If your idea of comfort food is soft, custardy, and as warm as a Southern embrace, Spoon Bread is about to win your heart. This golden dish walks the delicious line between cornbread and soufflé, combining humble pantry staples with a touch of everyday magic. Whether you serve it as a cozy side or let it star on its own, Spoon Bread creates a crave-worthy, melt-in-your-mouth experience that will have everyone at your table reaching for just one more spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s real beauty in how just a few kitchen staples can transform into something extraordinary. Each ingredient in Spoon Bread adds its own purpose, from sweet corn flavor to that cloud-like texture we all love.
- Yellow Cornmeal: The heart of this dish, bringing rustic corn flavor and a sunny yellow hue.
- Whole Milk: Makes the batter silky and gives the bread its custardy softness.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and keeps the bread moist; greasing the dish guarantees nothing sticks behind.
- Salt: Enhances the taste and balances the natural sweetness of corn and sugar.
- Granulated Sugar: A small but mighty addition for just the right pop of sweetness.
- Large Eggs, separated: Yolks create richness, while beaten whites make the spoon bread puff and stay airy.
- Baking Powder: Gives that gentle lift, so the bread isn’t too dense.
How to Make Spoon Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Greasing your baking dish well with butter is key—this not only prevents sticking but also helps form those tantalizing golden edges that make Spoon Bread irresistible.
Step 2: Warm the Milk and Whisk in the Cornmeal
In a medium saucepan, gently heat your milk until it’s just steaming. Slowly whisk in your cornmeal, stirring constantly. This step ensures the mixture stays smooth and lump-free, setting the stage for the dish’s signature creamy texture.
Step 3: Cook Until Thickened
Continue to cook, stirring, for 2–3 minutes, or until the mixture becomes thick and smooth. It should resemble a creamy porridge, which means you’re on the right track for perfectly tender Spoon Bread.
Step 4: Stir in Butter, Sugar, and Salt
Remove your saucepan from the heat. Stir in the butter until it’s melted, then add salt and sugar. This is the moment when flavor magic happens—the butter gives lush richness while the sugar and salt bring their balancing act.
Step 5: Cool, Then Add Yolks and Baking Powder
Let the mixture cool just a bit so that it doesn’t scramble the eggs. Whisk in your egg yolks and baking powder until everything is well blended. These ingredients create the tender, spoonable consistency that defines true Spoon Bread.
Step 6: Whip the Egg Whites
Using a clean bowl and beaters, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This crucial step is what gives the bread its classic airy puff and soufflé-like top.
Step 7: Gently Fold and Bake
Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into your cornmeal mixture. Be gentle to keep all that wonderful volume! Once combined, pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth out the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden, puffed, and just set in the center.
How to Serve Spoon Bread
Garnishes
The simplest and most tempting way to finish Spoon Bread is with a pat of butter that melts into the airy top. If you feel adventurous, try a drizzle of local honey or scatter on some chopped chives or parsley for freshness and color.
Side Dishes
Spoon Bread shines alongside roasted meats, stews, or any classic Southern fare. Serve it next to barbecue, sautéed greens, or a fresh salad. Its soul-soothing texture also pairs beautifully with spicy chili or hearty bean soups.
Creative Ways to Present
You can elevate your Spoon Bread presentation by baking and serving it in individual ramekins—perfect for dinner parties. For a brunch twist, try topping it with a dollop of crème fraîche and smoked salmon, or even serve it sweet with cinnamon sugar and fruit preserves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any Spoon Bread leftovers covered in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days and, thanks to its moist custardy base, doesn’t dry out as quickly as other breads.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Spoon Bread can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to one month. Defrost in the fridge overnight for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover the bread with foil and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through, about 10–15 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but keep in mind the texture is best when reheated slowly in the oven.
FAQs
Can I make Spoon Bread in advance?
Absolutely! Spoon Bread is an excellent make-ahead dish. Simply bake, cool, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, gently reheat as directed so it stays soft and fluffy.
Why is it called Spoon Bread?
It gets its charming name from its soft, almost pudding-like texture, making it best served with a big spoon rather than sliced like traditional cornbread.
Can I add cheese or herbs?
Definitely! Shredded cheddar, crumbled feta, or fresh chopped herbs like thyme or chives are wonderful stir-ins. Just fold them into the batter before baking to add extra flair and flavor.
Is there a gluten-free version?
Yes—simply ensure your cornmeal and baking powder are certified gluten-free. This classic recipe is naturally wheat-free, so there are very few adjustments needed.
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Whole milk brings richness, but you can substitute with 2 percent or even a non-dairy alternative like oat or soy milk. Just keep in mind, the flavor and creaminess may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for an easy way to bring Southern warmth to your table, Spoon Bread will do exactly that. Give it a try—you might just find a new comfort food favorite to share again and again.
Print
Spoon Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spoon Bread is a classic Southern dish that combines the simplicity of cornmeal with the richness of milk and butter. This comforting side dish is light and airy, almost like a savory soufflé, and pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
Cornmeal Mixture:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Egg Mixture:
- 2 large eggs, separated
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 1 1/2-quart baking dish with butter.
- Prepare Cornmeal Mixture: Heat milk in a saucepan, whisk in cornmeal, cook until thickened. Remove from heat, add butter, salt, and sugar. Cool slightly, then whisk in egg yolks and baking powder.
- Beat Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, beat egg whites to stiff peaks.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold beaten egg whites into cornmeal mixture.
- Bake: Pour batter into dish, bake for 30-35 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Serve: Serve warm, scooped with a spoon.
Notes
- Spoon bread is delicious with extra butter or honey.
- For added flavor, mix in shredded cheddar cheese or herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
