Delicious Crawfish Cornbread Recipe – Easy to Make at Home!
Are you on the lookout for a warm, hearty and irresistible appetizer that is sure to impress your friends and family? Look no further than my recipe for Crawfish Cornbread! This delicious southern-style concoction combines the savory flavors of crawfish, cornbread, and a few other key ingredients to create an appetizer that will leave your guests begging for seconds.
What sets my recipe apart from other crawfish cornbread recipes is the use of Rotel Tomatoes and creamed corn, which add a unique tangy flavor and texture to the dish. In addition, the combination of colby cheese and Monterey Jack cheese provides a melt-in-your-mouth quality that will make you feel like you’re indulging in something truly special.
As a culinary explorer, I have had the pleasure of experiencing many different flavors and textures from around the world. But there’s something about crawfish that always keeps me coming back for more. The rich, deep flavor of these small crustaceans pairs perfectly with the sweet sweetness of cornbread, making this dish an ideal appetizer for seafood lovers or anyone looking to switch up their usual appetizer game.
So join me on this culinary journey as we explore the unique flavors of cajun crawfish mixed into a savory cornbread appetizer. Trust me, your taste buds won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a delectable appetizer recipe that will leave your taste buds begging for more? Look no further than this savory crawfish cornbread recipe! With a perfect blend of cajun crawfish, Southern-style cornbread, and zesty Rotel tomatoes, this dish is sure to become a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering.
Not only is this recipe irresistibly delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as an appetizer for a fancy dinner party or bring it to a potluck event. It’s also easy to make in advance and freeze for later use.
But what really sets this recipe apart is the quality of the ingredients used. We use only the freshest crawfish tails, chopped green onions, yellow onions, and bell peppers to give the dish its authentic Cajun flavor. To top it off, we add a generous amount of Colby and Monterey Jack cheese to create that perfect cheesy crust on top of the cornbread.
This isn’t just any old cornbread recipe; it’s a savory crawfish cornbread that will transport you straight to Louisiana with every bite. Trust me; you won’t be able to resist the robust tastes and flavors in every serving.
So why settle for plain old cornbread when you can put your cooking skills to good use by creating a dish that your family and friends will love? Try out this must-have appetizer at your next party and let us know whether it lives up to its incredible reputation!
Ingredient List
Let’s talk about the ingredients used in this delicious Crawfish Cornbread recipe. This savory appetizer blends classic cornbread with bold Cajun flavors and succulent crawfish tails, making for a unique and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
Mandatory Ingredients
To make this delicious cornbread appetizer, you will need:
- 1 box Jiffy cornbread mix
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cups canned creamed corn
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 12 oz. peeled crawfish tails
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 cups yellow cornmeal
- 16 oz. Rotel Tomatoes (drained)
- 1 bell pepper chopped (optional)
- 1 jalapeno pepper chopped (optional)
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
Optional Ingredients
If you want to add more depth of flavor to your dish or experiment with different variations, you can also consider adding:
- Montery Jack cheese
- Colby cheese Crawfish boil seasoning
- Cajun seasoning
- Green onions
- Garlic powder
- Shrimp
Make sure to have all these ingredients on hand before diving into the recipe so you have everything you need to make it perfectly!
The Recipe How-To
Mixing the Batter
I always start by preheating my oven to 375°F. Next, grab a large bowl and mix together the cornmeal, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in it. Once this has been mixed thoroughly, add in the Jiffy Cornbread Mix and stir everything together.
In another bowl, beat three large eggs until they are thick and frothy, and then add in one cup of milk and half a cup of melted butter. Stir this mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined (be careful not to overmix), then fold in one can of Rotel Tomatoes (drained), half a cup of diced yellow onion, one seeded and chopped jalapeño pepper, 12 ounces of crawfish tails, half a cup of chopped green onions, and two cups of colby jack cheese.
Baking Time
Next, pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and smooth out the top so it’s even. Bake your crawfish cornbread for approximately 35-40 minutes or until golden-brown on top and cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
I like to garnish my savory crawfish cornbread with some fresh green onion but you could also sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top for an extra kick! This appetizer recipe would be perfect for any seafood-themed gathering or crawfish boil. You could also serve it alongside some Cajun Cornbread Dressing if you want to stick with a Louisiana theme!
Enjoy every flavorful bite of your delicious Crawfish Cornbread!
Substitutions and Variations
As a culinary explorer, I believe that experimentation is necessary to make a dish truly your own. With that said, here are some substitutions and variations you can try out with this crawfish cornbread recipe:
– Seafood: If you can’t find crawfish, no need to fret! Shrimp is the perfect replacement for crawfish. It still gives you that seafood flavor that complements well with the cornbread.
– Spice Level: Want to turn up the heat? Add diced jalapeno peppers or cayenne pepper to give it an extra kick. For those who prefer it mild, omit the jalapenos and use a can of creamed corn instead. It still adds creaminess and depth of flavor without the spiciness.
