Mouthwatering Southern Spoon Bread Recipe
Southern Spoon Bread is a classic southern dish steeped in tradition and flavor. It’s a melt-in-your-mouth concoction of buttery cornmeal, eggs, milk, and baking powder. This recipe has been passed down through generations of Southern families, and now I’m here to share it with you. If you have never tried spoon bread, you are truly missing out on a Southern gem.
Spoon bread gets its name because it must be eaten with a spoon; hence, the name “spoon bread.” It’s not quite a bread, not quite a pudding, but it dances perfectly in between. The history of spoon bread is fascinating: some say it was created by African slaves who couldn’t afford bread or by Native Americans who taught settlers how to make it. Regardless of its origin, the dish has become an essential part of Southern cuisine and is enjoyed by many across the nation.
My recipe follows Anne Byrn’s classic Southern Spoon Bread recipe with some tweaks to make it even more delicious. It’s warm and comforting yet packs a flavorful punch that’ll have you raving about this dish for weeks to come. So take out your mixing bowl and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Southern Spoon Bread is a classic Southern dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This dish is not just any ordinary bread recipe; it’s the perfect combination of savory and sweet flavors that creates a fluffy, light texture that melts in your mouth.
Yellow cornmeal is the star ingredient of this scrumptious bread recipe. The yellow cornmeal gives this bread its unique texture, making it different from any other bread you’ve had before. The bread gets its name from the fact that it’s so soft and fluffy that it can be eaten with a spoon.
What makes this recipe so special is the rich combination of milk, butter, eggs, and salt used to create the perfect balance of flavors. The baking powder used in the recipe helps the bread rise while still keeping its soft texture. The 1 teaspoon of salt in the ingredients adds an extra level of flavor that complements the sweetness of the cornmeal.
This Southern Spoon Bread Recipe is perfect for anyone who enjoys comfort food and has a sweet tooth. This dish will quickly become one of your favorites as it can be served with any meal, such as breakfast, lunch or dinner. Its unique texture and flavors make it stand out alongside other side dishes like mashed potatoes or mac and cheese.
In conclusion, if you have never tried Southern Spoon Bread before, then you are missing out on one of the most delightful treats passed down from generation to generation in Southern culture. You’ll love this recipe because it’s an easy-to-make southern classic, a reliable favorite more than any other bread recipe. Its irresistible aroma will wade out through your kitchen drawing everyone to your stove-top; southern spoonbread creates memories worth cherishing!
Ingredient List
Before diving into the recipe itself, it’s important to gather all the ingredients in advance. Here’s what you’ll need for this Southern Spoon Bread Recipe:
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup of yellow cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 2 large eggs, separated
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted plus greasing the pan
Gathering all the ingredients beforehand ensures that you minimize mistakes during the cooking process. This will also give you enough time to substitute any hard-to-find ingredients with alternatives. Once you set everything up, we can now start making our Southern Spoon Bread Recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have got the ingredients ready for our scrumptious Southern Spoon Bread, let us start preparing the dish. Here is a detailed guide on how to make the perfect southern spoon bread at home.
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the cornmeal mixture
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of milk to a boil over medium heat. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of yellow cornmeal until the mixture is smooth. Reduce heat to low, continue stirring and cook for about 5 minutes until it becomes thick like pudding.
Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the mixture and stir until combined completely.
Step 3: Beat egg yolks and add to cornmeal mixture
Lightly beat 4 egg yolks in a bowl, and then add gradually, to the cornmeal mixture. Combine thoroughly.
Step 4: Add sugar, salt, baking powder, and flour
In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp sugar. Then gradually add it to the cornmeal mixture while continuing to stir.
Step 5: Whisk egg whites
Use an electric mixer or by hand whisker to beat 4 egg whites until they become thick but not too stiff or dry.
Step 6: Combine mixtures
Fold in the beaten egg whites into the cornmeal mixture gradually ensuring they are entirely combined but not over-stirred as this may lead to air loss making your spoon bread dense.
Pour your batter into your prepared baking dish, then bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. Ensure you monitor it to avoid over-baking.
Take it off the oven, let it cool for about 5-10 minutes then serve alongside your favorite southern dish.
And voila, your delicious classic Southern Spoon Bread is ready to be eaten with utmost satisfaction.
Substitutions and Variations
Southern Spoon Bread is a classic recipe that has been passed down for generations in Southern households. The traditional recipe uses a combination of yellow cornmeal, milk, eggs, and salt, but there are several ways to mix up this classic dish.
Substitutions:
If you’re looking to change things up, you can substitute white cornmeal for the yellow cornmeal. White cornmeal has a milder flavor and a finer texture that pairs perfectly with seafood dishes. You can also use a rising cornmeal or creamed corn to add more moisture to the dish.
Another ingredient that you can try substituting is the milk. While whole milk is the most common type of milk used in this recipe, you can use skim, 1%, or 2% milk instead. You can even swap out the milk for buttermilk to add a tangy flavor to your spoon bread.
Variations:
One way to vary this dish is by adding different flavors to the mixture. A popular variation is adding cheese and jalapenos to create a savory version of spoon bread. You can also add chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme.
