Cornmeal

Zea mays Grain Product

Cornmeal Grain Product

At a Glance

  • Category Grain Product

The Forktionary Angle

"A naturally gluten-free grain product, offering a distinct sweet-nutty flavor and texture."

Definition

Ground dried corn kernels, used as a flour for baking and thickening, popular in cornbread, polenta, and as a dredging agent.

Common Application Cornbread (baking)
Grind Types Fine, Medium, Coarse
Shelf Life (Airtight) 1 year (refrigerated: 2 years)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Cornmeal are:

Sweet nutty earthy

Chef’s Secret

Toasting cornmeal lightly before adding to liquids for polenta or gruel deepens its nutty flavor profile significantly.

Best Substitutes

Polenta

for coarse
Ratio 1:1

Corn Flour

for fine
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose fine for baking, coarse for polenta. Check for fresh smell and no signs of insects.

Culinary Pairings

Recipes Using Cornmeal

30 Minutes Or Less 30 Minutes Or Less Soy Tofu Vegetarian

Beer Battered Tofu

Fool your taste buds with this incredible beer-battered tofu recipe! Inspired by catfish filets, this crispy and flavorful tofu is perfect for those seeking a delicious plant-based alternative. The light and airy beer batter creates a satisfying crunch, while the cornmeal coating adds a delightful texture. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce – tartar sauce or sweet chili sauce are excellent choices!

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Occasion Finger Food Main Ingredient Main Dish

Artichoke Chicken Calzones

These irresistible Artichoke Chicken Calzones are a flavor explosion! Inspired by a Cooking Light recipe, these savory calzones are filled with tender chicken, artichoke hearts, spinach, and creamy provolone cheese, all baked to golden perfection. Get ready for a taste sensation that'll have you going back for seconds!

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Toddler Friendly Preparation Toddler Friendly 30 Minutes Or Less

Alfredo Prosciutto Pizza

Elevate pizza night with this creamy, dreamy Alfredo Prosciutto Pizza! Inspired by a Taste of Home magazine recipe, this gourmet pizza features a rich Alfredo sauce base, savory prosciutto, fresh basil, and sharp cheddar jack cheese, all baked to perfection on a crispy crust. Get ready for a flavor explosion in every bite!

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Number Of Servings Taste Mood Time To Make Preparation

Baked Spicy Chicken Tenders With Honey Mustard Sauce

Craving crispy, spicy chicken tenders without the guilt? These baked honey mustard chicken tenders deliver explosive flavor with a fraction of the calories of fried versions! Perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy and spicy on the inside, this easy 30-minute recipe is perfect for a game-night appetizer, weeknight dinner, or a crowd-pleasing party snack. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Dietary 60 Minutes Or Less Dietary European

Basil Garlic Pizza Dough Abm

Elevate your pizza night with this incredibly flavorful Basil Garlic Pizza Dough! This recipe, perfect for bread machine users, creates a versatile dough ideal for thin or thick crust pizzas, flatbreads, and even bruschetta. Make two 12" thin crust pizzas, one 14" thick crust pizza, or a massive 15x10" thin crust party pizza! Easily adaptable to whole wheat, this recipe is your secret weapon for restaurant-quality pizza at home. Prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate or freeze for ultimate convenience.

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Time To Make North American Time To Make Course

South Of The Border Jalapeno Cornbread

Spice up your meal with this irresistible South of the Border Jalapeño Cornbread! This light and moist cornbread is the perfect side dish for lunch, dinner, or even a surprisingly delicious breakfast alongside sausage and eggs. The blend of sweet corn, creamy cheese, and fiery jalapeños creates a flavor explosion in every bite. Easy to make and guaranteed to impress, this recipe is a must-try for cornbread lovers!

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Quick Breads Time To Make Preparation Course

Berry Cornmeal Muffins

Delightfully moist and subtly sweet, these Berry Cornmeal Muffins are the perfect breakfast treat! Bursting with fresh berries and a hint of zesty lemon, they're easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get your day started the delicious way!

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Tomatoes Main Ingredient Vegetarian Cheese

Awesome Grilled Pizza

Prepare for pizza perfection! This recipe, inspired by America's Test Kitchen, is a labor of love resulting in an unbelievably delicious grilled pizza. While it involves multiple steps, the incredible flavor and impressive presentation are well worth the effort. Easily adaptable with your favorite light toppings, it's also perfect for make-ahead entertaining. Grill it once, then simply reheat for company! Don't be intimidated by the oil – you won't use the entire amount. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this gourmet grilled pizza experience!

