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Hearty and comforting, Cornmeal Mush tastes delicious sweet for breakfast or savory for a cozy dinner. This easy mush recipe has just 3 ingredients – cornmeal, water and milk. Enjoy it with a pinch of salt and your favorite toppings!

Cornmeal Mush
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What is cornmeal mush?

Cornmeal mush is a simple and hearty dish prepared with yellow cornmeal, water, milk and a pinch of salt. Simmer on a pot for about 20 minutes, or until the corn mush has thickened. It should get a porridge-like consistency. Despite its simplicity, this humble dish is incredibly delicious and versatile. It is great for sweet breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

The origins of corn mush date back to early colonial times in the United States. At the time, corn was a staple of Americans’ diet because it is filling and economical. Although hundreds of years have passed, old-fashioned cornmeal mush has remained a comforting food . It is a great classic that people of all ages love, from the young to the young at heart.

Homemade cornmeal mush ingredients

You only need yellow cornmeal, water and a cup of your favorite milk to whip up a mush that is cozy and delicious. Add a pinch of salt and your favorite toppings for the best taste. Read further for more details.

  • Cornmeal. I recommend yellow cornmeal, but also white cornmeal works.
  • Milk of choice. The best cornmeal mush is made with a cup of cold milk, from the fridge. You can use dairy or dairy-free milk, depending on your own preferences. My recommendations are whole milk, semi-skimmed milk, oat milk and soy milk. 
  • Water. You’ll need 3 cups of water.
  • Pinch of salt. Add as much salt as you feel necessary, less for a sweet mush or more for a savory dish.
Corn meal mush recipe

How to make cornmeal mush?

  1. Add water and a pinch of salt to a medium-size saucepan, then bring to a boil. In the meantime, combine yellow cornmeal with cold milk into a mixing bowl.
  2. Once the water is boiling, lower the heat and gradually add the cornmeal mixture. Using a whisk or wooden spoon, continue mixing until you have added all the cornmeal. Simmer, while stirring, for about 20 minutes, or until it has reached the desired texture.
  3. Spoon into serving bowls and enjoy with your favorite toppings.

Different ways to make mush

  • Breakfast cornmeal mush. While cooking cornmeal mush, stir in a couple tablespoons of your favorite sweetener. Serve with sweet toppings such as pure maple syrup, honey, caramelized fruit, raisin and ground cinnamon.
  • Savory corn mush. Be generous with salt, and top with savory foods such as egg, Parmesan cheese, grilled Portobello mushrooms or meatballs.
  • Creamy mush. Instead of water, cook yellow cornmeal with 3 cups of your favorite milk. I recommend whole milk or oat milk.
  • Fried cornmeal mush. After the porridge is ready, transfer to a pan and let cool completely. Once it has hardened, slice and pan fry until golden brown.
  • Gluten-free cornmeal mush. Before cooking, check that the cornmeal you are using is certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan mush. Making this easy corn meal mush recipe vegan is very simple. All you should do is to replace dairy milk with plant based dairy-free alternatives.

Topping ideas

This corn meal mush recipe is perfect for sweet and savory meals. It pairs well with maple syrup and cream, or butter and meatballs. Here are some of my favorite toppings, in case you need ideas.

  • Maple syrup, butter or cream and a hint of cinnamon, if you want. That’s a great classic that anyone will love, great for cozy breakfasts.
  • Brown sugar and cinnamon. Just like cinnamon sugar, it will feel like eating dessert for breakfast.
  • Apple, cinnamon, maple syrup and butter if you wish. You’re gonna love it, the perfect bowl to start a cold day of Winter or Fall.
  • Maple syrup, honey and raisins. This is the perfect breakfast corn meal mush, sweet and cozy. 
  • Poached egg, grilled mushrooms, spinach and a drizzle of olive oil. You can enjoy it as a savory breakfast or for a cozy dinner bowl. 
  • Chicken or meatballs, a drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. This is a great meal for comforting lunches or dinners.
  • Butter, cream and a pinch of salt. As simple as it may sound, you are gonna love this way of eating cornmeal mush.
Cornmeal mush recipe

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

How to store corn meal mush?

First, allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Once it has cooled, transfer to an airtight container or cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Leftover mush will stay fresh for 2-3 days. For a longer storage, freeze in individual portions in food containers. You can freezer it for up to 2 months.

Is cornmeal mush the same as polenta?

No, they are not the same food. Both dishes are made from corn, but they have different origins and slightly different preparation methods. While corn meal mush is more general, polenta specifically refers to the Italian dish made from corn.

Is cornmeal mush the same as grits?

Although they are very similar, cornmeal mush and grits are not the same dish. Both have the same main ingredients, but grit recipes use a more processed type of corn.

Is corn meal mush healthy?

If prepared with little to no added sugar and fats, cornmeal mush can be a healthy dish. It is low in calories, filling and has some nutrients such as dietary fibers.

More porridge recipes

5 from 3 votes

Cornmeal Mush

Hearty and comforting, Cornmeal Mush tastes delicious sweet for breakfast or savory for a cozy dinner. This easy mush recipe has just 3 ingredients – cornmeal, water and milk. Enjoy it with a pinch of salt and your favorite toppings!
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
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Ingredients 

  • 3 cups (720 ml) water
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk of choice, cold, dairy or dairy-free
  • 1 cup (160 grams) yellow cornmeal
  • a pinch of salt, to taste

Instructions 

  • Add water and a pinch of salt to a medium-size saucepan, bring to a boil.
  • Combine yellow cornmeal and cold milk into a mixing bowl, then stir quickly.
  • Once the water is boiling, lower the heat and gradually add the cornmeal mixture. Using a whisk or wooden spoon, continue mixing.
  • Simmer, while stirring, for about 20 minutes, or until cornmeal has reached the desired texture.
  • Spoon homemade cornmeal mush to serving bowls and enjoy with a drizzle of maple syrup on top.

Nutrition

Calories: 117.7kcal | Carbohydrates: 21.7g | Protein: 3.1g | Fat: 2.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.8g | Sodium: 44.1mg | Potassium: 95.2mg | Fiber: 2.9g | Sugar: 0.5g | Calcium: 39.9mg | Iron: 0.9mg
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About Matteo

Iโ€™m the certified nutrition coach and fitness chef behind this blog. My mission is to make eating healthy easy and satisfying โ€“ for anyone and for any diet! My philosophy is simple: real food, clean ingredients and plenty of protein to feel your best.

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