Savoury Black Garlic Cornbread for Entertaining
Golden, fluffy and packed with flavour, this Cornbread with Pancetta, Jalapeño, Chives & Caramelized Black Garlic Paste is the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish.
Sweet creamed corn and fine polenta create a soft, tender crumb, while crispy pancetta, sharp cheddar and fresh chives add rich savoury flavour. The addition of Noosa Black Garlic Caramelized Black Garlic Paste brings deep umami notes with hints of caramel and balsamic sweetness.
Serve warm with whipped butter or fresh curds for a comforting, indulgent dish that’s perfect for Christmas tables, BBQs, long lunches and shared feasts.
This cornbread also forms the base of the Black Garlic Cornbread Gravy served with our Roast Turkey Breast recipe.
Recipe Details
Serves: 6–8
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45–55 minutes
Ingredients
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½ cup (150 g) plain flour
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1 cup (160 g) fine polenta (cornmeal)
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2 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
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¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
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1 cup (250 ml) buttermilk
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1 red onion, finely diced
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100 g pancetta, finely chopped
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10 chives, finely chopped
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2 eggs, lightly beaten
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75 g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
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400 g creamed corn
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1 large jalapeño, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
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1½ cups grated cheddar cheese
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1 tbsp Noosa Black Garlic Caramelized Black Garlic Paste
Method
1. Prepare the baking pan
Preheat your oven to 180°C.
Grease a 20 cm square cake pan and lightly dust with polenta to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the wet ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
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eggs
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extra virgin olive oil
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buttermilk
until smooth and well combined.
3. Add the remaining ingredients
Add the flour, polenta, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, red onion, pancetta, chives, creamed corn, jalapeño, grated cheddar cheese and Noosa Black Garlic Caramelised Black Garlic Paste.
Mix until just combined.
4. Bake the cornbread
Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
5. Serve
Allow the cornbread to cool slightly before slicing.
Serve warm with whipped butter or fresh curds for a rich, comforting side dish.
Reserve half the loaf for the Black Garlic Cornbread Gravy served with the Roast Turkey Breast recipe.
Serving Suggestions
This savoury cornbread pairs beautifully with:
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roasted meats and BBQ dishes
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slow-cooked lamb or brisket
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hearty winter soups
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festive holiday meals
It’s also delicious served warm as part of a grazing table or shared feast.
Why Add Black Garlic?
Noosa Black Garlic Caramelized Black Garlic Paste brings a unique layer of flavour to this cornbread, adding subtle sweetness and deep savoury umami notes.
It pairs beautifully with the smoky pancetta, sweet corn and sharp cheddar — transforming a classic cornbread into something truly special.