26 Cornflake Recipes That Go Beyond the Breakfast Bowl

Think outside the cereal box with these crunchy cornflake recipes, from casseroles and weeknight chicken bakes to desserts and ice cream treats.

The best cornflake recipes prove that the cereal is much more than a breakfast staple. The golden flakes crisp up chicken like a pro, become a crunchy topping for easy casserole recipes and hold together chewy dessert bars, with a toasty, lightly sweet taste. From old-school treats that have stood the test of time to busy family recipes when you need dinner fast, cornflakes bring the right texture and bite to every dish.

This cereal adds a fun twist to savory mains like salmon casserole or ranch-breaded chicken, making them a favorite for kid-friendly dinners. Crispy fish fillets with a golden cornflake crust or strips of crunchy, cornflake-coated bacon show how the cereal can transform everyday meals. Sweet cornflake desserts stand out on a party spread, like chewy peanut butter bars or chilled pineapple crunch layered with creamy vanilla filling.

Pair any of these easy recipes using cornflakes with fresh sides, like simple green salads, steamed carrots or mixed roasted vegetables. Cornflakes may begin at breakfast, but these recipes transform them into comfort food for every season.

1/26

Air-Fryer Fish and Chips

Total Time:40 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Looking for easy air-fryer recipes? Try this simple air-fryer fish and chips. The fish fillets have a fuss-free coating that's healthy but just as crunchy and golden as the deep-fried kind. Simply seasoned, the crispy fries are perfect on the side. —Janice Mitchell, Aurora, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 312 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 503mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
2/26

Cornflake-Coated Crispy Bacon

Total Time:45 min
Servings:9
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I've loved my aunt's crispy-coated bacon ever since I was a child. Now I've shared the super simple recipe with my own children. We still enjoy a big panful every Christmas morning—and on many other days throughout the year! —Brenda Severson, Norman, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts: 2 bacon strips: 198 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 547mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
3/26

Pineapple Crunch

Total Time:25 min
Servings:9
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: A co-worker shared the recipe for this refreshing pineapple dessert years ago. Every time I take it somewhere, it's a favorite. —Betty Wiersma, Sherwood Park, Alberta
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 254 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 217mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
4/26

Firefighters Chicken Spaghetti

Total Time:1 hour 5 min
Servings:14
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My husband is a firefighter in our town, and I'm often in the kitchen most of the day making some kind of dinner for the local fire department, neighbors or family to pass around. This spaghetti casserole is a firehouse favorite. —Krista Davis-Keith, New Castle, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 407 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 789mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
5/26

Cornflake Chicken

Total Time:40 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I took a recipe off a box of baking mix and altered it to make the prep easier. The result was this moist oven-fried cornflake chicken with a thick golden coating that's a lot crisper than the original. —Angela Capettini, Boynton Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 drumstick and 1 thigh: 534 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 143mg cholesterol, 972mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 46g protein.
6/26

Salmon Casserole

Total Time:40 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I like to experiment with cooking new things, which is how I came up with this tasty dish. It's a wonderful way to work salmon into your menu. —Laura Varney, Batavia, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 614 calories, 42g fat (10g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 1038mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
7/26

Crispy French Toast

Total Time:35 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Cornflakes add irresistible crunch to this easy baked French toast recipe. My light version uses egg substitute and skim milk but still gets plenty of flavor from vanilla, spice and a kiss of orange. —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts: 2 pieces: 200 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch.
8/26

Scotch Eggs

Total Time:40 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: A crispy coating made with cornflakes and pork sausage gives a different treatment to these hard-boiled eggs. They're fabulous hot out of the oven. Or enjoy them cold for a snack before a soccer or baseball game. —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 egg: 283 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 275mg cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 14g protein.
9/26

Microwave Brussels Sprouts

Total Time:20 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: When your conventional oven is filled with the turkey and side dishes, these dressed-up Brussels sprouts can be prepared in the microwave. The cheese topping makes them special enough for a holiday meal. —Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 75 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 128mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
10/26

Hot Chicken Salad Pies

Total Time:55 min
Servings:2 pies (6 each)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These pies come together in a snap! They're perfect for when you have leftover chicken on hand and need to use it up. —Shirley Gudenschwager, Orchard, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 505 calories, 32g fat (10g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 771mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein.
11/26

Chicken Bites with Apricot Sauce

Total Time:40 min
Servings:2 dozen (1 cup sauce)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Satisfying a hungry crowd is simple with these oven-baked morsels. The bite-sized chicken pieces are served with an incredibly easy sauce that combines apricot preserves and mustard. —Michelle Krzmarzick, Redondo Beach, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece with 2 teaspoons sauce: 102 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 163mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
12/26

Vanilla Ice Cream and Cornflakes

Total Time:5 min
Servings:1
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: The sweet crunch of this combination is so good that you'll crave another scoop! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 137 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
13/26

Air-Fryer French Toast Sticks

Total Time:30 min
Servings:1-1/2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This quick recipe makes it easy to prepare air-fryer French toast sticks. Have them handy in the freezer for a hearty breakfast in an instant. They're also wonderful for buffets and eating on the go. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 3 sticks: 184 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 253mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
14/26

Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookie Bars

Total Time:15 min
Servings:20
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Peanut Butter Cornflake Bars were one of my favorite treats when I was a little girl. They are very versatile. A friend likes to spread a cup of melted chocolate chips over the top. Be sure to let the chocolate set before cutting into these simply delicious bars. —Laura Campbell, Lisbon, Maine
Nutrition Facts: 1 bar: 234 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 154mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
15/26

Fried Ice Cream Dessert Bars

Contest Winner
Total Time:50 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Fried ice cream is such a delicious treat, but it can be a hassle to make individual servings. This recipe gives you the same fabulous flavor in an easy and convenient bar form. —Andrea Price, Grafton, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 bar: 276 calories, 18g fat (11g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 187mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
16/26

Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole

Total Time:35 min
Servings:2
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Onion and cheddar cheese add flavor and richness to the bounty of summer squash in this comforting casserole. A crispy cornflake-crumb topping adds a little crunch. —Katherine Metz, Jacksonville, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 376 calories, 31g fat (8g saturated fat), 117mg cholesterol, 937mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
17/26

Easy Peanut Butter Balls

Total Time:20 min
Servings:4 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: “These simple saucepan cookies are a snap to make,” assures Marg Mitro of Grafton, Ontario. “In fact, I can whip them up in 10 minutes for school lunches. The little treats are a big hit with any crowd—young or old,” she adds.
Nutrition Facts: 1 peanut butter ball: 69 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 44mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
18/26

Baked Ranch Chicken

Total Time:55 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: A crunchy coating of cornflakes and Parmesan cheese adds delectable flavor to this zesty ranch chicken. The golden, crispy chicken is a mainstay dish I can always count on. —Launa Shoemaker, Landrum, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken breast half: 254 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 959mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein.
19/26

Cauliflower Casserole

Total Time:45 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: To dress up cauliflower, Mom used a delightful mixture of a cheesy sauce, bright red and green pepper pieces and crushed cornflakes. Leftovers were rare. —Linda McGinty, Parma, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 162 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 503mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
20/26

Country Chicken and Gravy

Total Time:30 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Here's a lightened-up take on the classic southern comfort-food dish: chicken and gravy. This recipe has been a hit at our house since the first time we tried it! —Ruth Helmuth, Abbeville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken breast half with 2 tablespoons gravy: 274 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 569mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
21/26

Creamed Green Beans

Total Time:30 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: A family favorite for years, this special green bean recipe is a cinch to double and can be assembled ahead of time. When my nephews are coming for dinner, it’s an absolute must! —Betty Shaw, Weirton, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 191 calories, 13g fat (9g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 646mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
22/26

De-Lightful Tuna Casserole

Total Time:40 min
Servings:5
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This mild, homemade tuna casserole will truly satisfy your family's craving for comfort food without all the fat! —Colleen Willey, Hamburg, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 329 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 684mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat.
23/26

Ham Balls with Brown Sugar Glaze

Total Time:1 hour
Servings:about 6 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These smoky-sweet meatballs are a Pennsylvania Dutch specialty. I like setting them out when folks come to visit. —Janet Zeger, Middletown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 meatball: 52 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 113mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
24/26

Funeral Potatoes

Total Time:1 hour
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: On holidays, a friend serves these creamy, cheesy potatoes when we gather together to celebrate with lifelong friends and grown children. —Carol Blue, Barnesville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 394 calories, 22g fat (14g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 680mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
25/26

Fried Ice Cream

Total Time:20 min
Servings:2
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Make this Mexican restaurant-style dessert at home! Drizzle hot fudge or caramel on top of this crunchy, creamy frozen treat. —Ronda Weirich, Plains, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 323 calories, 22g fat (12g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 138mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
26/26

Scalloped Taters

Total Time:3 hours 10 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This creamy, comforting slow-cooked side tastes marvelous with almost any main dish and is a snap to assemble with frozen hash browns. It's a good way to make potatoes when your oven is busy with other dishes. —Lucinda Wolker, Somerset, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 234 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.

Cornflakes Recipes FAQ

What can I make with leftover cornflakes?

Leftover cornflakes can be turned into quick desserts and crunchy snacks or used as a crispy coating. Use them to bread chicken tenders, pork chops and fish fillets or crush and sprinkle them over casseroles, like mac and cheese. For something sweet, fold cornflakes into chocolate bark or your favorite cereal bar recipes. If the cereal has become soft, spread it on a sheet pan and warm it in a low oven to bring back the crunch.

How do I use cornflakes as a topping for casseroles?

To make an easy, crisp cornflake topping for casseroles, lightly crush them, toss with enough melted butter or oil to coat and season with a pinch of salt. Sprinkle the mixture over everything from creamy chicken bakes and vegetable gratins to cheesy potato casseroles before baking. For more flavor, mix the cereal with chopped herbs, grated Parmesan or a pinch of garlic powder.

Can cornflakes be used in gluten-free recipes?

Many brands of cornflakes contain gluten, so if you want to use them, check the label to ensure that the specific brand or version is certified gluten-free. Then, you will be free to use them in gluten-free casseroles, no-bake bars or quick treats, like gluten-free chocolate snack mix.