Cracklin' Spoon Bread
Cracklin' Spoon Bread offers a hearty, flavorful dish with crispy cracklings and a tender cornmeal base, perfect for comforting family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- Combine water and milk and heat to simmer.
- Slowly add cornmeal, salt, sugar, and butter or margarine, stirring constantly.
- Cook over medium heat until the mixture is thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Beat eggs with baking powder until very light and fluffy.
- Add beaten eggs to the cornmeal mixture and mix well.
- Stir in cracklings.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using buttermilk instead of regular milk. If you prefer a gluten-free option, ensure your cornmeal is labeled as gluten-free. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give the dish a subtle kick. Make sure to stir constantly while adding the cornmeal to prevent lumps from forming.
Serving Suggestions
Cracklin' Spoon Bread is delightful when served hot, straight from the oven. It pairs beautifully with hearty stews or barbecued meats. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Joyce's Carrots for a sweet and savory contrast, or enjoy it with a side of greens for a balanced plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes on high, adding a splash of milk to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cracklin' Spoon Bread contains roughly 248 calories, with 4g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value) and calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1261mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just ensure to give it a good stir before pouring it into the baking dish and baking as directed.
What are cracklings, and can I substitute them?
Cracklings are crispy pork skin pieces that add texture and flavor. If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, consider using sautéed mushrooms or smoked nuts for a similar crunch and depth of flavor.
Can I freeze leftover spoon bread?
Yes, you can freeze leftover spoon bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in the oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).