happen to make a little too much or intentionally make a double batch, it’s important to know how to properly store and freeze your cornbread so you can enjoy it later.
Luckily, we’re here to help!
We’re sharing how to freeze cornbread to prevent freezer burn, important information on cornbread shelf life, plus yummy ideas for leftover cornbread and dishes to serve alongside it.
Cornbread 101
Cornbread is a quick bread recipe made with cornmeal.
It’s popular in the American South and has origins in Native American cuisine.
The main ingredients in a basic cornbread recipe include cornmeal, wheat flour, eggs, milk or buttermilk, and shortening.
However, there are several different types of cornbread with an endless number of ingredient variations and unique preparations.
You can cook cornbread on a baking sheet, in a pie pan, in a skillet, muffin tin, or casserole dish.
And you can include sweet ingredients like honey and maple syrup, and savory ingredients like cheese and onion.
Common Types
- Baked cornbread
- Crackling bread
- Corn pone
- Hot water cornbread
- Johnnycakes
- Hushpuppies
- Fried cornbread
- Cornbread muffins
Common Preparations
- Traditional Southern cornbread
- Jalapeno cornbread
- Sweet potato cornbread
- Pumpkin cornbread
- Honey cornbread
- Protein cornbread
How long does cornbread last?
Boxed cornbread can last in its original packaging according to the best-by date, which is typically a fairly long shelf life.
However, once it’s cooked, cornbread won’t last a long time at room temperature (just a few days). And it lasts in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Luckily, the freezing process halts harmful bacterial growth so you can extend the shelf life and safely enjoy it in the future.
Frozen cornbread lasts, at best quality, for 3-4 months when properly stored.
And properly stored frozen batter should last about the same amount of time.
NOTE: Freezing cornbread batter creates denser bread.
How to Freeze Cornbread
Step 1
Before you freeze your cornbread, make sure the bread is completely cooled for the best results.
Step 2
Next, decide whether you want to freeze the cornbread in smaller portions or the entire loaf.
If you know you plan to use the cornbread for another meal, you can freeze the whole thing.
However, if you plan to use the cornbread for snacking, individual meals, or to use with other recipes, it’s best to portion the cornbread to avoid food waste.
Step 3
To avoid freezer burn, wrap the cornbread in plastic wrap (you can do a double wrap for good measure). And then place the wrapped cornbread in a heavy-duty freezer bag or airtight container.
A plastic bag will usually take up less space.
How To Freeze Cornbread Batter:
The best way to freeze cornbread batter is to place the batter in muffin tins, flash freeze it, then pop the frozen batter out of the tins and place it in a freezer bag.
NOTE: Be sure to label your cornbread or batter so you know when to use it.
How to Defrost and Reheat
Now that we’ve covered the best method for freezing cornbread, here’s how to quickly and easily reheat it.
Defrosting
The easiest way to thaw cornbread is to place it in the refrigerator overnight or you can place it on the counter to come to room temperature.
You may forget to take the cornbread out in time or need to defrost it quickly. In this case, you’ll want to use the microwave to defrost your cornbread. Use the defrost setting (which is about 30% power) for 20-30 seconds per piece.
PRO TIP: Wrap your piece of cornbread in a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
Reheating
Once your cornbread has defrosted at room temperature or in the fridge, you can either reheat it in the microwave or oven.
The microwave will work best for individual pieces. And the oven works best for reheating a whole loaf.
Oven Instructions:
- Place the thawed cornbread on an oven-safe baking dish.
- Cover the dish with foil.
- Place the cornbread in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes.
What To Do with Leftovers
If you don’t want to freeze your leftover cornbread, here are some creative ideas and recipes to repurpose it into another dish.
- Savory cornbread dressing
- Cornbread stuffing
- Cornbread casserole
- Crispy cornbread Panzanella salad
- Cornbread pudding
- Chili topped with cornbread
- Cornbread croutons
How To Tell When It’s Gone Bad
Eating spoiled food is a great way to land yourself in the hospital, or at least to give you an upset stomach.
To avoid food poisoning, it’s important to know how to tell if cornbread is bad and when to throw it out.
Before you eat leftover or thawed cornbread, check for these signs of spoilage:
- Mold
- Sour smell
- Change of texture (soggy or moist)
Stale cornbread is still good to eat, it just won’t taste quite as good.
FAQs
If you want to use the microwave to defrost your cornbread, use the defrost setting (which is about 30% power) for 20-30 seconds per piece.
You can also place the cornbread in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter to come to room temperature.
Once your cornbread has defrosted at room temperature or in the fridge, you can either reheat it in the microwave or oven.
Yes! To freeze:
1. Make sure the muffins are completely cooled.
2. Wrap the muffins in plastic wrap.
3. Place the wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag.
Properly stored cornbread can last in the freezer for 3-4 months.
To avoid freezer burn, wrap the cornbread in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe bag or shallow air-tight container.
Yes!
You can freeze cornbread batter. However, it will create denser bread once thawed and cooked.
The best way to freeze cornbread batter is to pour it into a muffin tin, flash freeze it, then place the frozen batter in a freezer-safe bag or shallow, airtight container.
Although it’s safe to refreeze cornbread, you’ll lose some taste and texture quality by freezing, thawing, and then freezing again. It’s best to cut your cornbread into portions and only take out what you’ll eat.
More Southern Recipes You’ll Love
Now that we’ve covered everything to know about how to freeze cornbread, here are some other southern recipes you’ll love!
Serve these delicious main dishes and sides along with your favorite cornbread recipe to complete your meal.
Easy Parmesan Drop Biscuits
These easy Parmesan Drop Biscuits feature a homemade dough full of 2 different kinds of cheeses. They are fluffy and addicting and your family will gobble up every perfectly cheesy bite!
Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs
You’ll only 3 ingredients to make these tender Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs. They’re perfectly saucy and delicious, and couldn’t be easier to throw together!
The Best Meyer Lemonade Recipe
If you’ve never had lemonade made from Meyer lemons, you’re missing out! This recipe for Meyer Lemonade is the best out there and makes the perfect drink for a hot summer day.
Simple Instant Pot Potato Salad
This Instant Pot Potato Salad features tender potatoes, crisp pickles, hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy dressing. It comes together in no time thanks to the Instant pot and its simple flavor is a family favorite!
Easy Honey Butter Skillet Corn
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn features two kinds of canned corn in a creamy honey butter sauce. It’s a quick and simple side dish that your whole family will love!
Cowboy Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon
This recipe for baked beans with ground beef and bacon is chock-full of hearty meats, beans, and a sweet sauce. It’s incredibly delicious and can be customized based on your favorite beans or what you have on hand.
Posh Squash (Zucchini and Yellow Squash Casserole)
Posh Squash is a delicious take on a traditional zucchini and yellow squash casserole. With a creamy egg filling and cheesy top, your family will want seconds and thirds of this side dish!
The Easiest Instant Pot Deviled Eggs
These Instant Pot Deviled Eggs are perfectly tangy and only require 3 pantry ingredients, plus some common spices. There’s no need to boil water, and you’ll have this popular spring and summer side dish ready to go in just 20 minutes!
Cowboy Caviar with Avocado
Cowboy Caviar with Avocado is a delicious dip featuring three kinds of beans, colorful veggies, and a tangy Italian dressing. Whether you serve it with tortilla chips or eat it on its own, it’s a flavorful dish you can’t get enough of!
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