Jalapeño and Cheddar Spoon Bread

When you need an easy but incredibly satisfying side dish to serve with a meaty main like Spatchcock Chicken or Wagyu Beef Brisket, this Jalapeno and Cheddar Spoon Bread is a no-brainer. Its soft, souffle-like texture, rich cheddar, and spicy kick from the jalapenos make this spoon bread one of our favorites! Plus, it uses basic ingredients that you likely already have on hand, including cornmeal, milk, butter, flour, eggs, and of course, jalapenos and cheddar cheese for this rich and spicy spoon bread!

What is Spoon Bread?

Spoonbread is a traditional Southern side dish that’s a mix between corn pudding and corn bread – basically a cornmeal casserole. It has a softer texture that’s almost like a souffle, which means it’s meant to be eaten with a spoon instead of by hand or with a fork.

How to Make Spoon Bread

Ingredients

Process

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease an 8” x 8” baking dish with 1 tablespoon butter and set it aside.
2. Pour the milk into a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil. Whisk in the cornmeal and salt and continue to whisk until the mixture thickens – for about 3 minutes.

3. Remove the milk mixture from the heat, and using a wooden spoon, stir in cheese, jalapenos, and 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter.
4. Continue to stir until most steam has escaped from the mixture. Beat the eggs into the mixture, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Stir in baking powder, salt and pepper.

5. Pour the mixture into a prepared baking dish and dot the top with the remaining tablespoon of butter.
6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until it’s just set in the center. Allow the spoonbread to cool for 5 to 7 minutes. Scoop and serve.

Spoon Bread vs Cornbread

While cornbread and spoon bread both use similar ingredients, they have very different textures and serving styles. While cornbread has a firm and crumbly texture, spoon bread is softer and more pudding-like.

To serve, cornbread is sliced into squares while spoonbread is scooped with a spoon.

Variations

While we love this version of our spoon bread, you can make it your own and change up the flavor by making any of these substitutions or changes.

Make it mild – leave out the jalapeno peppers or cut them in half for less heat.

Add bacon – crumble four slices of cooked bacon and add it to the batter for a smoky twist.

Add corn – Add a 7 ounce can of whole kernel corn (drained) for more sweet corn flavor and texture.

Make it sweet – add two tablespoons of honey or sugar to the batter.

Change the cheese – The cheese isn’t necessary (but it is delicious!!), so you can leave it out if you wish. Or, feel free to change up the type of cheese. Swap the cheddar for Swiss, mozzarella, Colby, gruyere, or parmesan.

Add more flavor – for a more flavorful spoon bread, add a few tablespoons of fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, chives, or rosemary.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, bake the spoon bread in an oven preheated to 350°F for 5 minutes or until warm. The second best (but easier) method is to warm leftovers in the microwave in a covered dish for 45-60 seconds, or until warm.

What to Serve with Our Spoon Bread Recipe

This jalapeno cheddar spoon bread can substitute any bread or starchy side dish in a variety of meals.

Try serving it with entrees like:

• Kitchen Sink Chili
• Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
• Roast Beef
• Oven Baked Ribs
• Schnitzel
• Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
• Pistachio Crusted Pork Chops

Or alongside some of these delicious side dishes:

• Roasted Cauliflower
• Roasted Green Beans
• Blistered Shishito Peppers
• Balsamic Grilled Baby Carrots

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