16 Delicious Blue Cornmeal Recipes for Every Occasion

Ever find yourself staring at that bag of blue cornmeal in your pantry, wondering how to bring its unique flavor and vibrant hue to your table? You’re in luck! From cozy breakfast pancakes to festive dinner sides, we’ve rounded up 16 mouthwatering recipes that showcase blue cornmeal’s versatility. Whether you’re craving something sweet or savory, there’s a dish here to inspire your next kitchen adventure. Let’s dive in!

Blue Cornmeal Pancakes with Maple Syrup

Kickstart your morning with these unique blue cornmeal pancakes, a twist on the classic that’s both visually striking and deliciously satisfying.

Ingredients

• Blue cornmeal – 1 cup
• All-purpose flour – 1 cup
• Baking powder – 2 tsp
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Milk – 1 cup
• Egg – 1
• Maple syrup – for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat (350°F).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together blue cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add milk and egg to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; lumps are okay.
4. Pour ¼ cup batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2 minutes.
5. Flip pancakes. Cook until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes more.
6. Serve hot with maple syrup.

Airy yet hearty, these pancakes boast a subtle nuttiness from the blue cornmeal. Drizzle generously with maple syrup for a sweet contrast, or top with fresh berries for a colorful breakfast.

Savory Blue Cornmeal Waffles

Fancy a twist on breakfast? Savory blue cornmeal waffles bring a unique color and nutty flavor to your morning. They’re easy to make and pair well with a variety of toppings.

Ingredients

– Blue cornmeal – 1 cup
– All-purpose flour – 1 cup
– Baking powder – 2 tsp
– Salt – ½ tsp
– Eggs – 2
– Milk – 1 ¼ cups
– Butter, melted – ¼ cup

Instructions

1. Preheat your waffle iron to 375°F for even cooking.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together blue cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat eggs, then mix in milk and melted butter.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; lumps are okay.
5. Lightly grease the waffle iron with butter or non-stick spray.
6. Pour ½ cup batter onto the iron. Close and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden and crisp.
7. Tip: Don’t open the iron too soon to avoid tearing the waffle.
8. Tip: For extra crispiness, let the waffle sit in the iron for an additional 30 seconds after the timer goes off.
9. Tip: Keep cooked waffles warm in a 200°F oven while you finish the batch.
Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these waffles have a distinctive corn flavor. Serve them with avocado and a fried egg for a hearty meal, or drizzle with honey for a sweet contrast.

Blue Cornmeal Muffins with Blueberries

Ready to bake something uniquely delicious? These blue cornmeal muffins with blueberries are a twist on the classic, offering a nutty flavor and vibrant color.

Ingredients

• Blue cornmeal – 1 cup
• All-purpose flour – 1 cup
• Sugar – ½ cup
• Baking powder – 1 tbsp
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Milk – 1 cup
• Egg – 1
• Butter, melted – ¼ cup
• Blueberries – 1 cup

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together blue cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix milk, egg, and melted butter until combined.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Tip: Overmixing leads to tough muffins.
5. Gently fold in blueberries. Tip: Toss blueberries in a bit of flour to prevent sinking.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each ¾ full.
7. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Tip: Check at 18 minutes to avoid overbaking.
8. Let muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Warm muffins boast a tender crumb and bursts of juicy blueberries. Serve with honey butter for an extra treat.

Blue Cornmeal Bread with Honey Butter

Every home cook needs a reliable bread recipe, and this one stands out with its unique color and sweet pairing.

Ingredients

• Blue cornmeal – 1 cup
• All-purpose flour – 1 cup
• Baking powder – 1 tbsp
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Milk – 1 cup
• Egg – 1
• Honey – ¼ cup
• Butter – ½ cup

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together blue cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix milk and egg until combined. Tip: Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Tip: Overmixing leads to dense bread.
5. Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Tip: Check at 20 minutes to prevent overbaking.
6. While bread bakes, mix honey and butter in a small bowl until smooth.
7. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack.
8. Serve warm slices with honey butter on the side.