– Cheese: I love using Colby and Monterey jack cheese for this recipe, but feel free to substitute with any melting cheese you like. Cheddar or Pepper jack will also work well.
– Vegetables: Yellow onions, green onions, and bell peppers are classic veggie choices in Cajun cuisine. To add some color and nutrition to your dish, you can also add other veggies like tomatoes, zucchini or even spinach if you’re feeling adventurous!
– Dressing: Turn this appetizer into a hearty meal by turning it into a dressing! Simply take your leftover crawfish cornbread, crumble it and mix it with chopped celery, yellow onions and broth to create a savory stuffing that’s perfect as a side dish for Thanksgiving.
– Gravy or Crawfish Étouffée: Pour some gravy or crawfish étouffée over the top of this delicious crawfish cornbread for added richness and moisture.
As always, don’t be afraid to experiment with these substitutions and variations to create your own version of this dish.
Serving and Pairing
This savory crawfish cornbread appetizer is the perfect addition to your seafood feast or cajun-inspired recipe collection.
Serve it hot out of the oven with a side of Louisiana crawfish boil or dunked in some rich and flavorful crawfish etouffee. The creamy, cheesy texture pairs especially well with any seafood dish, making it an impeccable choice for a seafood loving crowd.
Not only is this cornbread recipe delicious, but it is also versatile. It can be served as a standalone appetizer or as a side dish for any barbeque, picnic or potluck gathering.
Additionally, consider using this cornbread recipe to make a variety of dishes. You can crumble it up into a cajun cornbread dressing or add crawfish tails to make it into a heartier meal.
With its crispy crust and soft, moist center, this crawfish cornbread appetizer will become an instant classic among your guests!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re looking for a flavorful appetizer that can be made in advance, Crawfish Cornbread has got you covered! This savory treat can be made ahead of time, stored properly, and reheated with ease. As a matter of fact, I sometimes make a batch or two of this delicious dish to store and reheat throughout the week.
To make ahead of time, simply prepare the Crawfish Cornbread in advance and let it cool completely before storing. To store properly, wrap the cornbread tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. Properly stored, the crawfish cornbread should last for up to three days in the refrigerator.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F. Unwrap the Crawfish Cornbread from its storage container and place it on a baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil to prevent burning and bake in the preheated oven for around 10 minutes. After the 10 minutes have elapsed, remove the foil covering and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until hot and crispy.
The Crawfish Cornbread reheats very well without losing its flavor or texture, so you can enjoy it freshly baked even days after you’ve made it. Don’t forget to pair it with delicious seafood dishes like a hearty crawfish boil or creamy crawfish etouffee for an unforgettable meal experience.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure a perfectly cooked and delicious crawfish cornbread every time, follow these helpful tips:
1. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough and dry texture. Mix the ingredients until just combined, and then stop.
2. Adjust Heat Level to Your Preference
If you want your crawfish cornbread to be spicier or milder, adjust the amount of jalapeno pepper and cajun seasoning accordingly.
3. Use Fresh Crawfish Tails
Fresh crawfish tails will yield a sweet and succulent flavor to your cornbread. Frozen crawfish is never the same as fresh ones, so make sure you’re using fresh crawfish tails in your recipe.
4. Drain Excess Liquid from Rotel Tomatoes
Excess liquid from Rotel Tomatoes can make your cornbread soggy. Drain them well before adding them to the batter.
5. Bake until Golden Brown
To achieve that perfect golden-brown crust, bake your crawfish cornbread for 25-30 minutes in a preheated oven at 375°F.
6. Let It Rest Before Serving
Allow your crawfish cornbread to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing it into portions.
Now that you have these tips, you are ready to take on this savory crawfish cornbread recipe with confidence!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a unique and flavorful appetizer recipe that will impress your guests, then look no further than this savory crawfish cornbread! With the perfect blend of Louisiana crawfish, jack cheese, and spicy jalapeno peppers, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser that is sure to leave your guests wanting more.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Plus, with the ability to make ahead and store it for later use, you can have a show-stopping appetizer ready to go at a moment’s notice.
So whether you’re hosting a seafood boil or just treating yourself to a bit of cajun flavor, this crawfish cornbread appetizer recipe is sure to exceed your expectations. With its perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors and its ability to be adapted to your liking, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t try this recipe today!
Crawfish Cornbread! Appetizer! Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (8 1/2 ounce) box Jiffy corn muffin mix
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup colby cheese or 1 cup monterey jack cheese, grated
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup green onion, sliced, tops included
- 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel Tomatoes, drained
- 1 (12 ounce) package crawfish, thawed and drained
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients and mix well.
- Put in greased 9x11 baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minute.
- Serve hot or cold cut into small squares.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found
Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.