Bacon Corn Spoon Bread is one of our favorite side dishes for both everyday dinners and holiday meals. Rich, cheesy, and studded with crispy bacon, this spoon bread makes a great alternative to stuffing or mashed potatoes and brings a comforting southern-style touch to any table.
If you enjoy hearty, savory sides, this spoon bread is an easy winner. It’s simple to prepare, bakes up moist and pudding-like, and can be made ahead for busy gatherings. The recipe combines cornmeal, creamed corn, whole kernels, cheddar cheese, bacon, and a touch of sugar and butter for balance. A sprinkle of fresh chives on top brightens the flavors and adds a fresh finish.
What Is Spoon Bread?
Spoon bread is a moist, cornmeal-based dish traditionally associated with Southern American cuisine. Despite having “bread” in the name, its texture is much closer to a savory corn pudding—soft, slightly custardy, and best enjoyed with a spoon. This version is enhanced with sharp white cheddar and crumbled bacon for a savory, satisfying side.
How Do You Make Bacon Corn Spoon Bread?
The method is straightforward, which makes spoon bread an ideal choice for holidays or weekday dinners. The components are mixed in one bowl and baked until set and golden on top. For best results, use a self-rising cornmeal mix or a fine cornmeal blend designed for spoon bread-like recipes.
- Combine the dry and wet ingredients, fold in most of the cheese and bacon, reserving a little for topping.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9″ x 9″ (or 2-quart) baking dish and bake until the center is just set and the edges are slightly puffed.
- Finish with the reserved cheese for a melty topping, then garnish with the remaining bacon and chopped chives before serving.
Can Spoon Bread Be Made Ahead?
Yes. You can mix the spoon bread and place it in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to serve, slide it into a preheated oven and bake until heated through and the top is golden—add the reserved cheese in the final few minutes to melt and brown slightly. This approach saves time on busy entertaining days while preserving the dish’s creamy texture.
Ahead-of-time prep also lets the flavors meld: chilling for a few hours can deepen the corn and bacon notes. If baking from cold, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure the center is fully set.
How Do You Serve Spoon Bread?
Spoon bread is served with a spoon—its soft, creamy texture doesn’t slice like a traditional cornbread. Spoon generous portions onto plates next to your main course. Garnish with extra chopped chives and the reserved crumbled bacon for color and crunch. It pairs particularly well with roast poultry, pork, or beef, and it complements rich gravies and sauces.
What Main Courses Pair Well?
This spoon bread teams well with a wide range of main dishes. Its creamy corn flavor pairs nicely with roasted turkey, baked ham, beef entrees, or braised pork. It’s a versatile side that balances richer mains and brings a homey, comforting component to the plate.
- Roast turkey or other roasted poultry
- Baked or glazed ham
- Roasted or glazed beef dishes
- Pork chops or braised pork
Ingredients
- 2 cups self-rising cornmeal mix (yellow or white)
- 1 (14.75 oz) can creamed corn
- 1/2 cup frozen or canned whole corn
- 1 1/2 cups white cheddar cheese, divided
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 10 strips cooked, crumbled bacon (save 2 tablespoons for garnish)
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped chives, save 2 tablespoons for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal mix, creamed corn, whole corn, milk, beaten eggs, melted butter, sugar, salt, and most of the cheddar cheese. Stir in the crumbled bacon and chopped chives, reserving a small amount of bacon and chives for the top of the baked dish.
Spray a 9″ x 9″ or 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray and pour in the spoon bread mixture, smoothing the top. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the center is nearly set.
Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of cheese over the top, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and gently browned. Garnish with the reserved bacon and chives, then serve warm with a spoon.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or reheat the baking dish in a 350°F oven covered for 10–15 minutes, uncovering for the last few minutes to refresh the top.
Variations and Tips
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack or smoked gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Reduce or omit sugar if you prefer a less sweet spoon bread.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a small amount of sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
- Cook bacon until crisp so it retains texture after baking; reserve some for garnish to add contrast to the soft spoon bread.
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American