Cornmeal Mush

Warm, comforting, and incredibly versatile, Cornmeal Mush is a timeless recipe that transforms simple pantry staples into a creamy, hearty dish perfect for any meal of the day. Made with just yellow cornmeal, water, and a pinch of salt, this quick and easy dish comes together in under 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings or cozy evenings. The gentle simmering process creates a smooth, satisfying texture that can be enjoyed sweet with butter and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey, or savory with toppings like cheese or sautéed vegetables. Whether served as a breakfast porridge, a satisfying side dish, or even cooled and fried for a crispy treat, Cornmeal Mush is a budget-friendly, gluten-free recipe that’s as delicious as it is adaptable.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 4 cups water
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for serving)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil over medium heat.

Step 2

While the water is heating, whisk together 1 cup of water with 1 cup of yellow cornmeal in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry.

Step 3

Once the water in the saucepan is boiling, slowly pour in the cornmeal slurry while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

Step 4

Add the salt to the mixture and reduce the heat to low. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula as the mixture thickens, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 5

Cook until the cornmeal mush reaches your desired consistency. For a thicker mush, continue cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mush cool slightly before serving.

Step 7

Serve warm with butter, maple syrup, or honey for a sweet option, or add savory toppings like cheese, sautéed vegetables, or gravy.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1181.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	865.9

Total Fat 29.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 60.9mg	0%
Sodium 1407.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 145.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.9g	0%
Total Sugars 25.1g
Protein 11.0g	0%

Vitamin D 18.3IU	0%
Calcium 92.7mg	0%
Iron 4.2mg	0%
Potassium 303.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 29.5%

Protein: 4.9%

Carbs: 65.5%