You’ll love the slightly gritty texture of the blue cornmeal against the creamy honey butter. Try toasting slices for a crunchier bite.

Blue Cornmeal Pizza Crust

Zesty and unique, this Blue Cornmeal Pizza Crust brings a colorful twist to your pizza night. Its nutty flavor pairs perfectly with bold toppings.

Ingredients

• Blue cornmeal – 1 cup
• All-purpose flour – 1 cup
• Warm water – ¾ cup
• Olive oil – 2 tbsp
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Active dry yeast – 1 tsp

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large bowl, mix blue cornmeal, flour, and salt. Tip: Sifting the flour can prevent lumps.
3. Add yeast mixture and olive oil to dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
4. Knead dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth. Tip: Dough should be slightly sticky but not wet.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
6. Preheat oven to 450°F. Punch down dough and roll out on a floured surface to desired thickness.
7. Transfer to a baking sheet or pizza stone. Bake for 10 minutes before adding toppings. Tip: Pre-baking ensures a crispier crust.
8. Add toppings and bake for another 10-15 minutes until crust edges are golden.

Vibrant and slightly sweet, this crust offers a delightful crunch. Try it with spicy chorizo and honey for a sweet-heat combo.

Blue Cornmeal Tortillas

Just when you thought tortillas couldn’t get any better, blue cornmeal brings a nutty twist to the classic. These tortillas are simple, versatile, and pack a colorful punch.

Ingredients

– Blue cornmeal – 1 cup
– All-purpose flour – 1 cup
– Salt – ½ tsp.
– Warm water – ¾ cup
– Vegetable oil – 2 tbsp

Instructions

1. Combine blue cornmeal, all-purpose flour, and salt in a large bowl.
2. Gradually add warm water and vegetable oil, mixing until a dough forms. Tip: The dough should be soft but not sticky; adjust water or flour as needed.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 3 minutes until smooth.
4. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a ball. Tip: Cover with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
5. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat (375°F).
6. Roll each ball into a thin, 6-inch circle. Tip: Use a rolling pin dusted with flour to avoid sticking.
7. Cook each tortilla in the skillet for 30 seconds per side, until bubbles form and edges lift.
8. Stack cooked tortillas in a clean towel to keep warm and pliable.
Zesty and slightly earthy, these blue cornmeal tortillas have a delightful chew. Serve them warm with avocado or as a base for vibrant tacos.

Blue Cornmeal Fried Chicken

Get ready to elevate your fried chicken game with this unique twist. Blue cornmeal adds a subtle nuttiness and stunning color.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs – 4
• Blue cornmeal – 1 cup
• Flour – 1 cup
• Buttermilk – 1 cup
• Salt – 1 tsp
• Pepper – ½ tsp
• Garlic powder – ½ tsp
• Vegetable oil – for frying

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add chicken thighs, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Marinate for 4 hours in the fridge.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F.
3. Combine blue cornmeal and flour in a shallow dish. Dredge each marinated chicken thigh in the mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
4. Fry chicken in batches for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pot to maintain oil temperature.
5. Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain. Tip: This keeps the crust crispy.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Tip: Resting allows juices to redistribute.

The crust is irresistibly crunchy with a hint of sweetness from the blue cornmeal. Serve alongside a spicy honey drizzle for an extra kick.

Blue Cornmeal Cornbread

Kickstart your meal with this unique twist on traditional cornbread. Blue cornmeal adds a subtle nuttiness and striking color. Perfect for pairing with chili or enjoying on its own.

Ingredients

– Blue cornmeal – 1 cup
– Flour – 1 cup
– Sugar – ¼ cup
– Baking powder – 1 tbsp
– Salt – ½ tsp
– Milk – 1 cup
– Egg – 1
– Butter – ¼ cup, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease an 8-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together blue cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Tip: Overmixing leads to dense cornbread.
5. Transfer batter to the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Tip: Check at 20 minutes to avoid overbaking.
7. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Tip: Cooling slightly ensures easier slicing.
Unleash the flavors by serving warm with honey butter. The blue cornmeal offers a slightly earthy taste, while the texture stays wonderfully moist. Try it crumbled over a bowl of spicy chili for a colorful twist.

