Homemade 'In-a-Jiffy' Cornbread Mix: Better Than the Blue Box!

Let me tell you, this recipe didn't happen overnight! It took a whole lot of tweaking, some serious kitchen experiments, and picking the brains of every from-scratch baker I know. Not to mention all the YouTubers and bloggers out there with their own versions. I tried so many. But all that effort was worth it because this mix is tried, tested, and oh my gravy good!

What makes this copycat recipe special isn't just that it tastes like the blue box we all grew up with – it's that it tastes BETTER. Plus, you can customize the sweetness any way you like, which is something you just can't do with the store-bought version. I know some of my friends don't want sugar at all!

I know what you're thinking – "Why bother making a mix when I can just buy it?" Well, let me enlighten you:

No more emergency grocery runs! Keep the pantry stocked with this mix and you're always ready for cornbread, corn casseroles, or any recipe that calls for a box of Jiffy.

It's fresher! No weird preservatives or ingredients you can't pronounce.

It's customizable! Want it sweeter? More savory? Add cheese? Green chilies? The sky's the limit!

It's budget-friendly! Making your own mix costs pennies compared to buying those little blue boxes, especially if cornbread makes a regular appearance at your table.

It makes you feel like a kitchen magician! There's something so satisfying about creating your own pantry staples from scratch.

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. You probably have all these ingredients in your pantry right now:

• 1 1/3 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Yellow Cornmeal
• 2/3 cup Sugar
• 2 Tbsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 4 Tbsp Vegetable Oil

That's it! No artificial flavors or mysterious additives. Just simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create that perfect cornbread texture and flavor we all love.

Making this mix couldn't be easier:

1. Combine the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and mix well.

2. Add the vegetable oil to the dry ingredients and stir until all the lumps are gone. It will look grainy but smooth.

That's your basic mix! Store it in an airtight container, and it'll be ready whenever cornbread cravings strike.

I like to make a double or triple batch and store it in a pretty mason jar with a label. It makes me feel like I've got my life together when I open my pantry and see homemade mixes waiting to be used!

Here's where the magic happens! When you're ready to bake:

1. Preheat that oven to 400°F and spray your muffin pan or baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

2. For each 1 1/2 cups of mix (equivalent to one box of the store-bought stuff), add one egg (I tend to add 2 eggs for that double richness) and 1/3 cup milk. Mix well until combined.

3. Fill your pan about half full with the batter.

4. Bake for 15-20 minutes for muffins or 20-25 minutes for pan bread. You want that beautiful golden top that just begs for a pat of butter!

The best part? This mix works exactly like the boxed version in all your favorite recipes. Making a cornbread casserole that calls for a box of Jiffy? Just use 1 1/2 cups of your homemade mix and carry on with the recipe!

This is where things get fun! While the blue box is one-size-fits-all, your homemade version can be whatever you want it to be:

• Cheesy Cornbread: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or your favorite cheese
• Southwest Style: Mix in a 2-oz can of diced green chilies and 1/2 cup of corn kernels
• Spicy Kick: Add a finely chopped jalapeño (seeds removed if you're not brave) and a dash of cayenne
• Savory Herb: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs like chopped rosemary, thyme, or chives
• Sweet and Honey: Reduce the sugar by half and add 2 tablespoons of honey when you mix in the wet ingredients
• Bacon & Onion: Add 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon and 2 tablespoons of finely diced sautéed onion

The possibilities are endless, and that's what makes this homemade mix so special!

Cornbread is like the friendly neighbor of the food world – it gets along with just about everything! Here are some of my favorite pairings:

• A big bowl of chili (of course!)
• Southern-style beans
• Barbecue of any kind
• Fried chicken
• Pulled pork
• Any soup or stew
• Thanksgiving dinner (it makes an amazing base for stuffing!)
• Slathered with butter and honey for breakfast

There's something so comforting about warm cornbread on a chilly evening. Having this mix on hand means comfort food is never more than 25 minutes away. Whether you're serving up a weeknight family dinner or contributing to a potluck, this homemade "In-a-Jiffy" Cornbread Mix will become your secret weapon!

So go ahead and ditch those little blue boxes. Your pantry, your wallet, and your taste buds will thank you!