Colonial Spoon Bread

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Colonial Spoon Bread is a timeless dish that brings warmth, history, and the comfort of Southern hospitality to the table. With roots tracing back to early American kitchens, this soft, custardy bread pudding has the heart of cornbread but the soul of a soufflé. Served hot from the oven with a pat of melting butter, it’s a spoonable treat that feels as homey as it is elegant.

Whether served as a side at a holiday gathering or the centerpiece of a rustic brunch, spoon bread bridges simplicity and indulgence. Its golden, puffy top gives way to a rich and creamy center, making every bite feel like a warm hug. A true staple in Southern cuisine, Colonial Spoon Bread is not only nostalgic but surprisingly easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Colonial Spoon Bread

You’ll adore this spoon bread for its silky, almost custard-like interior and just the right amount of cornmeal texture. It’s not your average cornbread—this one is delicate, airy, and spoonable, perfect for soaking up gravies or enjoying with sweet honey and butter. It’s also naturally gluten-free, making it an inclusive dish everyone at the table can enjoy. The recipe calls for just a few pantry staples, and the payoff is huge.

What Kind of Cornmeal Should I Use?

For the best spoon bread, opt for fine or medium-ground yellow cornmeal. You want the grain to be fine enough to dissolve into the custard base, yet still give it some structure. Avoid coarse or stone-ground cornmeal for this particular recipe—it can be too gritty and won’t yield the smooth, creamy consistency spoon bread is known for.

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Ingredients for the Colonial Spoon Bread

To create that signature texture that sits between soufflé and soft polenta, each ingredient here plays a key role. The ingredients are simple, yet when combined, they deliver luxurious comfort.

• Milk
  Essential for creating the creamy base and helping the cornmeal swell to the right softness.
• Yellow Cornmeal
  Provides body and flavor. Go with fine or medium grind for smoothness.
• Butter
  Adds richness and helps the bread bake up golden and soft.
• Salt
  Enhances the corn flavor and balances the sweetness naturally present in the milk.
• Eggs
  Whipped and folded in, eggs give the spoon bread its light, airy structure.
• Baking Powder
  Aids in rising and fluffiness, helping the bread puff like a soft souffle.

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How To Make the Colonial Spoon Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 1.5 to 2-quart baking dish with butter and set it aside.

Step 2: Simmer the Base

In a saucepan, heat the milk and butter together until just simmering. Slowly whisk in the cornmeal, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook this mixture over medium-low heat until thickened and smooth, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Separate and Beat the Eggs

While the cornmeal mixture is cooling, separate the egg yolks from the whites. Beat the yolks lightly, then stir them into the cooled cornmeal mix along with salt and baking powder.

Step 4: Whip the Egg Whites

In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Gently fold them into the cornmeal batter using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for about 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center jiggles slightly. The spoon bread should puff up but settle a bit once out of the oven.

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How to Serve and Store Colonial Spoon Bread

Spoon bread is best served straight from the oven while it’s still warm and puffy. It makes a stunning side for hearty dishes like roast chicken or beef stew. You can also enjoy it solo with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of honey butter.

This recipe serves about 6 people as a side dish. If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

What to Serve With Colonial Spoon Bread?

Classic Southern Greens

A bowl of collard or mustard greens brings a savory contrast to the creamy spoon bread.

Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork

The richness of pork pairs beautifully with the mild corn flavor.

Creamy Mushroom Gravy

Pouring this over spoon bread elevates it to luxurious comfort food.

Fried Chicken

Crispy and juicy, fried chicken is a natural partner to this soft, warm dish.

Tomato Basil Soup

A spoonful of spoon bread dipped in this vibrant soup makes for a cozy lunch.

Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans

Sweet and savory, they offer a snappy bite alongside the bread’s softness.

Honey Roasted Carrots

Their sweetness complements the custardy center of the spoon bread.

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Want More Cornbread Ideas?

If you’re into creative spins on classic comfort, you’ll enjoy these recipes from the Janet Dishes collection:

• Southern Cornbread Poppers for a crispy, cheesy appetizer twist.
• Cheesy Ranch Potatoes to add a creamy, indulgent side to your plate.
• Tennessee Onions for a golden, cheesy bake with layers of flavor.
• Butter Pecan Pound Cake if you’re craving a sweet Southern finish.
• Ooey Gooey Butter Cake for the ultimate dessert companion.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can come back to it whenever you need something warm and classic.

Let me know in the comments if you tried it with extra spices or served it with your own twist—maybe even a savory gravy? This dish is all about making it your own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and soul-soothing recipes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Colonial Spoon Bread is more than a recipe—it’s a piece of culinary history baked into every golden spoonful. Simple ingredients come together in the most comforting way, reminding us that food doesn’t have to be fancy to feel special. Whether it’s your first time making it or you grew up with a family version, this dish brings tradition, heart, and a whole lot of flavor to your table.

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