I’m all for homemade food, especially when I have time. I love making pizza dough, fresh pasta, and even sourdough bread. But when there’s a shortcut that’s just as tasty, I’m definitely in.
My husband misses my homemade tomato sauce ever since I discovered Rao’s, but I usually grab pancake mix on Sundays. So, when I stumbled upon a boxed cornbread mix that tasted even better than my own, I was thrilled—homemade flavor with store-bought ease.
The magical mix? Whole Foods Market’s 365 Cornbread & Muffin Mix. Before this, I hadn’t found a cornbread recipe that hit the right notes for texture and flavor. Now, I always stock up because it flies off the shelves. If I see two or four boxes, I grab them all!
So, what makes this mix stand out? I remember the day I first picked it up. The simple packaging didn’t scream “greatness.” Yet, it was exactly what I wanted.
The ingredients list—yellow cornmeal, enriched wheat flour, cane sugar, corn flour, leavening agents, and sea salt—started my excitement. The fact that cornmeal is the first ingredient means it’s the star of the show. The instructions are simple: add 2 eggs, 1 cup of milk, and 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, stir, and bake. This keeps the corn flavor front and center.
The cornbread turns out moist and tender but has the right structure. It’s light yet holds together perfectly. The taste is fantastic, with a nice balance of sweet and savory. The inside is fluffy, while the edges provide a delightful crunch.
I’m not alone in my appreciation of this mix. Reviews rave, “This is the best mix I’ve ever tried!” and “I usually make cornbread from scratch, but this is so good and easy!” It even topped a recent cornbread taste test by a popular food publication.
How to Make Whole Foods 365 Cornbread
Making this cornbread is a breeze. I can prepare it in less than five minutes! Follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9×9 inch pan.
- Mix the batter.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, but keep an eye on it. My oven does it in 18-20 minutes.
The box also includes muffin instructions, which yield about 18 muffins.
Ways to Upgrade Your Cornbread
Want to take it up a notch? The package includes a recipe for jalapeño butter—just whip up butter, water, honey, minced jalapeño, and salt. Not tried it yet, but it sounds delicious!
For a twist, you can mix in one cup of shredded cheddar, a can of chopped green chiles, and some cayenne pepper before baking. I usually stick to the basic recipe but swap oil for applesauce for added nutrients. My kids love this cornbread, and they never notice the difference!
Using Boxed Cornbread Mix
You can do more with cornbread mix than just serve it as a side. Bake some muffins for breakfast or a snack. Need cornbread for holiday dressing? This mix has you covered.
The baked cornbread stays fresh in the fridge for days and reheats well. It’s perfect for breakfast with eggs or lunch with soup.
Next time you’re at Whole Foods, grab a box. If they’re out, it might be because I cleared the shelf!