Blue Cornmeal Biscuits

Let’s dive into making these unique Blue Cornmeal Biscuits, a twist on the classic with a nutty flavor and striking color.

Ingredients

• Blue cornmeal – 1 cup
• All-purpose flour – 1 cup
• Baking powder – 1 tbsp
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Butter – ½ cup, cold and cubed
• Milk – ¾ cup

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together blue cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter cubes. Use your fingers to rub butter into the dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Tip: Keep butter cold for flaky biscuits.
4. Pour in milk. Stir just until dough comes together. Tip: Overmixing leads to tough biscuits.
5. Turn dough onto a floured surface. Pat into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
6. Fold dough over itself 3 times for layers. Press down to 1-inch thickness again.
7. Cut out biscuits with a 2-inch round cutter. Place on prepared baking sheet. Tip: Don’t twist the cutter; press straight down for even rise.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

Zesty and slightly sweet, these biscuits have a crumbly texture perfect with honey or jam. Serve warm alongside chili for a comforting meal.

Blue Cornmeal Cookies with White Chocolate Chips

TThese blue cornmeal cookies with white chocolate chips are a unique twist on the classic cookie, offering a subtly sweet and nutty flavor. Perfect for those who love a little texture in their treats.

Ingredients

– Blue cornmeal – 1 cup
– All-purpose flour – 1 cup
– Baking powder – 1 tsp
– Salt – ½ tsp
– Unsalted butter – ½ cup, softened
– Sugar – ¾ cup
– Egg – 1 large
– Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
– White chocolate chips – 1 cup

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together blue cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Tip: Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
4. Add egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture; beat until combined.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just incorporated. Tip: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
6. Fold in white chocolate chips.
7. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Tip: Cookies will firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake.
9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

VThese cookies boast a delightful crunch from the cornmeal, paired with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate. Serve them alongside a glass of cold milk or crumbled over vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Blue Cornmeal Pie Crust for Savory Pies

Unlock the secret to a uniquely textured pie crust with this blue cornmeal version, perfect for your next savory pie.

Ingredients

• Blue cornmeal – 1 cup
• All-purpose flour – 1 cup
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Unsalted butter – ½ cup, chilled and cubed
• Ice water – ¼ cup

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix blue cornmeal, all-purpose flour, and salt.
3. Add chilled, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Tip: Stop adding water when the dough holds together when pinched.
5. Form the dough into a ball, flatten into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes. Tip: Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out.
6. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle. Tip: Roll from the center outward for an even thickness.
7. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, trim the edges, and crimp as desired.
8. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork, then bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Perfect for quiches or meat pies, this crust offers a nutty flavor and crumbly texture. Serve it warm to highlight its rustic charm.

Blue Cornmeal Crepes with Fruit Filling

Now, let’s dive into making these unique Blue Cornmeal Crepes with Fruit Filling. They’re a twist on the classic, offering a nuttier flavor and a stunning color.

Ingredients

• Blue cornmeal – 1 cup
• All-purpose flour – 1 cup
• Eggs – 2
• Milk – 1 ½ cups
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Butter – 2 tbsp, melted
• Mixed berries – 2 cups
• Honey – 2 tbsp

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together blue cornmeal, all-purpose flour, and salt.
2. Add eggs and milk to the dry ingredients. Whisk until smooth.
3. Stir in melted butter. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes to thicken.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour ¼ cup batter, swirling to coat the pan evenly.
5. Cook for 2 minutes until edges lift easily. Flip and cook for 1 more minute. Tip: Ensure the skillet is properly heated to avoid sticking.
6. Repeat with remaining batter. Stack crepes on a plate, covering with a towel to keep warm.
7. In a saucepan, combine mixed berries and honey. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until berries soften. Tip: Adjust honey based on berry sweetness.
8. Spoon berry filling onto each crepe. Fold or roll to serve. Tip: For a decorative touch, drizzle with extra honey.

