Old Fashioned Southern Spoon Bread
Old Fashioned Southern Spoon Bread is a comforting, fluffy casserole with a slightly sweet and savory flavor, perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Put butter into a baking dish and place in the oven to get hot.
- In a mixing bowl, combine milk, cornmeal, salt, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
- Gradually add the eggs to the cornmeal mixture, stirring well.
- Remove the hot dish from the oven and pour the batter into it.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until golden and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using buttermilk instead of regular milk. If you want to enhance the flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some shredded cheese to the batter before baking. Make sure to mix the cornmeal mixture well to prevent lumps. If you're short on time, you can use instant cornmeal, which will save a few minutes in prep.
Serving Suggestions
Spoon bread is best served warm, straight from the oven. It pairs beautifully with hearty dishes like fried chicken or a rich stew, making it a great addition to your Southern-inspired meal. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad, such as Potato Vegetable Salad, for a balanced plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spoon bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. It can also be microwaved for a quick reheat, but the oven method helps maintain its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Southern Spoon Bread contains roughly 196 calories, with 3g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 984mg per serving (43% 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 spoon bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before pouring it into the hot baking dish and baking it. This will help maintain its texture.
What can I use instead of cornmeal?
If you don’t have cornmeal, you can substitute it with fine polenta or a mixture of all-purpose flour and corn flour for a similar texture. However, the flavor will differ slightly, so keep that in mind when making your choice.
Is spoon bread gluten-free?
Yes, spoon bread can be made gluten-free by ensuring that you use certified gluten-free cornmeal. This dish naturally does not contain any wheat, so it's a great option for those following a gluten-free diet.
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).