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Virginia Spoon Bread Recipe


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4 from 47 reviews

  • Author: Jane
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Virginia Spoon Bread is a classic Southern comfort dish that offers a unique texture—soft, airy, and custard-like—somewhere between cornbread and pudding. This cornmeal-based side dish is rich and creamy, traditionally enjoyed warm with a spoon, making it a comforting addition to any meal.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 eggs (separated)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish to ensure the spoon bread doesn’t stick during baking.
  2. Simmer Liquids: In a saucepan, combine the milk, water, butter, and salt, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to prepare for dissolving the cornmeal.
  3. Add Cornmeal: Slowly whisk in the cornmeal to the simmering liquid, continuously stirring until the mixture thickens to a porridge-like consistency.
  4. Cool Mixture: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the cornmeal mixture to cool slightly, preventing the eggs from scrambling when added.
  5. Mix Egg Yolks: Beat the egg yolks in a separate bowl, then stir them thoroughly into the slightly cooled cornmeal mixture to enrich the batter.
  6. Beat Egg Whites: In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form; this aerates the mixture, giving the spoon bread its signature airy texture.
  7. Fold Egg Whites: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cornmeal batter, being careful to maintain as much airiness as possible for a light final product.
  8. Bake: Pour the combined batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30–35 minutes until the spoon bread is set and has a lightly golden top.
  9. Serve Warm: Allow the dish to cool just enough to be spoonable, then serve warm, enjoying the soft, creamy texture that defines Virginia Spoon Bread.

Notes

  • The texture should be soft and scoopable, not sliceable, to enjoy it in the traditional style.
  • Adding cheese to the batter provides a delicious savory twist.
  • For best flavor and texture, serve the spoon bread fresh from the oven.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern / American