Old South Spoon Bread

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Southern

Old South Spoon Bread offers a soft, tender, and slightly tangy cornbread with a custard-like texture, perfect for comforting Southern meals and family gatherings.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup white cornmeal
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 1 3/4 cups sweet milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tbsp melted shortening
  • 1 tsp soda

Instructions

  1. Combine salt and cornmeal; add slowly to boiling water, stirring constantly to prevent lumping.
  2. Combine vinegar and milk, then add 1 1/2 cups of this mixture to the cornmeal mixture.
  3. Mix well; add eggs and melted shortening.
  4. Dissolve soda in remaining vinegar and milk, then add to the cornmeal mixture and stir until completely blended.

Tips & Substitutions

To achieve a lighter texture, ensure the cornmeal is added to the boiling water slowly while stirring continuously. If you don't have sweet milk, you can substitute with regular milk and add a bit of sugar. For a twist, consider adding herbs or spices to the batter for extra flavor. This dish is often served warm, so timing is key!

Serving Suggestions

Serve the spoon bread warm as a comforting side dish to fried chicken or a hearty stew. It pairs beautifully with Guillott'S Eggplants for a full Southern feast. For a delightful brunch, consider serving it alongside a fruit salad or a sweet dish like Raspberry Custard for balance.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the spoon bread in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel, heating in short intervals until warm. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to restore its original texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old South Spoon Bread contains roughly 347 calories, with 5g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of calcium (11% of the Daily Value).

347 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.7g 9% DV
Total Fat 11.5g 15% DV
Carbs 56g 20% DV
Fiber 0.4g 1% DV
Sugar 4.5g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 449.1mg 20% DV
Potassium 353mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 137.7mg 46% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 39.1mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 0.3mg
Calcium 138.4mg 11% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg

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 batter in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before baking. However, spoon bread is best served fresh for optimal texture.

What can I use instead of vinegar?

If you don't have vinegar on hand, you can use lemon juice or buttermilk as a substitute. Both will provide the necessary acidity to activate the baking soda.

Can I add cheese to the spoon bread?

Absolutely! Adding shredded cheese can elevate the flavor profile. Stir in about a cup of your favorite cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, into the batter for a delicious cheesy version.

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).

Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →