Texas Spoon Bread
Texas Spoon Bread is a fluffy, savory cornmeal casserole with green chiles and melted cheese, perfect for hearty family dinners or comfort food gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Scald milk in a large saucepan.
- When bubbles begin to form around the edge, whisk in the cornmeal, bit by bit.
- Stir until mixture thickens, then continue cooking over very low heat for 5 minutes, stirring now and again to prevent sticking.
- Add salt, bacon fat or butter, and sugar, and cook for several minutes longer.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped green chiles, grated Monterey Jack cheese, and egg yolks.
- Grease a souffle dish with bacon fat or butter and heat it in the oven.
- Whip egg whites until stiff but not dry, then fold into the cornmeal mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the hot dish and bake for 45 minutes, or until puffed up and beginning to brown on top.
- Serve hot with butter.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, use homemade bacon fat or high-quality butter. If you can't find stone-ground cornmeal, regular cornmeal will work, but the texture may vary slightly. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can elevate the dish's heat. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar or pepper jack for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Texas Spoon Bread hot, topped with a pat of butter for extra richness. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, making it a great side for dishes like Bill'S Pork Tenderloin. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or a bowl of hearty soup for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place spoon bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating, but the texture may be less fluffy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Spoon Bread contains roughly 163 calories, with 7g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1446mg per serving (63% 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 Texas Spoon Bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cornmeal mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just whip the egg whites and fold them in before pouring the mixture into the dish. This ensures a fresh, fluffy texture.
What can I use instead of green chiles?
If green chiles are unavailable, you can substitute with diced jalapeños for a spicier kick or use roasted red peppers for a milder flavor. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or even a pepper jack for an extra kick. Each will bring its own unique flavor profile to the dish.
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).