Crusty (Soft Center) Spoon Bread
Crusty spoon bread with a soft, tender center and a golden crust, offering a comforting blend of cornmeal and buttery flavors, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine and sift the flour, cornmeal, sugar, and salt.
- Add the beaten egg and 1 cup of milk to the dry ingredients and blend the batter well.
- Melt the butter in a baking dish.
- Pour the batter into the melted butter in the baking dish.
- Pour a generous 1/2 cup of milk over the top of the batter.
- Bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 45 minutes until golden and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using buttermilk instead of regular milk. You can also substitute the butter with olive oil for a healthier option. If you're looking for a sweeter version, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or some corn kernels for extra sweetness and texture. Ensure you sift the dry ingredients well to avoid lumps in the batter.
Serving Suggestions
This soft center spoon bread pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It also makes a delightful accompaniment to soups and stews. For a special touch, serve it with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Explore other American recipes for varied flavor profiles.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain its crusty top.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crusty (Soft Center) Spoon Bread contains roughly 551 calories, with 3g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1415mg per serving (62% 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 spoon bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, for the best texture, it's recommended to bake it fresh. If you do bake it ahead of time, reheat as mentioned in the storage instructions.
What can I use instead of cornmeal?
If you don't have cornmeal, you can use polenta or finely ground oats as a substitute. The texture will vary slightly, but it will still produce a delicious bread. Just ensure to adjust the liquid slightly as needed based on your substitute.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
To make this spoon bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the cornmeal is also certified gluten-free. The texture may differ slightly, but it should still work well.
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).