If you’ve ever found yourself dreaming of a dish that’s both comforting and delightfully moist, then let me introduce you to my all-time favorite Spoon Bread (Southern Cornbread Casserole) Recipe. This Southern classic has the perfect balance of creamy, slightly sweet corn flavor and a soft, custard-like texture that melts in your mouth. It’s not your typical dry cornbread, but rather a luscious casserole that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to become a favorite at your table. Whether you’re serving it alongside smoky barbecue or enjoying it for a cozy family dinner, this Spoon Bread will warm your heart and satisfy your soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Spoon Bread (Southern Cornbread Casserole) Recipe is its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the golden cornmeal that provides the signature flavor and texture, to the cream style corn that adds that creamy, buttery richness you crave. The blend of baking powder and baking soda ensures it rises just right, and of course, a little sugar for a gentle sweetness that rounds everything out perfectly.
- ½ cup butter, melted, divided: Used both in the batter and to grease the dish, it adds richness and helps form a golden crust.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure for the tender cornbread base and balances the cornmeal.
- 2/3 cup yellow cornmeal: The star ingredient giving that authentic Southern cornbread flavor and a slight grainy texture.
- ½ cup sugar: Just enough to add a subtle sweetness without overpowering the corn’s natural taste.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Elevates the batter for a light, fluffy texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to ensure a nice rise and delicate crumb.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 (14.75 ounce) can cream style corn: Adds moisture and a creamy, luscious body to the dish.
- 1 cup milk or sour cream: Either choice will make your spoon bread incredibly moist; sour cream adds a bit of tang and richness if you want to switch it up.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Bind everything together and provide lift.
How to Make Spoon Bread (Southern Cornbread Casserole) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your baking dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing an 8-inch square baking dish or a 1 ½-quart casserole with a tablespoon or two of melted butter. Placing this dish in the oven while it preheats is a game changer—it helps develop that irresistible golden and slightly crisp crust right from the start, setting the stage for the rest of the recipe’s magic.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined and evenly distributed. This dry mix forms the foundation of your Spoon Bread (Southern Cornbread Casserole) Recipe, ensuring every bite has consistent flavor and texture.
Step 3: Combine the wet components
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the remaining melted butter with cream style corn, milk (or sour cream), and beaten eggs until the mixture is completely smooth. This wet blend is what brings moisture and richness, giving the spoon bread that velvety custardy texture.
Step 4: Blend wet and dry ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients right into the dry. Use a silicone spatula or an electric mixer on low to combine everything just until no dry flour remains. Avoid overmixing—the batter should be gently blended to keep the texture tender. Letting the batter rest for 5 minutes allows the cornmeal to absorb liquid fully, resulting in a more cohesive and creamy mouthfeel.
Step 5: Bake to perfection
Carefully take your hot baking dish out of the oven and swirl the melted butter around to coat it evenly. Immediately pour in your batter, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it back in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean but still a little moist with crumbs. This perfect balance is what sets this Spoon Bread (Southern Cornbread Casserole) Recipe apart.
Step 6: Let it rest before serving
Once baked, give your spoon bread about 10 minutes to cool and set. This resting period helps the casserole firm up just enough while still being warm and soft. Serve it up warm or at room temperature, slathered with butter, honey, or your favorite spread. Truly, it’s a taste of Southern comfort at its finest.
How to Serve Spoon Bread (Southern Cornbread Casserole) Recipe
Garnishes
Simplicity is best when it comes to garnishing this spoon bread. A pat of melting butter or a drizzle of local honey enhances the natural sweetness and creamy texture wonderfully. If you want to try something different, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or thyme adds a fresh, savory note that contrasts beautifully with the custard-like cornbread.
Side Dishes
Spoon Bread (Southern Cornbread Casserole) Recipe shines alongside smoky barbecued ribs, fried chicken, or hearty Southern greens. It also pairs marvelously with chili or a slow-cooked stew, soaking up juices and adding a mild sweetness to the plate. Consider serving it alongside collard greens or black-eyed peas for an authentic Southern meal that feels both homey and extraordinary.
Creative Ways to Present
Why stick with the classic square scoop? Try serving this spoon bread in individual ramekins for a charming presentation perfect for dinner parties. You can also top with shredded cheese or salsa and pop it under the broiler for a few minutes for a melty, golden crust. Turning this traditional Spoon Bread (Southern Cornbread Casserole) Recipe into individual portions adds a touch of elegance while keeping all the heartwarming flavors intact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover spoon bread is pure gold. Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making it perfect for next-day enjoyment. Just bring it to room temperature or gently warm before serving.
Freezing
This Spoon Bread (Southern Cornbread Casserole) Recipe freezes well! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat gently to preserve its moist texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your spoon bread in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on top. You can also microwave on medium power for a minute or two, but the oven method provides the best texture, bringing back that freshly baked deliciousness.
FAQs
Can I substitute milk with sour cream in this Spoon Bread recipe?
Absolutely! Sour cream adds a velvety richness and a subtle tang that some folks love. If you prefer a lighter taste, regular milk works perfectly well, so it really comes down to your personal preference.
Is this Spoon Bread recipe gluten-free?
The traditional Spoon Bread (Southern Cornbread Casserole) Recipe includes all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend in equal amounts. The texture might vary slightly, but it should still be delicious.
Can I make this dish ahead of time for a potluck?
Definitely! The spoon bread reheats beautifully and can be made a day ahead. Just bake it, let it cool, then reheat before serving. Taking a slow cooker set on warm to your potluck is also a fantastic way to keep it moist and fresh.
Why does my spoon bread sometimes turn out dry?
Overbaking or overmixing can cause dryness. Make sure to bake just until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs, not completely dry. Also, mixing the batter gently and letting it rest before baking helps create that moist, tender texture we all adore.
Can I add cheese or jalapeños to this Spoon Bread?
Heck yes! Stirring in shredded cheddar or diced jalapeños before baking adds a wonderful extra layer of flavor. It’s a fantastic way to personalize the recipe and add a little kick or cheesiness for a fun twist.
Final Thoughts
If comfort food had a name, this Spoon Bread (Southern Cornbread Casserole) Recipe would top the list every time. It’s rich, creamy, and the perfect blend of sweet and savory that makes every meal feel like a warm hug. I truly hope you’ll give it a try and discover just how easy and rewarding homemade Southern cornbread can be. Once you do, I bet it’ll become a cherished staple at your table too!
Print
Spoon Bread (Southern Cornbread Casserole) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
Spoon Bread, a classic Southern cornbread casserole, combines creamy cornmeal batter with rich butter and a touch of sweetness to create a moist, tender dish perfect for any meal. Baked to golden perfection, this comforting recipe is easy to prepare and delicious served warm with your favorite spreads.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, melted, divided
- 1 (14.75 ounce) can cream style corn
- 1 cup milk or sour cream
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch-square baking dish or 1 1/2-quart casserole with 1-2 tablespoons of the melted butter. Place the dish in the oven for about 5 minutes while it preheats to create a golden, slightly crisp crust.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk the remaining melted butter with the cream style corn, milk (or sour cream), and beaten eggs until the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a silicone spatula or an electric mixer just until no dry flour remains. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to allow the cornmeal to absorb moisture.
- Bake: Carefully remove the hot baking dish from the oven, swirl the melted butter around to coat evenly, then pour in the batter. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Let the spoon bread cool in the dish for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with butter, honey, or your favorite spread.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute sour cream for milk.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the texture light and fluffy.
- Resting the batter allows the cornmeal to hydrate, improving texture.
- This dish pairs well with savory mains like fried chicken or collard greens.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.
