On the nights my mom made chili, I was in charge of mixing up that iconic blue Jiffy Cornbread box, whisking together the egg, and the milk, and the mix in the speckle green melamine bowl. Ever since, I’ve liked my cornbread sweet and served from a muffin tin. With an extra pat of butter if you really want to know. Now, on the nights I make chili, I make it from scratch, because I love to, and I make sure they taste exactly like the ones I grew up with. With that, I give you this Jiffy Cornbread copycat recipe.
How to Make Jiffy Cornbread
First, this recipe comes together nearly as fast as the Jiffy Cornbread box, in the same time it takes to preheat the oven. To make, whisk together the flour, finely ground cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. All things you probably have stocked in your pantry. Then whisk together the milk, oil, and egg. Stir together until just combined.
Next, line your muffin tin with liners for easy removal, and use a spring release scoop for even distribution. Bake at 400°F and watch the cornbread muffins burst into an impressive muffin top. Brush with salted butter while still warm for extra flavor.
What type of cornmeal should I use?
The type of cornmeal you use for these Jiffy Cornbread copycat muffins will yield vastly different results. Look for a fine to medium ground cornmeal as opposed to coarse. I also like to buy organic when buying any corn products. And, if you can find one that’s also high-lysine, even better. High-lysine cornmeal has been milled to keep the germ and the bran intact, which adds a whole lot of flavor, protein, and nutrients. If you’re in Minnesota, Whole Grain Milling is my favorite.
May your Jiffy cornbread copycat muffins be sweet, with an impressive muffin top, and a pat of butter too.
On nights my mom made chili, it was my job to make the cornbread. 1 box of Jiffy, 1 egg, and a bit of milk. I like my cornbread sweet because of it. I can’t have it any other way. If you close you eyes, you might think you’re biting into an original Jiffy Cornbread muffin. This recipe comes together nearly as fast as the box. You’ll most likely beat the oven preheat time. If serving a crowd, double or triple the recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry
2/3 c. all purpose unbleached flour 1/2 c. finely ground cornmeal, non GMO scant 1/4 c. pure cane sugar 3/4 tsp. aluminum-free baking powder 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1/8 tsp. baking soda
Wet
1/2 c. whole milk 2 tbsp. oil, mild-tasting 1 large egg
For Serving
1 tbsp. salted butter
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F degrees. Line muffin tin. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, stir together dry ingredients. In a separate small bowl, stir together wet ingredients until evenly combined.
Add the wet mixture into the dry and stir together until just combined, no more.
Evenly scoop batter into muffin tins. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
Brush butter over muffin tops. Serve warm.
Notes
Note: For a fluffier cornbread, use 1 teaspoon of baking powder and bake on the lower end of the listed time.
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Melissa, I love the way you write even if you didn’t have the delicious recipies! I went looking for Jiffy copy cat recipe and found you God is indeed great! Thank you and best wishes for the Mew Year! Deb
Thanks for posting this. I have an awesome recipe for corn pudding that uses Jiffy mix, but I don’t like using packaged junk. I’ll substitute melted coconut oil for the oil though–vegetable oil, especially canola, isn’t healthy.
Can’t wait to tell the mister that I found this recipe!!! And your honesty and charm makes this one of the few blogs I make time for. Because let’s be honest with a cluster feeding, teething, nap-skipping toddler I don’t have much time for me. So thank you, for inspiring me to keep cooking & keeping me laughing! xo Natalie
Oh man, I can relate, Melissa. For what it’s worth, I think you’ve said it perfectly eloquently. My word of the year is vulnerability — I’m tired of holding myself back! Happy new year, hope we can catch up sometime soon.
Yes you SHOULD own it!! I always love coming here and reading what you have to say and see what food you’ve cooked up…and it’s always a great experience.
LOVE: “laugh at my ignorance and smile at my growth”. Looking back, it’s tempting to change/rewrite/rephotograph. But I won’t. It’s good for the head. Great post, Melissa. And awesome muffins. Was lovely to see you last night – have a great weekend!
OWN IT!! Life is a practice, we’re always making mistakes and learning from them, trying new things and growing because of it. That’s all there really is! Those are the moments we’re supposed to enjoy but often have to really remember to do so. The tough stuff is the stuff worth doing. Personally, I think you always own it. That’s why so many of us come here time and again to be inspired by your honesty. Thumbs up to this post and can’t wait to see what unfolds as you honor these goals!
Thank you for sharing. I share your fear of the “publish” button.
I love your brief, but spot on, comparison of life to yoga. None of us know what the heck we’re doing and it’s very likely we will never know. Let’s enjoy the ride and strive to be better people than we were yesterday. #wasthattoohippy #ibelieveiteitherway
Such beautiful words. I couldn’t feel more the same. This was really encouraging, I love your honesty and your thoughts. You have such a beautiful heart and I am so glad I found you and have been able to follow you in this space. Thank you for sharing Melissa <3 never stop!