For those with a sweet tooth, try adding sugar and cinnamon to the mixture for a sweeter version of spoon bread. Drizzling honey on top can also be a nice touch.
Finally, you can experiment with the liquid ratio to adjust the consistency of the spoon bread. Adding more milk will make it softer and creamier while reducing the amount of liquid will make it denser and firmer.
Whatever variation or substitution you choose, Southern Spoon Bread is always delicious and comforting – it’s one of my favorite recipes!
Serving and Pairing
No matter how delicious a dish is, it is always good to consider its pairing to create an even more enjoyable culinary experience. Southern spoon bread is no exception to this. With its delectable and unique taste, it can be served in various ways and paired with different dishes.
Traditionally, southern spoon bread is eaten as a side dish with roasted or grilled meat, such as barbecue ribs, steak or even fried chicken. The soft and creamy consistency pairs well with the robust and savory flavors of these meats. I highly recommend trying this combination if you haven’t already!
However, don’t be afraid to experiment and try serving the spoon bread in other ways. You can try it for breakfast alongside your bacon and eggs or as a dessert with a drizzle of honey or syrup on top. It’s also great on its own as a midday snack.
As for pairings, consider serving southern spoon bread alongside collard greens, baked beans or macaroni and cheese for an authentic southern-style meal. You can also elevate its flavor by pairing it with grilled vegetables or a fresh garden salad.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to pairing southern spoon bread! So get creative and try something new. It’s a dish that doesn’t shy away from bold flavors, so don’t be afraid to mix and match to find your favorite combinations. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Planning ahead is key to a successful dinner party, so to make life easier, I recommend you make the Southern Spoon Bread a day or two before serving. It can be made ahead and reheated just before serving. Simply wrap it in foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
When reheating it, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You may also opt for heating it up in the microwave for a few seconds.
If you have any leftovers, which is quite unlikely since everyone will love it, store them in an air-tight container or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Don’t forget that the Southern Spoon Bread tastes best when warm, but it can also be enjoyed cold as a snack.
In case you need to transport this dish, I suggest you do so in a glass container or oven-safe dish, as this will be easy to reheat. Don’t worry about the texture of leftover southern spoon bread because it stays moist and tender even after reheating.
I hope these tips will make your dinner party planning much more manageable. The Southern Spoon Bread is not only delicious but also remarkably versatile – use imagination with the leftovers– from breakfast-ready slices drizzled with jam or honey to pantry-ready batches that are perfect for savory dishes like creamed corn spoonbread or corn pudding!
Tips for Perfect Results
To create the perfect southern spoon bread, attention to detail and technique are crucial. Expert tips and tricks can make all the difference when it comes to perfecting this classic southern dish.
One essential tip for achieving perfect results when making southern spoon bread is ensuring that your cornmeal mixture is mixed thoroughly. Whisking the cornmeal, salt, baking powder, and sugar together prior to adding the wet ingredients ensures an even distribution of flavors and ingredients.
Another important aspect of this recipe is using the correct type of cornmeal. Yellow cornmeal is traditionally used in southern spoon bread recipes and provides a deliciously unique flavor and texture. Using white cornmeal may alter the taste and texture of the dish.
It’s also important to use room-temperature eggs when making this recipe. This allows for better incorporation of the yolks and whites into your batter, leading to a smoother texture overall.
When folding in the egg whites, it’s essential to do so gently to avoid deflating them. This also helps to ensure a light, fluffy result that is characteristic of southern spoon bread.
Finally, let your spoon bread cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows for the bread to set properly and avoids any risk of burning your mouth on piping hot bread.
By following these expert tips, you’ll be sure to create a delicious and authentic southern spoon bread that perfectly captures its unique flavor and texture.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Southern Spoon Bread recipe is the perfect addition to your dinner table. Its soft and fluffy texture paired with the irresistible corn flavor makes it a favorite among many. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have this classic Southern dish on the table in no time.
From the creamy milk and butter to the yellow cornmeal and eggs, each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing together the flavors of this beloved dish. And with the ability to substitute white cornmeal or add creamed corn for a sweeter twist, this recipe can easily be customized to fit your taste preference.
Don’t be intimidated by the rising cornmeal or egg whites – follow my tips for perfect results, and you’ll be sure to impress yourself and your dinner guests. And with make-ahead, storing, and reheating options, this dish is perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
So why wait? Try out this mouth-watering Southern Spoon Bread recipe today and see for yourself why it’s become a classic in Southern cuisine. Once you master this delicious bread, you’ll find yourself making it again and again – not just for special occasions, but for any meal that deserves an added touch of Southern flavor.
Southern Spoon Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups yellow cornmeal
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 1/3 cups milk
Instructions
- Stir together the corn meal, baking powder and salt.
- Pour the beaten eggs and melted butter into a greased casserole dish and stir together.
- Heat the milk in a medium sized saucepan until it starts to boil.
- Sprinkle in the dry ingredients, and stir well; continue cooking and stirring for 2-3 minutes as mixture thickens.
- Mix cornmeal mixture with the butter and eggs in the casserole dish.
- Bake in a preheated 425 degree oven for 25-30 minutes.
- Serve hot from the dish--spoon bread is soft, so use a spoon to serve.