Western Spoon Bread
Western Spoon Bread offers a savory, cheesy cornmeal casserole with green pepper and onion flavors, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, with a comforting, hearty taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine green pepper, instant onion, and tomatoes in a mixing bowl.
- Let stand for 4 or 5 minutes.
- Stir in cornmeal, egg, chili con carne seasoning powder, soda, salt, and cheese.
- Mix thoroughly.
- Pour into a well-buttered 1 1/2-quart casserole.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 1 hour or until firm.
- Spoon out onto a plate and serve hot, either plain or with butter.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when mixing the ingredients. If you don't have yellow cornmeal, white cornmeal can be used as a substitute. Instant minced onion can be replaced with fresh onion; just sauté it first to soften the flavor. For a vegetarian variation, ensure the chili seasoning is meat-free, aligning with vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spoon bread hot as a comforting side dish to grilled meats or alongside a fresh salad. It pairs beautifully with Brown Sugar French Toast for a brunch gathering or can be enjoyed plain or with butter as a savory snack. Consider offering a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spoon bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes for a firmer texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Western Spoon Bread contains roughly 347 calories, with 15g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (29% of the Daily Value), calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1249mg per serving (54% 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 freeze the leftover spoon bread?
Yes, spoon bread can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
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).