So much wisdom + grace in your words Melissa, as ever. And the line about owning your ill-balanced whites made me laugh because I’m so there (not that I think yours are at all!). Happy new year to you and your beautiful family! xo
I was JUST looking for a homemade cornbread recipe about ad quick as the box.
About writing: yes! I’m so thankful most of what I write has due dates and editirs, otherwise I’m not sure I’d be brave enough. I’m very glad you are, though- the chickpea Indian bowl has been clutch with a baby around and I was very glad for the baby’s first birthday cake recipe (even if she was more interested in Marcella Hazans lentil soup! Ha).
There is so much I can relate to here! Even though I’ve been blogging for over 6 years, it’s still difficult to write out a post. Of course it has gotten a little easier over time, but I’m not sure writing will ever be my forte. I sometimes wish I could just write for every post: “I made this. It was delicious. You should make it too!” 😛 And yes, cornbread is lovely with extra butter. 😀
Melissa, your writing is wonderful, especially when you speak from the heart. Keep it up! I am thankful for your blog and the time you take to put it together. I am enjoying, right now, my 2nd PSL thanks to you! I have a question though, I find that there is a lot of yummy ‘pulp’ left over from my straining the syrup. Am I doing something wrong or maybe I am just not just not patient enough?
I love your blog, and this post is one more reason why. Your tips reeled me in, and now I’m popping by all the time. I’m not a big fan of cornbread, but I like how you describe this recipe ” I like my cornbread sweet and served from a muffin tin” I think I would like mine that way too.
What a lovely post! I feel you, completely. Those Jiffy muffins are so good and I’m happy to have this homemade recipe for cornbread emergencies. Thanks for sharing!
this: “It’s not necessarily a resolution, but this year I want to own my half thoughts, incomplete sentences, and ill-balanced whites. I want to create more and worry less. I want to say hi and thank you rather than pretending we don’t see each other. I want more awkward silences in conversations because I’m actually having them. I want to be pleased with myself no matter the answer to the question. They call yoga a practice. I’m beginning to think life is just that too.”
i love. i like the idea of embracing life as a practice. a process. i’m finding myself lately wanting to own and share more of my thoughts, too. the self-censoring, self-silencing is too familiar to me. and why the heck? i don’t think people (at least, the people we want to be sharing with) are nearly as judgmental and dismissive about our ideas as we are to them. it’s so good to see a peek or hear a sincere thought offered by another human being. i endeavor to always remember that and not to estrange myself from the sharing from either side. cheers to us all.
I just wanted to tell you that this is one of my favourite spaces on the internet to visit. As someone who feels like a novice blogger, it’s hard for me to remember that the people you’ve been reading for ages (i.e. you) are just people too, with the same doubts and insecurities as I have (love the comments re: white balance, I feel your white balancing pain). So this is me letting you know that this space is awesome, and here’s to more saying “hi”!
Thanks for coming back again and again. And hi! right back to you. I do the same thing as you thinking certainly people must have things more figured out than me. Maybe they do, but I’m glad I’m not completely alone.
Goodness, I think you are such a great writer with such wonderful ideas. You are genuine and I appreciate that. I’m touring the Jiffy factory next week with my son’s 2nd grade class- I live so close and have never had Jiffy! As much as I know I will enjoy the tour, homemade from scratch is always best. 🙂
thanks so much for this! i visited the jiffy factory in elementary school, so the jiffy box holds a place in my heart too. but its nice to make your own. I will have to try this the next time I throw together a pot of chili 🙂
Oh my goodness, Melissa. I love this post so very much. You’ve captured so, so much about how I feel in my weekly type-and-backspace tug-of-war. This is everything: “Most days I’m too nervous to recognize that you’re sitting on the other side of my private notebook. Hi. It’s probably because I’ll ever understand why you visit this space again and again. Thank you. Thank you for reading the words that aren’t always so eloquently sewn together. The words that, for me, are an ongoing exercise to create. Thank you for glossing over thousands of grammatical errors and ill-balanced whites of my images. Thank you for holding my words very gently in your hands. Thank you for listening and replying. For making the things I love to make and telling me you made them too. Thank you, on the other side of the screen. Your presence here is validating.”
Your grace, humility, and thoughtful reflections are just so inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing these thoughts, and for this spectacular cornbread — I’m all about the sweet Jiffy version so this one speaks to my heart! Thank you!
(crap, wasn’t finished) Your words always read as beautifully as your images. And this, ” They call yoga a practice. I’m beginning to think life is just that too.” YES.
this post is so, so beautiful and i’m so grateful that you share your words, your photos and your life.
