Shirley'S Spoon Bread

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Shirley's Spoon Bread is a fluffy, savory cornmeal dish with a rich, buttery flavor, perfect for family gatherings or comfort food lovers seeking a hearty side.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup very hot milk
  • 4 tablespoons sugar
  • 4 tablespoons butter or margarine
  • 1 cup self-rising corn meal
  • 4 medium eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk

Instructions

  1. Add very hot milk, sugar, and butter to a bowl.
  2. Stir until smooth.
  3. Combine well-beaten eggs with buttermilk.
  4. Add the egg mixture to the hot milk mixture.
  5. Blend well until combined.
  6. Pour into a dish or pan containing about 1/2 cup oil.
  7. Bake at 400°F for 45 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, make sure to beat the eggs thoroughly before adding them to the mixture. You can substitute the buttermilk with plain yogurt or milk with a splash of vinegar if needed. If you prefer a sweeter spoon bread, increase the sugar to 6 tablespoons. Adjust the baking time if using a larger dish, as it may require less or more time depending on the depth of the batter.

Serving Suggestions

Shirley’s Spoon Bread is best served warm and can be enjoyed as a side dish for brunch or dinner. It pairs beautifully with savory dishes like baked ham or roasted chicken. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or a dish like Baked Holiday Corn for a delightful meal. For breakfast, try it with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Shirley'S Spoon Bread contains roughly 846 calories, with 6g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (103% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 687mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).

846 kcal 42% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.2g 12% DV
Total Fat 62.7g 80% DV
Carbs 70.2g 26% DV
Fiber 0.7g 3% DV
Sugar 7.2g 14% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 687mg 30% DV
Potassium 208.7mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 210.2mg 70% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 328.4mcg 36% DV
Vitamin C 15.8mg 18% DV
Vitamin D 2.5mcg 13% DV
Calcium 75.9mg 6% DV
Iron 18.5mg 100% DV
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 the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before pouring it into the pan and baking. However, for the best texture, it's recommended to bake it fresh if possible.

What can I use if I don't have self-rising cornmeal?

If you don't have self-rising cornmeal, you can make your own by combining regular cornmeal with baking powder and salt. Use 1 cup of cornmeal, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to achieve a similar effect.

Is it possible to add other flavors to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add shredded cheese for a savory twist or mix in herbs like chives or parsley. For a sweet variation, consider adding vanilla extract or even chocolate chips for a dessert-style spoon bread.

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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