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Spoon Bread

Recipe Image 2

This is the kind of recipe that makes you look like a Southern cooking genius, even if you’ve never set foot below the Mason-Dixon line.

Spoon bread is basically cornbread’s sophisticated cousin who went to culinary school and came back with amazing stories.

The texture is pure magic—somewhere between a soufflé and cornbread, with a creamy interior that practically melts in your mouth.

Fresh corn kernels add delightful pops of sweetness and texture that make every bite interesting.

This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into something that’ll have your dinner guests asking for the recipe before they’ve finished their first serving.

Best part? It’s actually easier to make than regular cornbread, but tastes about ten times more impressive.

Ingredients

For the dry ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off
½ cup yellow cornmeal
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder

For the wet ingredients

1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for the baking dish
1 (8.5 oz) can creamed corn
1⅓ cups raw fresh corn kernels, cut from 2 ears of corn (frozen kernels may be substituted)
1 cup sour cream
2 large eggs, beaten

Instructions

Preparation

1 Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and set an oven rack in the middle position. This temperature is crucial for achieving the perfect golden-brown top while ensuring the center sets properly without overcooking the edges.
2 Grease a 2-quart or 8-inch baking dish with butter, making sure to coat all surfaces thoroughly. The butter prevents sticking and adds extra richness to the edges, creating a slightly crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.

Mixing the batter

3 In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, and baking powder until completely combined. Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate measurements, or ensure you’re spooning flour into your measuring cups rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can pack the flour and throw off the texture.
4 In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, creamed corn, and fresh corn kernels until evenly distributed. The melted butter should be warm but not hot enough to cook the eggs when added. If using frozen corn kernels, there’s no need to thaw them first—they’ll cook perfectly during baking.
5 Add the sour cream and beaten eggs to the corn mixture and mix until evenly combined. The sour cream provides tang and moisture, while the eggs act as a binding agent and contribute to the soufflé-like texture. Make sure the eggs are well-beaten before adding to prevent streaks in the final product.

Final assembly and baking

6 Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until the batter is uniform, being careful not to overmix. A few small lumps are perfectly fine—overmixing can result in a tough, dense texture instead of the desired light and creamy consistency.
7 Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish and bake until the top is golden brown and the center is set, 40 to 45 minutes. A cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. The top should be golden and slightly firm to the touch, while the interior remains creamy and custard-like.
8 Serve warm or at room temperature. The spoon bread is best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the contrast between the slightly crispy top and creamy interior is most pronounced.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Recommended Tools (for best results)

Digital kitchen scale – Ensures precise measurements for consistent results, especially important for the flour-to-cornmeal ratio that creates the perfect texture
Large mixing bowls – Separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients prevent overmixing and make the process more organized
Silicone spatula – Ideal for folding ingredients together gently without overworking the batter
2-quart ceramic or glass baking dish – Conducts heat evenly and creates beautiful presentation for serving

Helpful Upgrades

Immersion blender – Perfect for ensuring the creamed corn is completely smooth if you prefer a more uniform texture
Microplane grater – Excellent for adding fresh citrus zest variations or grating fresh nutmeg for seasonal spins
Instant-read thermometer – Helps ensure the center reaches the proper temperature for food safety while maintaining the creamy texture

Nice-to-Have Options

Cast iron skillet – Can substitute for the baking dish and creates an even more rustic presentation with slightly crispier edges
Parchment paper – Makes cleanup easier and prevents any sticking issues, though proper buttering should be sufficient

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Replace 1 cup all-purpose flour with ¾ cup almond flour + ¼ cup tapioca starch
Add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum if your flour blend doesn’t contain it
Expect a slightly denser texture but equally delicious flavor
Increase baking time by 5-8 minutes as gluten-free batters often need longer to set

Dairy-Free Modifications

Substitute coconut cream or cashew cream for sour cream in equal amounts
Replace butter with coconut oil (melted) or vegan butter
Use unsweetened plant milk if you need to thin the batter slightly
The coconut versions add subtle tropical notes that complement the corn beautifully

Vegan Modifications

Replace 2 eggs with 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 6 tablespoons water, mixed and left to gel for 15 minutes)
Use all dairy-free substitutions mentioned above
Consider adding 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar to enhance the tangy flavor typically provided by sour cream

Flavor Variations

Jalapeño Spoon Bread: Add 2-3 diced jalapeños and ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar
Herb-Infused: Incorporate 2 tablespoons fresh chives and 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
Sweet Corn Version: Increase sugar to ¾ cup and add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Smoky Variation: Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights

Each serving (based on 8 servings) contains approximately 280-320 calories, with a balanced combination of carbohydrates from the cornmeal and flour, healthy fats from the butter and sour cream, and protein from the eggs. The fresh corn kernels contribute natural sugars and fiber, while the creamed corn adds additional vitamins and minerals. The recipe provides about 4-5 grams of protein per serving and 3-4 grams of fiber.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients

