Honey Cornbread Pasta Bake

Honey Cornbread Pasta Bake is a unique and satisfying dish that layers sweet cornbread over creamy pasta, creating a savory-sweet fusion perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. Topped with a luscious honey drizzle and optionally finished with crispy toppings like bacon or herbs, this recipe is both comforting and surprising in the best way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is the perfect marriage of textures and flavors: sweet, moist cornbread meets tender pasta baked in a creamy base. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and has that “comfort food” appeal while offering something a little different. The honey adds a delicate sweetness that balances beautifully with the savory elements underneath.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked pasta (elbow, penne, or fusilli)
• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Milk or cream
• Cheddar cheese (shredded)
• Salt and pepper
• Honey
• Cornbread mix (or homemade cornbread batter)
• Eggs (if required by cornbread mix)
• Optional: crumbled bacon, green onions, or thyme for topping

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Gradually add milk or cream, whisking until thickened.
4. Stir in shredded cheese, salt, and pepper until melted and smooth.
5. Combine the cheese sauce with cooked pasta and spread evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
6. Prepare the cornbread batter according to package or recipe instructions. Mix in 1–2 tablespoons of honey for extra flavor.
7. Gently spread the cornbread batter over the pasta layer.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden and cooked through.
9. Drizzle with honey and top with bacon, green onions, or herbs if desired. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

Serves 6 to 8 and takes approximately 45 minutes total, including baking time.

Variations

• Add cooked ground beef or sausage to the pasta layer for a meaty version.
• Stir in jalapeños or corn kernels to the cornbread batter for added texture.
• Use a spicy cheese like pepper jack for more flavor.
• Make it vegetarian by omitting meat and using veggie stock in the cheese sauce.
• Swap in gluten-free pasta and cornbread mix to accommodate dietary needs.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. For best texture, avoid overcooking during reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to the baking step, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like elbow macaroni, penne, or fusilli works best as it holds sauce well.

Is the cornbread layer sweet?

It has a mild sweetness, which can be enhanced or reduced depending on how much honey you add.

Can I make this without cheese?

Yes, though the creamy pasta layer will be less rich. You can substitute with a dairy-free sauce if needed.

Can I freeze this casserole?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it can be frozen after baking. Thaw and reheat in the oven.

What toppings go well with it?

Crispy bacon, scallions, or fresh herbs like thyme add great flavor and texture.

Can I use leftover pasta?

Yes, just make sure it’s not overcooked before baking.

How do I know when the cornbread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when done.

Can I use homemade cornbread batter?

Absolutely. A basic batter of cornmeal, flour, eggs, milk, and baking powder works great.

Does this dish taste like dessert?

No, the sweetness is subtle and balanced by the savory pasta layer.

Conclusion

Honey Cornbread Pasta Bake is a delightful blend of savory comfort and subtle sweetness. It’s a creative twist on traditional casseroles that brings both flavor and fun to your dinner table. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s a dish you’ll want to revisit often.

Honey Cornbread Pasta Bake

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Honey Cornbread Pasta Bake is a creative comfort food mashup that combines savory pasta in a cheesy tomato sauce topped with a sweet, golden honey cornbread crust.

• Author: Emma Harper
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz elbow macaroni or short pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread mix
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp honey

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
5. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in tomato sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Stir in cooked pasta and shredded cheese, then pour mixture into prepared baking dish.
7. In a separate bowl, mix cornbread mix with milk, egg, and honey until smooth.
8. Spread cornbread batter evenly over the pasta mixture.
9. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until cornbread topping is golden and cooked through.
10. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use a cast iron skillet to take the dish from stovetop to oven in one pan.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for spice.
• Top with a sprinkle of cheese before baking for a gooey crust.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 90mg