Easy Spoon Bread Recipe

Get ready to discover the irresistible comfort of Easy Spoon Bread! This old-fashioned dish strikes the perfect balance between savory and lightly sweet, combining creamy cornmeal with fluffy eggs and a golden, buttery crust. Every bite is soft, tender, and promises a cozy experience reminiscent of classic Southern kitchens, making it an all-time favorite alongside almost any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Spoon Bread is in its simple list of ingredients, each one playing an essential role in its beloved custardy texture and gently savory-sweet flavor. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have everything you need for this cozy classic.

• Butter: Melting butter in the hot casserole dish creates a golden crust and an unmistakable rich flavor.
• Milk: Provides the creamy foundation for the soft, pudding-like consistency.
• Cornmeal: The star ingredient, offering classic corn flavor and a tender bite.
• Eggs: Whisked in for fluffiness and to help the bread set light and puffy.
• Salt: Just enough to balance sweetness and enhance every flavor note.
• Baking powder: Gives the dish its signature lift and airy crumb.
• Sugar: Adds a light sweetness that makes Easy Spoon Bread so addictive!

How to Make Easy Spoon Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dish

Before you do anything else, get your oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). Place the butter directly in a 1½-quart casserole dish and pop it into the oven. As the oven warms, the butter will melt and coat the dish, ensuring your Easy Spoon Bread develops a beautifully golden, crisp edge while keeping the inside luxuriously soft.

Step 2: Heat the Milk

Pour the milk into a large saucepan and set it over medium heat. Watch for tiny bubbles forming just around the rim; you don’t want it to boil, just gently warm. Warmed milk is key to a silky-textured spoon bread and helps bring out the flavors of the cornmeal and fresh eggs.

Step 3: Combine Cornmeal and Milk

Slowly whisk the cornmeal into the hot milk, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps. This combination forms the soul of the bread. Let it cook gently for a few minutes until thickened; you’ll notice it coming together into a smooth, slightly thick base. Patience here pays off for that dreamy, spoonable texture.

Step 4: Temper the Eggs

In a separate bowl, have your beaten eggs ready. Take a few spoonfuls of the hot cornmeal mixture and whisk them into the eggs. This tempers the eggs, warming them gradually so they don’t scramble when added to the pot. Do this in stages until the eggs are warm, then slowly add the mixture back into the saucepan, stirring constantly for extra smoothness.

Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients

Add in the salt, baking powder, and sugar, stirring well so every bite is perfectly seasoned and lightly sweet. At this point, the mixture should look creamy and well-blended, with a lovely golden hue hinting at the deliciousness to come.

Step 6: Bake the Spoon Bread

Carefully pour the mixture into your hot, buttered casserole dish. The sizzle as it hits the butter is always a little thrill! Pop it into the oven and bake for about 35 minutes. You’re looking for a puffed, lightly browned top and a gentle jiggle in the center—the telltale sign of perfectly cooked Easy Spoon Bread.

Step 7: Serve Hot

This classic is at its most magical while warm. The top cracks into a delicate crust, while the inside is molten and spoonable. Serve it up straight from the oven for the ultimate comfort-food experience.

How to Serve Easy Spoon Bread

Garnishes

For a simple touch, sprinkle fresh herbs like chives or parsley over the top for color and freshness. A dollop of whipped butter or a light drizzle of honey also adds a beautiful contrast, making every serving of Easy Spoon Bread extra special.

Side Dishes

This dish effortlessly fits in alongside so many meals! Serve it with saucy barbecue, fried chicken, roast turkey, or a hearty vegetable stew. The custard-soft texture soaks up gravies and stews, while the subtle sweetness is perfect with savory main courses.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning the bread into individual ramekins for charming personal servings, or layer it with sautéed vegetables and cheese for a fun twist at brunch. For parties, cut the cooled bread into squares and serve with toothpicks as a warm, soft appetizer everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have extra, simply cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. The Easy Spoon Bread keeps well for up to 3 days; it holds its tender, custardy texture and reheats beautifully for another comforting meal.

Freezing

While Easy Spoon Bread is at its best fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Wrap portions well in plastic and then foil to avoid freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge and rewarm gently for a cozy side on a busy night.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked magic, reheat spoon bread in a 300°F oven until warmed through, about 15 minutes. For a quick fix, the microwave works too—just heat in 30-second bursts and cover with a damp paper towel to preserve moisture.

FAQs

What is the texture of Easy Spoon Bread like?

It’s delightfully soft, scoopable, and custardy—think of it as a cross between cornbread and a rich soufflé, with a melt-in-your-mouth feel that begs for seconds!

Can I use a different type of milk?

Absolutely! Whole milk gives the richest flavor, but you can swap in 2%, non-dairy alternatives like oat or almond milk, or even evaporated milk for an extra creamy result.

Is Easy Spoon Bread gluten-free?

Since classic spoon bread uses cornmeal, it’s naturally gluten-free. As always, double-check your ingredients to be sure there’s no cross-contamination if you’re cooking for someone sensitive.

Can I add cheese or other flavors?

Yes! Stir in a cup of sharp cheddar, green chilies, or fresh corn kernels for a fun twist, making the dish your own while keeping the essential texture and flavor intact.

Why is it called “spoon” bread?

The name comes from its deliciously soft consistency: unlike firm cornbread, Easy Spoon Bread is so tender you serve it with a spoon instead of slicing, making it comfort food at its finest.

Final Thoughts

Once you taste Easy Spoon Bread, it’ll earn a special place in your favorites pile! Try making it for your next cozy dinner or holiday table—the effortless process and magical texture will have everyone asking for seconds and, most importantly, your secret.

Print