“The question of, ‘Are you pleased?’ is silent but understood.” I know exactly how you feel. i too love to write my blog as if i’m still thirteen years old, writing in my battered van gogh starry night journal, thinking that no one is ever going to read what i write. but then, horror of horrors if no one actually does read it!
you own it melissa! the half spaces, the blurry lines, the shades of grey and white. you have a way with words (and photos for that matter) that keep me coming back for more more more.
This is such a beautiful post! Life is definitely a practice. I am learning that too, and I appreciate you sharing your thoughts, recipes, and photographs!
Melissa, I love the way you write even if you didn’t have the delicious recipies! I went looking for Jiffy copy cat recipe and found you God is indeed great! Thank you and best wishes for the Mew Year!
Deb
Thanks for posting this. I have an awesome recipe for corn pudding that uses Jiffy mix, but I don’t like using packaged junk. I’ll substitute melted coconut oil for the oil though–vegetable oil, especially canola, isn’t healthy.
Can’t wait to tell the mister that I found this recipe!!! And your honesty and charm makes this one of the few blogs I make time for. Because let’s be honest with a cluster feeding, teething, nap-skipping toddler I don’t have much time for me. So thank you, for inspiring me to keep cooking & keeping me laughing!
xo
Natalie
This post is lovely, Melissa. I so admire your honesty. And these muffins! They look delicious, and your photos are just gorgeous.
I was the jiffy mixer in my house too, I can almost taste those sweet little muffins now. I trust these are infinitely better
“They call yoga a practice. I’m beginning to think life is just that too.”
This post is just so great. Thank you! I love your blog, your photos+recipes , your instagram. Thank you for sharing and inspiring 🙂
Oh man, I can relate, Melissa. For what it’s worth, I think you’ve said it perfectly eloquently. My word of the year is vulnerability — I’m tired of holding myself back! Happy new year, hope we can catch up sometime soon.
Yes you SHOULD own it!! I always love coming here and reading what you have to say and see what food you’ve cooked up…and it’s always a great experience.
LOVE: “laugh at my ignorance and smile at my growth”. Looking back, it’s tempting to change/rewrite/rephotograph. But I won’t. It’s good for the head. Great post, Melissa. And awesome muffins. Was lovely to see you last night – have a great weekend!
OWN IT!! Life is a practice, we’re always making mistakes and learning from them, trying new things and growing because of it. That’s all there really is! Those are the moments we’re supposed to enjoy but often have to really remember to do so. The tough stuff is the stuff worth doing. Personally, I think you always own it. That’s why so many of us come here time and again to be inspired by your honesty. Thumbs up to this post and can’t wait to see what unfolds as you honor these goals!
Thank you for sharing. I share your fear of the “publish” button.
I love your brief, but spot on, comparison of life to yoga. None of us know what the heck we’re doing and it’s very likely we will never know. Let’s enjoy the ride and strive to be better people than we were yesterday. #wasthattoohippy #ibelieveiteitherway
Hi, Melissa! I just came across your blog for the very first time. It’s lovely, and your pictures are fabulous. -Victoria
Such beautiful words. I couldn’t feel more the same. This was really encouraging, I love your honesty and your thoughts. You have such a beautiful heart and I am so glad I found you and have been able to follow you in this space. Thank you for sharing Melissa <3 never stop!
So much wisdom + grace in your words Melissa, as ever. And the line about owning your ill-balanced whites made me laugh because I’m so there (not that I think yours are at all!). Happy new year to you and your beautiful family! xo
your posts never disappoint. thank YOU for trying your best to be transparent. it’s refreshing.
You inspire me every time I read a new post. Thank you…
I love this Melissa – what a delicious recipe, beautiful photos and gorgeous writing! All the best!
I was JUST looking for a homemade cornbread recipe about ad quick as the box.
About writing: yes! I’m so thankful most of what I write has due dates and editirs, otherwise I’m not sure I’d be brave enough. I’m very glad you are, though- the chickpea Indian bowl has been clutch with a baby around and I was very glad for the baby’s first birthday cake recipe (even if she was more interested in Marcella Hazans lentil soup! Ha).
Jiffy cornbread is the best…I have honestly never even thought to copy it! Can’t wait to try this!
I love everything about this post. Your words, this recipe – all good stuff. Cheers to 2015!
There is so much I can relate to here! Even though I’ve been blogging for over 6 years, it’s still difficult to write out a post. Of course it has gotten a little easier over time, but I’m not sure writing will ever be my forte. I sometimes wish I could just write for every post: “I made this. It was delicious. You should make it too!” 😛 And yes, cornbread is lovely with extra butter. 😀
Melissa, your writing is wonderful, especially when you speak from the heart. Keep it up! I am thankful for your blog and the time you take to put it together. I am enjoying, right now, my 2nd PSL thanks to you! I have a question though, I find that there is a lot of yummy ‘pulp’ left over from my straining the syrup. Am I doing something wrong or maybe I am just not just not patient enough?
