This Southern Spoonbread is a cozy, custardy classic that’s as light as a soufflé but easy enough for a home-cooked meal. By folding fluffy egg whites into a creamy cornmeal base, you get a golden, airy texture that melts in your mouth. Infused with floral saffron, sweet honey, and warm cloves, it’s a fragrant and comforting side dish that brings a special touch of Appalachian soul to your table.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease an oven-proof Dutch oven and set it aside.
Create a double boiler by bringing a pot of water to a simmer and placing a metal bowl over the top. Add the milk, cornmeal, and saffron to the bowl. Stir occasionally for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes thick and creamy. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and 1 tsp salt.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 4 egg yolks, honey, cloves, and ½ tsp cream of tartar. Gradually stir this mixture into the warm cornmeal base until fully combined.
In a clean bowl, combine the 4 egg whites, ⅛ tsp cream of tartar, and a pinch of salt. Using an electric hand mixer, whip until soft peaks form (the whites should hold their shape but the tips should slump over when you lift the beaters).
Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the cornmeal batter. Use a spatula to cut through the center and lift the batter over the whites, being careful not to deflate the air. Once incorporated, pour the mixture into your prepared Dutch oven.
Bake for 30 minutes. The spoonbread should be golden on top and set, but still have a slight give. Let it rest on the counter for 15 minutes to firm up before scooping and serving.
Recipe Note
These fun variations allow you to easily adapt the spoonbread into a savory dinner side or a sweet, citrus-infused brunch dish to suit any occasion!
Savory Herb & Cheese ~ Skip the honey and cloves and stir in 1 cup of sharp white cheddar and 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped chives or sage for a savory dinner side.
Spiced Fruit ~ Fold in ½ cup of dried cranberries or golden raisins along with the egg yolks. The saffron and cloves pair beautifully with the tartness of the fruit.
Maple & Pecan ~ Swap the honey for maple syrup and top the batter with crushed toasted pecans before baking for extra crunch and a deeper, woody sweetness.
Citrus Zest ~ Add the zest of one orange to the cornmeal base. The bright citrus notes pull out the floral aroma of the saffron and make the dish feel even lighter.
Smoky Heat ~ For a bolder Appalachian twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a tiny bit of cayenne to the cornmeal to contrast the sweet honey.
Southern Spoonbread with Saffron and Honey
This Southern Spoonbread is a cozy, custardy classic that’s as light as a soufflé but easy enough for a home-cooked meal. By folding fluffy egg whites into a creamy cornmeal base, you get a golden, airy texture that melts in your mouth. Infused with floral saffron, sweet honey, and warm cloves, it’s a fragrant and comforting side dish that brings a special touch of Appalachian soul to your table.
I’ve been buying these for the past few years. I’m hooked on the flavor the chili imparts to so many different dishes. They’re great in soups, salads, you name it, try it instead of adding more salt!
This hot sauce is so good that I use it as salad dressing on lettuce salads and burrito bowls. It’s mild. Good flavor. Really does something to an avocado.