Southern Spoon Bread Delight
This delightful Southern spoon bread, rooted in tradition, was cherished by Lady Bird Johnson, who learned it from her mother-in-law. With its beautifully tender and creamy texture, this dish brings warmth to any table and pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or hearty meat dish. A quintessential comfort food, this spoon bread is perfect for brunch gatherings, cozy family dinners, or as a nostalgic nod to Southern cuisine. Experience the rich flavors of cornmeal and buttery goodness that have been savored for generations.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Milk
3 cups (whole, divided)
Eggs
3 (well-beaten)
Cornmeal
1 cup (finely ground)
Butter
to taste (melted, about the size of a walnut)
Baking Powder
3 teaspoons (sifted)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, stir together 2 cups of milk and cornmeal over medium heat. Cook while stirring continuously until the mixture begins to boil and thickens into a mush-like consistency.
2
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
3
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of milk to the eggs, mixing well.
4
Fold the egg mixture into the cornmeal mush until fully incorporated.
5
Stir in the salt, baking powder, and melted butter until completely combined. The mixture will be somewhat lumpy, and that’s okay!
6
Pour the batter into a greased 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
7
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite accompaniments!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Spoon Bread Delight?
It is a traditional Southern dish with a tender and creamy texture, similar to a savory pudding or soufflé, made primarily from cornmeal and milk.
Who is associated with this specific spoon bread recipe?
This recipe was cherished by Lady Bird Johnson, who learned it from her mother-in-law.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients are milk, eggs, cornmeal, butter, baking powder, and salt.
What is the first step in preparing the batter?
Stir together 2 cups of milk and the cornmeal in a saucepan over medium heat until it thickens into a mush.
How much milk is required in total?
The recipe requires 3 cups of milk, divided into 2 cups for the mush and 1 cup for the egg mixture.
What type of cornmeal should be used?
Finely ground cornmeal is recommended for this recipe.
How should the eggs be prepared?
The eggs should be well-beaten until they are frothy.
How long should the cornmeal mixture cool?
After the cornmeal and milk mixture thickens, it should cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
When do I add the remaining cup of milk?
Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of milk to the frothy eggs before mixing them into the cornmeal mush.
Is it okay if the batter is lumpy?
Yes, the recipe states that it is okay if the mixture is somewhat lumpy.
What size dish is needed for baking?
You will need a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the spoon bread need to bake?
It should bake for approximately 30 minutes.
How do I know when the spoon bread is finished cooking?
The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
How much butter is added to the recipe?
Add melted butter about the size of a walnut, or to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly side dish.
What are some recommended food pairings for spoon bread?
It pairs wonderfully with fresh salads or hearty meat dishes.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
How much baking powder is used?
Use 3 teaspoons of sifted baking powder.
Should the dish be served hot or cold?
It is best enjoyed warm, after cooling slightly from the oven.
Can I serve this for brunch?
Yes, spoon bread is an excellent choice for brunch gatherings.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, the recipe specifies using a greased casserole dish.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The texture is described as beautifully tender and creamy.
What should the consistency of the milk and cornmeal be after cooking?
It should reach a mush-like consistency after it begins to boil.
How many eggs are used in this recipe?
This recipe requires 3 eggs.
Can this be considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a quintessential Southern comfort food.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include spoon bread, southern cuisine, comfort food, and traditional recipe.
Is the baking powder added before or after the egg mixture?
The baking powder is stirred in after the egg mixture has been folded into the cornmeal mush.
What is the secret to the richness of this dish?
The combination of buttery goodness and the slow-cooked cornmeal mush gives it its rich flavor profile.