Grain | Vegetarian Gluten Free

Cornmeal

Zea mays Allergen-Free
cornmeal

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Poaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Southern US, Mexican, Italian
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Corn (Zea mays)

The Forktionary Angle

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

Definition

Dried and ground corn, varying in grind size from fine to coarse, used in baking, frying, and as a thickener.

Sensory Profile

TasteMildly sweet, Earthy, Starchy
TextureGritty, Powdery, Crunchy
AromaPopcorn-like, Sweet corn
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Common Application

Cornbread (baking)

Grind Types

Fine, Medium, Coarse

Shelf Life (Airtight)

1 year (refrigerated: 2 years)

Nutrition Facts

Per 30g (1/4 cup)
Calories370 kcal
Total Fat1.5 g
Saturated Fat0.2 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein7.5 g
Total Carbohydrate79 g
Dietary Fiber4.5 g
Total Sugars0.5 g
Calcium7 mg
Iron2.4 mg
Potassium120 mg

Chef’s Secret

For a crispier fried coating, combine cornmeal with a finer flour and a pinch of baking powder. When making cornbread, avoid overmixing to prevent a tough texture.

Substitutions

Best Match

Polenta (coarse grind)

1:1

Excellent for texture and cooking similar dishes like grits.

All-Purpose Flour

1:1 (adjust for texture)

For thickening or light breading, but lacks characteristic grittiness.

Rice Flour

1:1

Good for gluten-free thickening, less flavor.

Semolina Flour

1:1

Similar gritty texture, different flavor, contains gluten.

Buying Guide

Select fine, medium, or coarse grind based on recipe. Opt for non-GMO if preferred.

Flavor Pairings

Buttermilk Cheese Honey Maple Syrup Beans Fried Fish Chili Pork

Recipes Using Cornmeal

Time To Make Occasion European Italian

7 Minute Rich And Creamy Polenta

Indulge in this luxuriously creamy polenta, ready in just 7 minutes! This incredibly quick and easy recipe, adapted from the New York Daily News, delivers a comforting bowl of cheesy goodness perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend treat. Skip the long cooking times and enjoy restaurant-quality polenta in minutes!

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North American Oven Quick Breads Canadian

Alaskan Sourdough Cornbread

Experience the taste of Alaska with this unique sourdough cornbread recipe! Inspired by our Alaskan adventure and a recipe from Alaska Travel Magazine, this cornbread boasts a delightful, mild sourdough tang that elevates the classic cornbread experience. Unlike traditional cornbread, this recipe incorporates a sourdough starter for a depth of flavor your family will adore. Perfectly golden-brown and moist, it's the ideal side dish for any meal. This updated recipe includes precise baking time adjustments for optimal results.

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Vegetarian Vegetarian Breads Free Of Something

Amaranth Sunflower Spelt Bread

This delightful Amaranth Sunflower Spelt Bread recipe delivers a wholesome and flavorful loaf perfect for breakfast or a satisfying snack. Combining nutritious amaranth, crunchy sunflower seeds, and hearty spelt flour, this easy-to-follow recipe is adapted from the Angelica Home Kitchen Cookbook, offering a delicious twist on traditional bread. Enjoy the nutty, subtly sweet taste and satisfying texture!

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Pizza Number Of Servings Equipment Course

Amazing Thin Crust Pizza

Conquer pizza night with this game-changing recipe! Inspired by Cook's Illustrated and seasoned pizzaiolo techniques, this recipe creates a ridiculously crispy-tender, 13x18 inch (half-sheet pan) thin crust pizza (or two 12-inch rounds). My husband claims it's the highlight of his day – and it might be yours too! This recipe features a flavorful sauce (enough for 3 medium or 6 thin crust pizzas!), and meticulous instructions for achieving perfect crust and topping balance. A pizza stone is essential for that authentic pizzeria crisp. Learn the trick for effortless pizza transfer using parchment paper and a half-sheet pan. Get ready to impress – this pizza is better than takeout, and once you try it, you'll never order pizza again!

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Easy Quick Breads Course Appetizers

Amusement Park Cornbread

Get ready for a taste of pure delight! This Amusement Park Cornbread is incredibly light and fluffy, reminiscent of the famous Smokey Bones cornbread but even better. Sweet, subtly buttery, and utterly irresistible, it's the perfect side dish for any occasion. Serve warm with a pat of honey butter for a truly unforgettable experience. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers amazing results every time!

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Fruit Main Ingredient Number Of Servings Easter

Apple Raisin Bread

This incredibly versatile Apple Raisin Bread recipe is perfect for chilly evenings! I've perfected this recipe through countless variations – adding nuts, vanilla, cinnamon-ginger, even swapping apples for dried cherries! Apple butter can replace applesauce, and you can adjust the honey to your liking. Baked in three adorable 8" cake pans, this recipe guarantees three delicious loaves of homemade goodness. Prepare to be amazed by its adaptability and incredible flavor!

