Spoonbread
Spoonbread is a moist, tender cornbread with a custard-like texture, featuring a subtle sweetness and rich buttery flavor. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, it pairs well with hearty stews or barbecue, offering a comforting and satisfying side dish that delights both traditional and modern palates.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the self-rising flour, self-rising cornmeal, sugar, melted butter, and beaten eggs in a large bowl.
- Stir in the boiling water until well combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Bake for about 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a cup of shredded cheese to the batter, which pairs beautifully with the spoonbread. If you don't have self-rising flour or cornmeal, you can substitute all-purpose flour and regular cornmeal, adding 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt for each cup. Ensure your butter is melted but not too hot to prevent cooking the eggs.
Serving Suggestions
Spoonbread is delicious on its own but can also be served as a side dish with savory meals like fried chicken or chili. Consider topping it with honey or maple syrup for a sweet twist. It pairs nicely with dishes like Cheddar-Onion Bundt for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the spoonbread and warm it in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spoonbread contains roughly 1102 calories, with 7g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 94g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value), and iron (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 spoonbread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just allow it to come to room temperature before pouring it into the baking pan and baking. However, for the best texture, it's recommended to bake it fresh when possible.
What can I add to the spoonbread for extra flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by adding ingredients like cooked bacon, jalapeños, or herbs like rosemary or thyme. For a sweeter version, consider incorporating vanilla extract or chocolate chips, though this may slightly alter the traditional taste.
Is spoonbread gluten-free?
Traditional spoonbread is not gluten-free due to the use of self-rising flour. However, you can make a gluten-free version by substituting the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and ensuring that the cornmeal is certified gluten-free.
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).