Description
Light, fluffy, and rich with cornmeal flavor, Colonial Spoon Bread is the ultimate comfort food side dish that lands somewhere between a soufflé and cornbread. Perfect for holidays or hearty weeknight dinners, this easy recipe is deeply rooted in American culinary history. With its creamy interior and golden crust, it makes for an irresistible addition to your table. Whether you’re searching for easy dinner sides, breakfast ideas, or classic Southern food ideas, this dish will quickly become a favorite!
Ingredients
2 cups whole milk
1 cup yellow cornmeal (fine or medium grind)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (plus more for greasing)
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3 large eggs, separated
1/2 cup sour cream or buttermilk
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously butter a 1.5 to 2-quart baking dish or cast iron skillet. Place the skillet in the oven to preheat if using.
2. Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming, then gradually whisk in the cornmeal. Stir continuously until thickened, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in butter, salt, and sugar. Let the mixture cool slightly, then add baking powder, egg yolks, and sour cream or buttermilk. Mix until smooth.
4. In a separate clean bowl, whip egg whites with cream of tartar (if using) until soft peaks form.
5. Gently fold one-third of the egg whites into the cornmeal base to lighten it, then fold in the rest carefully.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden and just set in the center.
7. Serve immediately, spooned straight from the dish.
Notes
Use fine or medium cornmeal for the best spoon bread texture—avoid coarse grind.
Whip the egg whites to soft peaks and fold them gently to keep the bread airy.
For a flavor twist, mix in cheese, chopped herbs, or caramelized onions before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg