Greens and cornbread
Greens and cornbread is a classic comfort food pairing from the American South, featuring cooked leafy greens (like collards, turnip, or mustard greens) served alongside a slice of savory, golden cornbread. The greens are often slow-simmered with aromatics and sometimes smoked meat for depth, while the cornbread provides a hearty, crumbly contrast.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This meal is typically high in carbohydrates from the cornbread, with the greens providing essential vitamins (A, C, K) and minerals like iron and calcium. A standard serving with a moderate portion of cornbread and greens generally falls in the 300-500 calorie range, depending on added fats or meats.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 580 mg |
| Vitamin A | 180 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 12 mg |
| Vitamin K | 90 mcg |
| Folate | 85 mcg |
| Calcium | 150 mg |
| Iron | 3.2 mg |
| Magnesium | 45 mg |
| Potassium | 380 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
This duo is a cornerstone of Southern U.S. cuisine, with roots in African American and rural culinary traditions, symbolizing resourcefulness and community. Nutritionally, it offers a balanced plant-forward meal where the cornbread's carbs complement the greens' micronutrients and fiber.
