BBQ Pork and Cornbread Casserole: Perfect for Super Bowl Sunday

Some dishes just get you. They know exactly what you need after a long day, a tough week, or a totally unnecessary situationship. This BBQ Pulled Pork Cornbread Bake is one of those dishes. It’s smoky, cheesy, corny (literally and figuratively), and the kind of meal that makes you wanna text your ex, “Hey, hope you’re well” just so you have someone to flex it to.

But let’s be real: this dish is the main character.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Pulled pork that melts in your mouth – It’s so tender, it’s practically a love language.
✔ Cornbread on top, BBQ on the bottom – A flavor-layered masterpiece.
✔ Cheese on cheese on cheese – Do I even need to explain?
✔ One pan = less dishes – Because nobody has time for that.

A Quick BBQ History Lesson (Stay With Me, It’s Cool)

Did you know BBQ has been around since the 1500s? Spanish explorers noticed the Indigenous Taíno people in the Caribbean slow-cooking meat over wooden frames, which they called barbacoa. Fast forward a few centuries, and now we have everything from Texas brisket to Carolina pulled pork… and this glorious casserole. Basically, you’re about to eat history.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step 1: The Star of the Show—BBQ Pulled Pork

First things first, make the pulled pork. Whether you slow-cook it, roast it, or use leftovers from last night’s BBQ feast, just make sure it’s saucy, smoky, and packed with flavor. (If you’re doing it fresh, go for 2.5 lbs of pork and slather it in your favorite BBQ sauce.)

Step 2: Layer It Up

1. Spread that juicy, tender pork across the bottom of your baking dish. Add another drizzle of BBQ sauce because we don’t do dry food here.
2. Pour a drained can of corn right on top. Trust the process.
3. Shred a block of cheddar, then sprinkle half over the corn. (The other half is coming, don’t panic.)

Step 3: Cornbread, But Make It Extra

1. Prepare a Jiffy Cornbread Mix according to package instructions.
2. Stir in a can of diced green chiles for a little kick and the rest of that cheddar cheese for maximum gooeyness.
3. Pour it over the meat and gently poke it down a little—you want it cozy but not totally mixed in.

Step 4: The Secret Sauce (Literally)

1. Take a can of cheese soup and thin it out with a little water.
2. Pour it over everything like a warm, cheesy blanket.
3. Pop it in a 400°F oven for 30-45 minutes (check at 30, but be patient—good things take time).

Step 5: Devour & Ascend

Once it’s golden, bubbly, and making your kitchen smell like a BBQ joint and a bakery had a beautiful baby, it’s ready. Let it cool slightly (if you can wait) before digging in.

Final Thoughts

This dish is Southern comfort meets game-day snack meets “I just wanna eat something amazing” food. It’s ridiculously good, easy to make, and guaranteed to make you the most popular person at any potluck.

So go ahead—make it, flex it, and let me know how fast it disappears.

BBQ Pulled Pork Cornbread Bake

It’s smoky, cheesy, corny (literally and figuratively) and oh so delish!

Print Recipe

Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Cook Time:35 minutes mins

Total Time:45 minutes mins

Ingredients

Pork:

• 2-3 Pounds of Pulled Pork
• 1 cup BBQ sauce plus more for layering

For the Casserole Layers

• 1 15 oz can corn, drained
• 1 block cheddar cheese shredded (divided)

For the Cornbread Topping

• 1 box Jiffy Cornbread Mix 8.5 oz
• 1/2 4 oz can diced green chilies
• 1 egg per Jiffy mix instructions
• 1/3 cup milk per Jiffy mix instructions

For the Cheese Sauce

• 1 10.5 oz can cheese soup
• 1/4 cup water to thin the soup

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Pulled Pork

• See my recipe for Instant Pot Pulled Pork for the most tender, flavorful pork! (Link is below)

2️⃣ Assemble the Casserole

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Spread the pulled pork evenly on the bottom of a greased baking dish.
• Drizzle extra BBQ sauce over the pork for added flavor.
• Evenly layer the drained corn on top.
• Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the corn.

3️⃣ Make the Cornbread Batter

• Prepare the Jiffy Cornbread Mix according to the package instructions (mix with egg and milk).
• Stir in the diced green chilies and the remaining half of the shredded cheddar cheese.

4️⃣ Add the Cornbread Layer

• Pour the cornbread batter over the casserole, spreading it evenly.
• Lightly poke the batter down into the meat mixture to help it settle.

5️⃣ Top with Cheese Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together the cheese soup and 1/4 cup of water to thin it out.
• Pour the cheese sauce over the top of the casserole.

6️⃣ Bake

• Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
• If the center isn’t fully set at 30 minutes, continue baking and check every 5 minutes.

7️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

• Let the casserole cool slightly, then slice and serve. Pairs perfectly with extra BBQ sauce on the side!

Notes

See my recipe for Instant Pot Pulled Pork for the most tender, flavorful pork!

Servings: 5