Fresh corn kernels are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that support eye health and may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. The cornmeal provides complex carbohydrates and B vitamins, particularly niacin and folate, which support energy metabolism and nervous system function. Eggs contribute complete protein and choline, essential for brain health and development. The sour cream, while indulgent, provides probiotics that support digestive health and calcium for bone strength.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe contains gluten (from flour), dairy (butter and sour cream), and eggs, making it unsuitable for those with celiac disease, lactose intolerance, or egg allergies without modifications. The natural sugars from corn and added sugar make it moderate in carbohydrates. For balanced nutrition, pair with lean proteins and leafy greens to create a complete meal that provides sustained energy without dramatic blood sugar spikes.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

All-purpose flour → Whole wheat pastry flour (use same amount, adds nutty flavor and fiber)
Yellow cornmeal → White cornmeal or polenta (identical results, slightly different color)
Fresh corn kernels → Frozen corn kernels (no thawing needed) or canned corn, drained
Sour cream → Greek yogurt (same amount, slightly tangier flavor)

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Unsalted butter → Vegetable oil (use ⅓ cup instead of ½ cup melted butter)
Fresh corn kernels → Frozen corn (often half the price, especially off-season)
Large eggs → Medium eggs (use 3 instead of 2 large eggs)

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

Creamed corn → 1 cup regular corn + ¼ cup milk blended until partially smooth
Sour cream → ¾ cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes
Baking powder → ½ teaspoon baking soda + 1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

Store cornmeal in the freezer to prevent rancidity and extend shelf life
When using oil instead of butter, add ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract to enhance flavor
Buttermilk can replace sour cream but reduce other liquids by 2 tablespoons

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Sugar Substitutions:

Replace ½ cup sugar with ¼ cup erythritol or ⅓ cup stevia blend
Monk fruit sweetener works well at ⅓ cup for equivalent sweetness
Natural corn sweetness means you can reduce added sweeteners more than in other recipes
Sugar reduction: Cuts approximately 25-30 grams carbs from total recipe

Flour & Carb Modifications:

Replace ½ cup all-purpose flour with almond flour to reduce carbs by approximately 15-20 grams
Use ¾ cup almond flour + ¼ cup coconut flour for best texture
Cauliflower flour (¾ cup) creates similar texture with 40% fewer carbs
Consider reducing cornmeal to ⅓ cup and adding extra almond flour

Portion & Timing Tips:

Serve smaller portions (⅛ of recipe instead of ⅙) paired with protein and vegetables
Estimated carbs per modified serving: 12-15 grams instead of 25-30 grams
Pair with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables to balance blood sugar response
Fiber content from corn helps slow sugar absorption naturally

Total Carb Reduction: Modified version reduces carbs by approximately 40-50% while maintaining satisfying texture and flavor.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the corn’s natural sweetness without overwhelming the delicate flavors. For beer lovers, a wheat beer or light lager provides refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy texture. Sweet tea or lemonade offers classic Southern pairing that enhances the comfort-food appeal. During cooler months, hot apple cider or chai tea creates cozy autumn vibes that highlight the corn’s natural warmth.

Side Dish Recommendations

Honey-glazed carrots provide sweet contrast and vibrant color alongside the golden spoon bread. Collard greens with bacon offer traditional Southern flavors and nutritional balance. Roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy edges create textural interest and slight bitterness that complements the corn’s sweetness. Green bean almondine adds elegant crunch and fresh vegetable brightness to round out the meal.

Complete Meal Ideas

Build a Southern comfort menu with fried chicken, spoon bread, and coleslaw for casual entertaining. Create an elegant dinner party featuring herb-crusted pork tenderloin, roasted root vegetables, and spoon bread as the sophisticated starch. For holiday gatherings, pair with glazed ham, roasted sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Barbecue parties benefit from spoon bread’s creamy texture alongside smoky pulled pork and tangy pickles.

Occasion Suggestions

Perfect for Thanksgiving as an alternative to traditional stuffing, summer cookouts where fresh corn is abundant, or potluck dinners where it travels well and feeds a crowd. The make-ahead friendly nature makes it ideal for holiday entertaining when oven space is premium.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Techniques

Room temperature ingredients blend more easily and create smoother batter, so remove eggs and sour cream from refrigeration 30 minutes before cooking. Cut corn kernels by standing the cob upright in a large bowl and slicing downward with a sharp knife—the bowl catches flying kernels. For extra corn flavor, scrape the cob with the back of your knife after removing kernels to extract the sweet “milk.” Aluminum foil tenting prevents over-browning if the top colors too quickly during baking.

Common Mistake Prevention

Overmixing creates tough, dense texture instead of the desired creamy consistency—mix just until ingredients are combined. Don’t skip greasing the baking dish thoroughly; spoon bread’s custard-like texture can stick easily. Avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking, as temperature fluctuations can cause uneven cooking or collapsed centers.

Storage and Reheating

Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave for 30-45 seconds or cover entire dish with aluminum foil and warm in 300°F (150°C) oven for 25-30 minutes. The texture remains creamy when properly reheated, though it’s most spectacular fresh from the oven.

Make-Ahead Strategies

Prepare batter up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate covered—bring to room temperature before baking. Fully baked spoon bread can be made 2 days ahead and reheated successfully. For entertaining, assemble in the morning and bake just before serving for optimal texture and temperature.

This spoon bread recipe proves that the most impressive dishes often come from the simplest ingredients combined with proper technique. The result is a side dish that elevates any meal from ordinary to memorable, with that perfect balance of comfort and sophistication that makes everyone ask for seconds.