Cornmeal Spoonbread with Cheese
Cornmeal Spoonbread with Cheese is a rich, custard-like Southern American side dish made from cornmeal, eggs, milk, and butter, with cheese stirred in for extra flavor. It has a texture somewhere between a soufflé and a soft polenta, and it's traditionally served with a spoon, hence the name. This comforting dish is a staple at holiday meals and family gatherings across the American South.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in carbohydrates from the cornmeal and contains significant fat from the butter, cheese, and eggs. It provides a good source of calcium and protein, with a typical serving containing roughly 250-300 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbs | 28 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Calcium | 250 mg |
| Phosphorus | 200 mg |
| Vitamin A | 150 mcg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
| Magnesium | 40 mg |
| Zinc | 1.5 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.5 mcg |
| Selenium | 10 mcg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Spoonbread is often called the 'cornmeal soufflé' of the South, and its delicate, spoonable texture is achieved by folding whipped egg whites into the batter. Nutritionally, it's a clever way to make whole-grain cornmeal more appealing and nutrient-dense by enriching it with dairy and eggs.
