Jack Cheese Spoon Bread Recipe
Description:
This Jack Cheese Spoon Bread is a flavorful, cheesy, and slightly savory dish that could easily double as a side or a light meal. The combination of Monterey Jack cheese, eggs, and cornmeal creates a fluffy, satisfying texture that resembles a quiche, with a slightly crispy golden top. It’s an easy-to-make comfort food that can be customized with additional ingredients like sautéed onions or crumbled bacon for extra flavor. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or as leftovers, it’s a dish everyone will enjoy!
Category: Breads
Keywords: High in Protein, Quick and Easy, Oven-Baked
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dry Milk | 3/4 cup |
| Yellow Cornmeal | 1/2 cup |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Monterey Jack Cheese | 1 1/4 cups |
| Eggs | 3 large |
| Margarine | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter | 1/4 cup |
| Baking Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Seasoning Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried Chives | 1 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 206 |
| Fat Content | 13.5 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 6.5 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 106.7 mg |
| Sodium Content | 213.8 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 10.8 g |
| Fiber Content | 0.6 g |
| Sugar Content | 4.9 g |
| Protein Content | 10.5 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving. -
Cook the Cornmeal Mixture:
In a large saucepan, combine dry milk and yellow cornmeal. Add water to the mixture and stir well. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook the mixture until it comes to a boil and thickens, turning a yellow color. Once it thickens, remove the saucepan from the heat. -
Mix in Cheese and Eggs:
Stir in 3/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese, egg yolks, margarine, and baking powder into the cornmeal mixture. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined and smooth. -
Beat Egg Whites:
In a separate small bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This will give the bread its airy, light texture. -
Fold in Egg Whites:
Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cornmeal mixture. Be sure not to overmix, as you want to preserve the airiness of the egg whites for a fluffy result. -
Prepare for Baking:
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese. If desired, sprinkle 1 teaspoon seasoning salt and 1 teaspoon dried chives over the top for added flavor and a hint of herby goodness. -
Bake the Spoon Bread:
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s done. -
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Jack Cheese Spoon Bread warm for a comforting side dish or light meal. While it’s delicious straight from the oven, it also makes a great leftover that can be reheated (though avoid the microwave, as it can make it soggy). For the best texture when reheating, place the dish in a warm oven at 250°F and let it heat through while you finish preparing your meal. -
Optional Add-ins:
For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding sautéed onions and crumbled bacon to the mixture. These ingredients can be folded in along with the cheese for a heartier version of the dish. You can also experiment with other cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Tips and Variations:
- Storage: Store any leftover spoon bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freezing: This dish can also be frozen for later use. Simply let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to a month. To reheat, bake in the oven at 375°F for 25–30 minutes or until heated through.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack to give the bread a unique flavor twist.
This Jack Cheese Spoon Bread is perfect for any occasion, whether as a side for dinner, part of a brunch spread, or a light, savory breakfast. The ease of preparation and flexibility with ingredients make it a must-try for anyone looking to create something both delicious and satisfying.
