Gladys Starr'S Spoon Bread

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Gladys Starr's Spoon Bread is a creamy, fluffy cornbread dish with a gentle sweetness, perfect for family dinners or comfort food cravings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 scant cup corn meal
  • 3 cups sweet milk
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • butter (size of a walnut)

Instructions

  1. Stir corn meal into 2 cups of sweet milk and bring to a boil, making a mush.
  2. Add the remaining milk and well-beaten eggs to the mixture.
  3. Stir in salt, baking powder, and melted butter.
  4. Pour into a greased baking dish and bake for 30 minutes in a 350°F oven.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider using buttermilk instead of sweet milk. If you're short on cornmeal, you can blend polenta or grits as a substitute. Make sure to stir continuously while bringing the cornmeal and milk to a boil to prevent lumps. If you prefer a slightly sweeter dish, a tablespoon of sugar can enhance the flavor, especially if served with maple syrup.

Serving Suggestions

Spoon bread is delicious served warm, either as a side or a main dish. It pairs beautifully with savory meals like fried chicken or ribs. You can also top it with honey, butter, or serve alongside dishes like Party Pink Salad for a delightful contrast. For a vegetarian option, consider serving it with Baked Beets for a colorful plate.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover spoon bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave it for a quicker option, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Gladys Starr'S Spoon Bread contains roughly 124 calories, with 1g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 857mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).

124 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.9g 2% DV
Total Fat 2.6g 3% DV
Carbs 24.2g 9% DV
Fiber 0.5g 2% DV
Sugar 11.7g 23% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 857.1mg 37% DV
Potassium 22.9mg
Cholesterol 9.7mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 175.5mcg 20% DV
Vitamin C 12.1mg 13% DV
Vitamin D 0.8mcg 4% DV
Calcium 179.6mg 14% DV
Iron 1.8mg 10% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Tree nuts

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 spoon bread in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the spoon bread batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to give it a good stir before pouring it into the baking dish. Baking it fresh will yield the best texture.

What can I do if my spoon bread is too dry?

If your spoon bread turns out dry, it might be due to overbaking or not enough liquid. You can add a small amount of milk or butter to the leftovers when reheating to restore moisture. Consider serving it with a sauce or gravy for added richness.

Can I add flavors or ingredients to the spoon bread?

Absolutely! You can enhance your spoon bread by adding ingredients like shredded cheese, herbs, or even cooked vegetables like spinach for a savory twist. For a sweet version, mix in some fruit or chocolate chips before baking.

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).

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