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Course Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Breads

Barefoot Contessa's Rosemary Polenta

Ina Garten's beloved Rosemary Polenta recipe from her iconic 'Barefoot Contessa Family Style' cookbook gets a delicious upgrade! This creamy polenta is infused with fragrant rosemary and garlic, then pan-fried to golden perfection. Make-ahead friendly – prepare it days in advance and enjoy a restaurant-quality side dish in minutes. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or elegant dinner party.

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Preparation Midwestern Preparation Vegetarian

Arkansas Corn Bread

Taste the tradition! This authentic Arkansas cornbread recipe is a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece. Made with simple ingredients and a touch of Southern charm, this recipe delivers a perfectly moist and crumbly cornbread that's guaranteed to be a family favorite. Get ready to experience the true taste of Arkansas!

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Main Ingredient Time To Make Preparation Shellfish

Clams With Red Bell Pepper Garlic

Dive into summer with this sensational Clams with Red Bell Pepper & Garlic recipe, a true Bon Appétit gem from July 1996! This vibrant dish features tender clams simmered in a fragrant broth of garlic, red bell peppers, and white wine – the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and briny. Serve with crusty bread for dipping in the incredible, flavorful broth. A simple yet elegant recipe ready in under 90 minutes!

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Equipment 15 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Yeast

50 Whole Wheat Bread Bread Machine

Delight in this light and fluffy whole wheat bread, perfect for sandwiches! This recipe, adapted from Roxanne Mcquilkin's "Canadian Bread Machine Baking," skips the whole wheat cycle for a surprisingly tasty result. Enjoy the ease of bread machine baking without sacrificing flavor.

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Time To Make Inexpensive Vegetarian Italian

Basic Polenta

Master the art of polenta with this easy recipe! This creamy, dreamy dish is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it soft and creamy straight from the pot, bake it into squares for a comforting side, or fry it into crispy polenta sticks for a unique appetizer. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a first-time cook, this foolproof recipe will impress. Get ready to explore endless possibilities with this adaptable Italian staple!

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American Easy Time To Make North American

Arizona Green Chile Cornbread Green Chili Cornbread

Experience the fiery Southwest with this Arizona Green Chile Cornbread recipe, adapted from Gwen McKee & Barbara Moseley's 'Best of the Best from America' cookbook. This recipe delivers a deliciously moist and flavorful cornbread packed with green chiles and melted cheese. Perfect as a side dish or a hearty snack, it's easy to double or triple for a crowd!

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Low In Something American Easy Low In Something

Amish Onion Patties

Crispy, golden-brown Amish Onion Patties are the perfect side dish! Made with sweet onions (like Vidalia, Maui Sweet, or 1015), these savory patties are incredibly easy to make and bursting with flavor. A delightful combination of tender onions and a crispy exterior, they're sure to be a family favorite. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this simple yet elegant recipe!

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Lunch 4 Hours Or Less Snacks 3 Steps Or Less

American Indian Sunflower Seed Cakes

Discover a taste of tradition with this authentic American Indian Sunflower Seed Cake recipe! This recipe, adapted from a classic Native American cookbook, creates delicious, savory cakes perfect as a side dish or light meal. The simple ingredients combine to create a unique and unforgettable flavor experience. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-follow recipe.

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Taste Mood Cuisine 60 Minutes Or Less Southern United States

Aunt Bernice's Cornbread

A treasured family recipe passed down through generations, Aunt Bernice's Cornbread is a taste of Southern comfort food at its finest. This recipe, originally using white cornmeal, delivers a deliciously moist and subtly sweet cornbread with a perfectly crisp crust. Prepare to be amazed by its simple yet unforgettable flavor!

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Occasion Eggs Cuisine Breads

Albanian Cornbread Pite

This authentic Albanian cornbread, or Pite, is a delightful side dish perfect for soaking up the flavors of hearty stews. Inspired by "Home Cooking Around the World" and adapted from Global Table Adventures, this recipe delivers a deliciously moist and slightly sweet cornbread that's best enjoyed fresh from the oven. Learn how to make this simple yet flavorful bread that will elevate your next Albanian-inspired meal!

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