
Turnip green and cornbread casserole is a hearty, savory side dish from the American South, combining tender, slightly bitter turnip greens with crumbled, sweet cornbread. The two are typically bound together with a savory custard of eggs, milk, and often cheese or cream of mushroom soup, then baked until set. It's a classic comfort food that transforms simple, humble ingredients into a satisfying and flavorful dish.
This casserole is a balanced dish, offering a good mix of complex carbohydrates from the cornbread and fiber from the greens. It provides notable vitamins A and K from the turnip greens, along with calcium and protein from the dairy and egg components. A typical serving contains roughly 250-350 calories, depending on the specific recipe and added fats.
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbs | 28 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Vitamin A | 180 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin K | 120 mcg |
| Calcium | 220 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Folate | 80 mcg |
| Magnesium | 40 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
This dish is a prime example of Southern 'make-do' cooking, where leftover cornbread is repurposed into a new, substantial meal. Nutritionally, it's a clever way to boost the intake of nutrient-dense leafy greens by pairing them with a beloved, comforting staple like cornbread.