18 Creative Cornmeal Recipes Your Neighbor Doesn't Know Of

If you have cornmeal in your pantry, we know some epic ways you can use it. We rounded up 18 unique recipes that use cornmeal in the most delicious way. These recipes range from sweet to savory and are anything but boring.

Creamy Polenta with Mushrooms

This 30-minute Polenta Recipe gets its unique flavor from an umami-packed Miso Paste. Served with quick sautéed mushrooms, this polenta is SO creamy and perfect for busy days. It's healthy, comforting, and easy to make. Get the recipe.

Polenta Bites with a Olive-Caper Spread

If you need a 30-minute appetizer idea, these Polenta Bites will do the trick. Tubed polenta is fried until crispy and then topped with a tangy Kalamata Olive-Caper spread. Easy and mouthwatering appetizer that everyone will love. Get the recipe.

Chili Beans with Creamy Polenta

Healthy chili beans with creamy polenta! A simple take on chili and cornbread. Get the recipe.

Homemade Mini Corn Dogs

Do you love corn dogs from the fair but don't want to wait all year to have them? Good news! You can make mini corn dogs right at home. They're easy to make, super tasty, and perfect for parties or a quick snack. Get the recipe.

Cornmeal and Beef Casserole

These Pastelón de harina de maíz (cornmeal and beef casserole) combines savory and sweet flavors and the results are nothing short of spectacular. Get the recipe.

Crispy Polenta

Polenta, a staple of Italian cuisine, is a versatile dish that can be transformed in countless ways. One of its most delightful forms is when it's crisp-fried, resulting in a dish that is both creamy and crunchy. This Crispy Polenta recipe is a simple yet impressive side dish or appetizer that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Get the recipe.

Pumpkin Cornbread Muffins

Incredibly moist cornbread muffins! We love these most with a big bowl of chili. These pumpkin cornbread muffins are perfect for fall and Thanksgiving! A must-make. Get the recipe.

Cornbread Cake with Candied Bacon

Do you know what my latest passion is? It’s this air fryer cornbread cake with candied bacon! Cornbread is already delicious and let’s face it, everyone loves bacon! So how could this air fryer cornbread recipe with honey buttercream frosting be anything less than incredible! This sweet cornbread with icing is always a tasty addition to the menu. Get the recipe.

Bollitos de Maíz (Boiled Cornmeal Dumplings)

Craving some comfort food? Bollitos de Maíz (Boiled Cornmeal Dumplings) is a comfort dish can be served as a side dish or in our beloved sancocho. Get the recipe.

Cornbread 

This cornbread is a delightful twist on the classic Southern dish that captures the essence of comfort food while remaining cruelty-free. This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors, with a moist and tender texture that will melt in your mouth. Get the recipe.

Jalapeno Bacon Polenta

For this jalapeno bacon polenta, I've taken that basic recipe and kicked it up a notch. These ingredients make for a classic flavor pairing, and they would be amazing under some runny eggs in the morning, or just on their own. Out of the pot. Like I eat it. Get the recipe.

Spinach Cornbread for Breakfast 

Breakfast just got a whole lot easier with this wonderful spinach cornbread for breakfast with sweet corn and cheddar that combines all the food groups in a portable form. These breakfast bites are just wonderful, so filling, so portable, so nutritious, and so tasty that I am sure you'll love them. Get the recipe.

Okra Cornmeal Cakes with Cilantro Yogurt Dip

These okra cornmeal cakes are pan fried with a crispy outside and spicy soft center. They’re perfect with the refreshing cilantro lime yogurt dip. Get the recipe.

Air Fryer Parmesan Truffle Polenta Fries

Air fryer parmesan truffle polenta fries make a tasty side dish or appetizer. This elegant take on regular or cornmeal French fries pairs beautifully with the truffle mayo dipping sauce. Serve crispy baked polenta fries at your next gathering and I guarantee everyone will want the recipe! Get the recipe.

Air Fryer Frozen Hush Puppies

Make tasty and crispy air-fried hush puppies with this simple recipe. A healthier alternative to deep-frying, perfect for snacks or appetizers. Get the recipe.

Cornmeal Waffles with Bacon

Bacon lovers, these Cornmeal Waffles are tailor-made to get your day off to a great start. These sweet and savory waffles are a delicious combination of cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, maple syrup, and bacon. Get the recipe.

Polenta Fries Recipe {Air Fryer Method + More}

These crispy, golden-brown polenta fries are made from pre-cooked polenta, seasoned with garlic, onion, and oregano, and air-fried to perfection. They’re topped with Parmesan cheese and chopped basil and served with a spicy marinara sauce infused with garlic, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of smoked paprika. They’re the perfect combination of crunchy, creamy, and zesty. Get the recipe.

Blackberry Cornbread Muffins with Whipped Honey Butter

These are the BEST Blackberry Cornbread Muffins. Bursting with blackberries and served with creamy whipped honey butter. Blackberry Cornbread Muffins with Whipped Honey Butter.