I love your blog, and this post is one more reason why. Your tips reeled me in, and now I’m popping by all the time. I’m not a big fan of cornbread, but I like how you describe this recipe ” I like my cornbread sweet and served from a muffin tin” I think I would like mine that way too.
What a lovely post! I feel you, completely. Those Jiffy muffins are so good and I’m happy to have this homemade recipe for cornbread emergencies. Thanks for sharing!
this: “It’s not necessarily a resolution, but this year I want to own my half thoughts, incomplete sentences, and ill-balanced whites. I want to create more and worry less. I want to say hi and thank you rather than pretending we don’t see each other. I want more awkward silences in conversations because I’m actually having them. I want to be pleased with myself no matter the answer to the question. They call yoga a practice. I’m beginning to think life is just that too.”
i love. i like the idea of embracing life as a practice. a process. i’m finding myself lately wanting to own and share more of my thoughts, too. the self-censoring, self-silencing is too familiar to me. and why the heck? i don’t think people (at least, the people we want to be sharing with) are nearly as judgmental and dismissive about our ideas as we are to them. it’s so good to see a peek or hear a sincere thought offered by another human being. i endeavor to always remember that and not to estrange myself from the sharing from either side. cheers to us all.
“Cheers to us all.” Amen.
Hi Melissa,
I just wanted to tell you that this is one of my favourite spaces on the internet to visit. As someone who feels like a novice blogger, it’s hard for me to remember that the people you’ve been reading for ages (i.e. you) are just people too, with the same doubts and insecurities as I have (love the comments re: white balance, I feel your white balancing pain). So this is me letting you know that this space is awesome, and here’s to more saying “hi”!
Sami
Thanks for coming back again and again. And hi! right back to you. I do the same thing as you thinking certainly people must have things more figured out than me. Maybe they do, but I’m glad I’m not completely alone.
Goodness, I think you are such a great writer with such wonderful ideas. You are genuine and I appreciate that. I’m touring the Jiffy factory next week with my son’s 2nd grade class- I live so close and have never had Jiffy! As much as I know I will enjoy the tour, homemade from scratch is always best. 🙂
Thank you, Emily. That means a lot. And I’m way jealous you get to actually tour the factory. Blow it s kiss for me!
Dear Melissa,
I’ve seen what you do here and I am pleased, and inspired, and uplifted, and happily following along. Thank you!
I’m honored that someone with far more wisdom and experience would join me in this space. Thank you!
Ah that looks wonderful! You can’t beat a good cornbread muffin. Especially with chili, mmm 🙂
thanks so much for this! i visited the jiffy factory in elementary school, so the jiffy box holds a place in my heart too. but its nice to make your own. I will have to try this the next time I throw together a pot of chili 🙂
Oh my goodness, Melissa. I love this post so very much. You’ve captured so, so much about how I feel in my weekly type-and-backspace tug-of-war. This is everything: “Most days I’m too nervous to recognize that you’re sitting on the other side of my private notebook. Hi. It’s probably because I’ll ever understand why you visit this space again and again. Thank you. Thank you for reading the words that aren’t always so eloquently sewn together. The words that, for me, are an ongoing exercise to create. Thank you for glossing over thousands of grammatical errors and ill-balanced whites of my images. Thank you for holding my words very gently in your hands. Thank you for listening and replying. For making the things I love to make and telling me you made them too. Thank you, on the other side of the screen. Your presence here is validating.”
Your grace, humility, and thoughtful reflections are just so inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing these thoughts, and for this spectacular cornbread — I’m all about the sweet Jiffy version so this one speaks to my heart! Thank you!
I definitely couldn’t have said it better myself!
(crap, wasn’t finished) Your words always read as beautifully as your images. And this, ” They call yoga a practice. I’m beginning to think life is just that too.” YES.
yes to everything cynthia and ashley said.
this post is so, so beautiful and i’m so grateful that you share your words, your photos and your life.
“The question of, ‘Are you pleased?’ is silent but understood.” I know exactly how you feel. i too love to write my blog as if i’m still thirteen years old, writing in my battered van gogh starry night journal, thinking that no one is ever going to read what i write. but then, horror of horrors if no one actually does read it!
you own it melissa! the half spaces, the blurry lines, the shades of grey and white. you have a way with words (and photos for that matter) that keep me coming back for more more more.
You guys, you guy, thank you for the encouragement and the love, and ultimately for empowering me. I hope I can do the same for you.
This is such a beautiful post! Life is definitely a practice. I am learning that too, and I appreciate you sharing your thoughts, recipes, and photographs!
Thanks Meg
Words that I would like to live by this year, too. Hear, hear!