Okay, picture this: I’m it’s Sunday dinner at Grandma’S, the air is thick with the smell of roasting chicken, and there is a lot of smoke. It can be sucked in the kitchen. This steamy, creamy, slightly sweet dish that everyone is practically fighting over. What is spoon bread? It’s kinda like a savory pudding, kind of like super moist cornbread, but 100% unforgettable. If you’ve ever had cornbread dressing, then you know the ballpark. What is the recipe for a bread that is light and fluffy? How do you eat a spoon? What is a comfort food recipe that has been passed down for generations? Every time I make it, I feel like I’m right back in her cozy kitchen.
What is spoon bread?
What is cornmeal pudding? Spoon bread? Think of it as a cousin to soufflé, but much less fussy and way more forgiving. Is cornmeal batter enriched with eggs, milk, and sometimes a little butter? Is cream for extra richness? What is the result of a dish that’s soft, almost custardy, and definitely needs to be eaten with … spoon? Why did the name “Jimmy Is it a Southern staple, often served alongside savory dishes like barbecue, Fried Chicken, or even just plain plain potatoes? What are some good side dishes for the holidays? What’s the best way to use a bag of sleeping bags? What is cornmeal?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What is a spoon Bread Recipe? Why is this recipe the one you need in your life?
• Flavor:First off, the taste. It’s subtly sweet from the cornmeal, with a hint of richness that just melts in your mouth. It’s not overly sweet, though, which makes it the perfect accompaniment to all sorts of savory dishes. I have never had better spoon bread.
• Simplicity:What is a spoon Bread Recipe? If you could whisk ingredients in a bowl, you can make this. What are some ingredients that are already in your pantry?
• Cost-What are some of the best ingredients to cook on a budget? Cornmeal, milk, eggs – they’re all kitchen staples that won’t break the bank. Plus, it feeds a crowd!
• Versatility:What are some good side dishes to serve with it? Think BBQ, chili, or even as a base for shrimp and grits! What are some good ways to make it richer with cheese? Is the sky the limit?
I’ve tried other spoon bread recipes before, but they always seemed to miss the mark. Some were too dry, others too bland. But this one? Is it the perfect balance of flavor and texture? What I love about this recipe is that it reminds me of home and it’s a surefire crowd pleaser. My family begs me to make it for every holiday gathering. Is it worth it to try something new?
How do I make Spoon Bread?
Quick Overview
How do you make spoon bread? What is the best way to whisk together dry ingredients, mix wet ingredients and combine them. What should I do if I want to bake it until golden brown and puffy? What is the best way to keep the batter light and airy? What makes this method special is the addition of melted butter. Is there a depth of flavor that you can’t get any other way? Is it that easy to make this dish?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal (I prefer stone-ground for a little extra texture)
• 2 cups milk (whole milk is best for richness, but 2% works too)
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (unsalted so you can control the saltiness)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (helps with the rise and texture)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten (room temperature eggs incorporate better)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish or skillet with butter. What is the best way to butter a bread?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, salt, and baking powder. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This step is crucial to prevent clumps and ensure a smooth batter.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate saucepan, combine the milk and water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. You don’t want it boiling, just gently simmering. Remove from heat and stir in the melted butter.
Step 4: Combine
Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the dry ingredients, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Once the batter is smooth, let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. This prevents the eggs from cooking when you add them. Gradually whisk in the beaten eggs until well combined. The batter should be smooth and pourable.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the spoon bread is golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end – ovens can vary, so you want to make sure it doesn’t get too brown.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let spoon bread cool before serving. It’s best served warm from the oven. What is a good side dish to dig into?
What do you serve it with?
Spoon bread is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. What are some of my favorite ways to serve it: a side salad, steamed rice, or whatever.
For Lunch: A hearty bowl of chili or a smoky pulled pork sandwich. The slight sweetness of the spoon bread balances the spiciness of the chili perfectly. I particularly love it with a side of coleslaw!
For Dinner:Alongside grilled chicken or ribs. Spoon bread is great with roasted vegetables like green beans or collard greens! What are some good side dishes to serve with mac and cheese?
Holiday Meals:As a side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. It’s a classic Southern side that adds comfort to any holiday spread. I also like to pair it with cranberry sauce.
For Cozy Snacks:Sometimes, I just make a batch of spoon bread to snack on with some honey. It’s delicious! What is the perfect comfort food for a cold evening? My kids love eating Honey Butter!
It really is a great way to bring people together, no matter what meal you serve it with!
How do you make a perfect loaf of bread?
What are some tricks to make this spoon bread recipe even better? What are some of my top tips?
Cornmeal Quality:What are the best cornmeal recipes? Stone-ground cornmeal has a slightly coarser texture and more pronounced corn flavor. Don’t skimp on this – it really makes a difference!
Milk Temperature: Make sure the milk mixture is hot but not boiling when you add it to the cornmeal. This helps to cook the cornmeal slightly and create a smoother batter. I always use a thermometer to make sure it’s just right.
Egg Incorporation Let the batter cool slightly before adding the eggs. This prevents the eggs from cooking and gives you a smoother, creamier texture. I learned this the hard way after ending up with scrambled eggs in my spoon bread!
Baking Dish: Use a well-greased baking dish or skillet to prevent the spoon bread from sticking. I prefer using a cast-iron skillet because it gives the spoon bread a crispy, golden-brown crust. But a regular baking dish works just fine, too!
Doneness Test: Use a knife or toothpick to test for doneness. Insert it into the center of the spoon bread – if it comes out clean, it’s ready! But if it comes out with batter on it, keep baking for a few more minutes. I always check a few spots just to be sure.
Spice It Up: For a little extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the batter. This adds a subtle heat that balances the sweetness of the cornmeal. My husband loves it when I add a bit of hot sauce, too!
Sweetness Adjustment: If you like your spoon bread a little sweeter, add a tablespoon or two of sugar to the batter. But be careful not to add too much – you don’t want it to be overly sweet. You can also use maple syrup instead of sugar for a richer flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare at my house!), here’s how to store and reheat your spoon bread:
Room Temperature: You can leave spoon bread at room temperature for a few hours, but it’s best to refrigerate it if you’re not going to eat it within a couple of hours. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled spoon bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It may lose some of its moisture, but it will still taste great!
Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave it for a minute or two until heated through. Or, for a crispier texture, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. I like to add a pat of butter on top before reheating to keep it moist.
Freezing: You can also freeze spoon bread for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my Grandma’s secret spoon bread recipe! I hope you’ll give it a try and experience the comforting flavors of this classic Southern dish. It’s truly a recipe that’s worth making again and again. It’s one of those recipes that I just know you’re gonna love! It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and is always a crowd-pleaser. And if you like this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other Southern favorites like sweet potato casserole and cornbread dressing. Happy baking, y’all! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think. And don’t forget to share your own variations – I’m always looking for new ideas!
Spoon Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg large egg
- 0.25 cup melted butter
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 1.5-quart baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
