Garlic Spoon Bread Recipe 🧀🥓
If you’re in search of a dish that combines the comforting flavors of cheese, bacon, and garlic into a delightful brunch treat, then look no further than this Garlic Spoon Bread recipe from lovewithrecipes.com. 🍽️ With a total preparation and cooking time of just 1 hour and 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those lazy weekend mornings when you want to whip up something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into the delicious details of how to make this savory delight!
Ingredients 🛒
- 3/4 cup cornmeal
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons margarine
- 1/2 cup garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions 📝
Step 1: Preparing the Base
-
Combine Cornmeal and Water: In a large saucepan, combine the cornmeal and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Once thickened, remove it from the heat.
-
Add Cheese and Aromatics: Add in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, butter, minced garlic, and salt to the thickened cornmeal mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and everything is well combined.
-
Incorporate Milk: Gradually pour in the milk while stirring the mixture. Make sure everything is evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Adding the Bacon
- Mix in Bacon: Now, it’s time to add the star ingredient – bacon! Add the crumbled bacon to the mixture, reserving a small amount for garnish later on. Mix the bacon into the cornmeal mixture until it’s well distributed.
Step 3: Folding in the Egg Whites
-
Prepare Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. You want them to be fluffy but not dry.
-
Combine with Cornmeal Mixture: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cornmeal mixture. This step helps to lighten the texture of the spoon bread, giving it a fluffy consistency.
Step 4: Baking
-
Transfer to Dish: Lightly grease a 2 ½-quart soufflé dish or a similar baking dish. Pour the cornmeal mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly.
-
Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the soufflé dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 65 minutes, or until the spoon bread is golden brown and set in the center.
Step 5: Serving
-
Add Garnish: Once the spoon bread is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle the reserved crumbled bacon on top for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
-
Serve Warm: Garlic Spoon Bread is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while it’s still warm and comforting. Serve it as a standalone brunch dish or as a delicious side to complement your favorite pork-based entreés.
Nutritional Information 📊
- Calories: 528.1 per serving
- Fat Content: 42.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 20.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 248.6mg
- Sodium Content: 866.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 15.3g
- Fiber Content: 1.1g
- Sugar Content: 0.5g
- Protein Content: 20.9g
Tips and Tricks 💡
- Customize with Additions: Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients. Consider adding diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or mixing in caramelized onions for added sweetness.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cornmeal mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Simply fold in the egg whites just before baking for optimal texture.
- Serve with Sauces: Elevate your Garlic Spoon Bread by serving it with a side of creamy hollandaise sauce or a tangy tomato chutney.
This Garlic Spoon Bread recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for brunch gatherings, holiday celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a comforting and flavorful dish. With its rich cheesy goodness and savory bacon accents, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy! 🍞🧄