Blue Cornmeal Crepes boast a slightly gritty texture and earthy taste, balanced by the sweet, juicy berry filling. Serve them warm with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent breakfast.

Blue Cornmeal Scones with Dried Cranberries

Unusual yet familiar, these scones blend the earthy taste of blue cornmeal with the sweet tang of dried cranberries.

Ingredients

• Blue cornmeal – 1 cup
• All-purpose flour – 1 cup
• Sugar – ¼ cup
• Baking powder – 1 tbsp
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Butter – ½ cup, cold and cubed
• Dried cranberries – ½ cup
• Heavy cream – ¾ cup
• Egg – 1

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together blue cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in butter using a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Tip: Keep butter cold for flaky scones.
4. Stir in dried cranberries.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream and egg.
6. Pour cream mixture into dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Tip: Do not overmix to avoid tough scones.
7. Turn dough onto a floured surface. Knead gently 3-4 times.
8. Pat dough into a 1-inch thick circle. Cut into 8 wedges.
9. Place wedges on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden. Tip: Check at 15 minutes to prevent overbaking.

Kneaded lightly, these scones are tender with a crumbly edge. Serve warm with honey butter for a contrast in flavors.

Blue Cornmeal Dumplings in Stew

Outstanding for a cozy night, these blue cornmeal dumplings add a unique twist to any stew. They’re hearty, with a slight crunch and earthy flavor.

Ingredients

• Blue cornmeal – 1 cup
• Flour – 1 cup
• Baking powder – 2 tsp
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Milk – ¾ cup
• Egg – 1
• Butter – 2 tbsp, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix blue cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Tip: Don’t overmix to keep dumplings light.
5. Drop tablespoon-sized dollops of batter onto a simmering stew. Tip: Space dumplings evenly for even cooking.
6. Cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. Tip: Steam is key to fluffy dumplings.
7. Check dumplings are firm and cooked through.

Zesty and textured, these dumplings contrast beautifully with creamy stews. Try serving them over a spicy chili for a color pop.

Blue Cornmeal Crackers with Herbs

Kickstart your snack game with these rustic blue cornmeal crackers, infused with aromatic herbs for a flavorful crunch.

Ingredients

• Blue cornmeal – 1 cup
• All-purpose flour – 1 cup
• Dried herbs – 2 tbsp
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Water – ½ cup
• Olive oil – 2 tbsp

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix blue cornmeal, flour, dried herbs, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Add water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms. Tip: If dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour.
4. Roll dough to ⅛ inch thickness on a floured surface. Tip: For even thickness, use rolling pin guides.
5. Cut into desired shapes with a knife or cookie cutter. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until edges are golden. Tip: Rotate the baking sheet halfway for even baking.
7. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Fragrant and crisp, these crackers boast a unique earthy flavor from the blue cornmeal. Serve with a sharp cheese or hummus for a delightful contrast.

Blue Cornmeal Pudding with Cinnamon

Rarely does a dessert blend tradition and simplicity like this one. Blue cornmeal pudding with cinnamon is a hearty, comforting dish that’s effortlessly delicious.

Ingredients

• Blue cornmeal – 1 cup
• Water – 4 cups
• Cinnamon – 1 tsp
• Honey – ¼ cup

Instructions

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of blue cornmeal to avoid lumps.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
4. Add 1 tsp cinnamon and ¼ cup honey, stirring until fully incorporated.
5. Continue to cook for another 10 minutes, until the pudding thickens to a creamy consistency.
6. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken further.

Expect a creamy texture with a subtle crunch from the cornmeal. The cinnamon adds warmth, making it perfect served warm with a drizzle of honey on top.

Conclusion

Exploring these 16 delicious blue cornmeal recipes opens up a world of unique flavors and textures for every occasion. Whether you’re baking, frying, or simmering, blue cornmeal adds a special touch to your dishes. We’d love to hear which recipes you try and adore—drop a comment with your favorites! Don’t forget to share this roundup on Pinterest to spread the blue cornmeal love. Happy cooking!