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60 Minutes Or Less 60 Minutes Or Less Preparation Course

Aunt Betty's Apple Upside Down Corn Bread

A family heirloom recipe passed down for over 50 years! This decadent Apple Upside-Down Cornbread is a twist on the classic, featuring a caramelized apple topping and a moist, subtly sweet cornbread base. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dessert, it's best served warm with a pat of butter and a drizzle of warm maple syrup. Get ready to experience a taste of tradition!

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Main Dish Barbecue Main Dish Equipment

Aussie Lamb Burgers With Goat Cheese And Tomato Relish

Savor the taste of Australia with these juicy Aussie Lamb Burgers! This recipe, inspired by "Simply Delicious Australian Lamb," features flavorful lamb patties coated in cornmeal, topped with creamy goat cheese, and a vibrant homemade tomato relish. Perfect for a BBQ, weeknight dinner, or any occasion. Get ready for a culinary adventure Down Under!

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European Breads Dinner Party Equipment

Authentic Irish Soda Bread Bread Machine

Bake the most incredible, authentic Irish soda bread in your bread machine this St. Patrick's Day! This recipe, adapted from "Rustic European Bread," delivers a deliciously crumbly loaf with a subtly sweet flavor. Impress your friends and family with this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing masterpiece. Perfect for celebrations or a simple, satisfying treat.

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Preparation Course 4 Hours Or Less Main Dish

Authentic Mexican Tamale Pie

Skip the fuss, keep the flavor! This Authentic Mexican Tamale Pie is a delicious shortcut to your favorite tamale experience. A comforting casserole combining the best of two classic recipes (inspired by #191472 and #168006), this dish features a creamy cornmeal topping and a hearty chili filling. Made with finely ground cornmeal (or masa harina!), it's topped with a vibrant cilantro cream sauce (recipe #171578) for the perfect finishing touch. Get ready for a flavor explosion that's easy to make and impossible to resist!

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Dietary Course Weeknight Pizza

Awesome Bread Machine Pizza Dough

Create the perfect pizza crust effortlessly with this bread machine recipe! This foolproof method yields a delicious, chewy crust, ready for your favorite toppings. Say goodbye to kneading and hello to amazing homemade pizza!

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Time To Make Barbecue Time To Make 4 Hours Or Less

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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Main Ingredient Main Ingredient Preparation Course

Bacon Cheddar Muffins

Crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese unite in these irresistible muffins! Perfect for a quick and satisfying breakfast or brunch, this recipe delivers a delightful blend of savory and salty flavors. Adapted from a classic 2005 magazine recipe, these muffins are easy to make and guaranteed to be a family favorite. Get ready for a taste of pure comfort!

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Healthy Equipment Casseroles Time To Make

Baked Feta And Tomato Polenta Make Ahead Casserole

This comforting baked feta and tomato polenta casserole is a crowd-pleaser! Creamy polenta is layered with a vibrant tomato and basil mixture, salty feta, and melted mozzarella. Perfect for a make-ahead meal, this recipe is easily adaptable for a faster weeknight dinner using pre-made polenta. Inspired by Jeanne Lemlin's *Simple Vegetarian Pleasures*, this recipe is a guaranteed hit – even for polenta skeptics!

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Inexpensive 60 Minutes Or Less Inexpensive Ground Beef

Beef Cornbread Casserole

Satisfy your cravings with this fast and easy Beef Cornbread Casserole! Packed with savory beef and a zesty cornbread topping, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Get ready for a flavor explosion in just 60 minutes!

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Low Saturated Fat Preparation Free Of Something 60 Minutes Or Less

Beer Battered Fried Pickles

Satisfy your Southern craving with this crispy, beer-battered fried pickle recipe! Perfect as an appetizer or a fun side dish, these addictive pickles are easier to make at home than you think. Say goodbye to searching – learn how to create the ultimate fried pickle experience, bursting with flavor and satisfying crunch.

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Main Ingredient Main Ingredient Number Of Servings Chicken

Betty Crocker's Spicy Mexicali Drumsticks

Fire up your taste buds with Betty Crocker's Spicy Mexicali Drumsticks! This recipe, inspired by her classic cookbook, delivers juicy, flavorful chicken drumsticks with a crispy cornmeal crust and a zesty kick. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or game day, these drumsticks are easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a fiesta of flavor!

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Spring Free Of Something Main Dish Preparation

Roasted Veggies Over Creamy Polenta

This Weight Watchers-friendly recipe is a flavor explosion! Enjoy tender roasted zucchini and asparagus nestled atop a luxuriously creamy polenta. Low in fat and calories, this dish is surprisingly filling and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner!

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