Fiesta Spoon Bread
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Ever wondered how to jazz up your cornbread? Let's dive into something special. We're making Mexican spoon bread today! It is pure comfort food, with a delightful southwestern twist.
Honestly, you will love this!
Why Mexican Spoon Bread?
This fiesta spoon bread recipe takes Southern comfort food to a whole new level. It is a fantastic Mexican cornbread casserole , perfect for sharing! Think cheesy, creamy, with a hint of spice.
This is not your grandma's basic cornbread.
A Taste of Mexico in Every Bite
Spoon bread, also known as cornbread pudding, has Southern roots. This version gets a Mexican makeover. The dish uses cornmeal, cheese, and spices.
It elevates creamy cornbread with cheese to a party worthy treat. This dish is quick and serves 6-8 people.
This Mexican Spoon Bread Recipe Is Extra Special
This recipe is so good! Not only it is delicious, it packs a nutritional punch. Cornmeal provides fiber. Cheese adds calcium and protein.
Veggies contribute vitamins. It is ideal for a Mexican brunch recipes or a Mexican side dish recipes . This is the perfect jalapeno spoon bread !
Ready to get started with this spicy cornbread recipe ? Let's gather our ingredients!
Let's Get This Fiesta Started: Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need for this Fiesta spoon bread recipe . Honestly, the ingredients are pretty straightforward. No need to stress.
I promise! This Mexican spoon bread will be a hit.
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Batter
- Yellow Cornmeal: 1 cup (120g) . Go for stone ground if you can find it! It has a better texture, you know?
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup (125g) . Plain old all-purpose does the trick.
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon (5g) . For that lovely lift.
- Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon (2.5g) . Helps with the texture.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon (2.5g) . Balances the sweetness.
- Milk: 1 cup (240ml) . Whole milk gives the best flavor!
- Vegetable Oil: ¼ cup (60ml) . Or melted unsalted butter if you're feeling fancy.
- Eggs: 2 large , separated. Yep, we're doing the whole whisked egg white thing.
- Creamed Corn: 1 (15-ounce/425g) can . Don't skip this! It's key for the creamy texture.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: 4 ounces (113g) , shredded. About 1 cup. Melts beautifully!
- Cheddar Cheese: 4 ounces (113g) , shredded. Another 1 cup. Adds that classic cheesy flavor.
Fiesta Flavor: Spicing Things Up!
This is where we bring in that Mexican cornbread casserole vibe. A good chili powder is key here, okay?
- Red Bell Pepper: ½ cup , finely diced. Adds sweetness and color.
- Green Bell Pepper: ½ cup , finely diced. More of the same!
- Onion: ¼ cup , finely diced. A must for savory dishes.
- Jalapeno: 1 , seeded and finely minced (optional). For that spicy kick! WEAR GLOVES! .
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon (5g) . Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- Ground Cumin: ½ teaspoon (2.5g) . Earthy and aromatic.
Honestly, the jalapeno is optional. This recipe is amazing as a Jalapeno spoon bread . If you are not a fan of spicy food, feel free to skip.
Equipment Needed: Keeping It Simple
Don't worry, you probably have everything already.
- Mixing Bowls: Medium and large.
- Whisk: For combining the ingredients and whipping those egg whites.
- Rubber Spatula: For gently folding in the egg whites.
- 9 inch Square Baking Dish: Or something similar.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Obvs!
This Southwestern spoon bread is surprisingly easy to make! Enjoy!
Fiesta Spoon Bread: A Mexican Twist on a Southern Classic
Oh my gosh, you have to try this! Forget boring sides, this Fiesta Spoon Bread will be the star of your next meal.
Think of it like Mexican cornbread casserole but, like, way better. It's a creamy, cheesy, flavour bomb a real cornbread pudding ! Trust me; it’s addictive.
I usually serve it as a Mexican side dish , but sometimes I just eat it straight from the pan.
No judgement, yeah?
Prep Like a Pro: Ready, Set, Go!
First things first: mise en place , darling. That means getting all your ingredients prepped and measured out before you start.
Dice your red and green bell peppers. Do your onion. Mince your jalapeno (if you're brave wear gloves! ).
Shred the cheese. Honestly, this is essential . If you get this right, everything else will be smooth sailing.
step-by-step to Spoon Bread Perfection
Okay, let's get cooking!
- Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Grease a 9 inch square baking dish. We don’t want any sticking!
- Whisk together 1 cup (120g) yellow cornmeal, 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon (5g) baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt, 1 teaspoon (5g) chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground cumin in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup (240ml) milk, 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil, 2 egg yolks, and 1 (15-ounce/425g) can of creamed corn.
- Stir in 1/2 cup red bell pepper, 1/2 cup green bell pepper, 1/4 cup onion, jalapeno, 4 ounces (113g) Monterey Jack cheese, and 4 ounces (113g) Cheddar cheese.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined.
- Whisk the 2 egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the batter. Don’t deflate them!
- Pour into the dish and bake for 40- 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Pro Tips for Spoon Bread Royalty
Want to take your Mexican spoon bread to the next level? Here's how. A common mistake? Overmixing the batter! This makes it tough.
Be gentle! Freshly shredded cheese melts better. Pre-shredded stuff sometimes has cellulose that stops it melting well. For a spicy cornbread recipe , add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
This jalapeno spoon bread can also be made a day ahead and warmed up.
It is super easy Fiesta spoon bread recipe , enjoy the amazing taste of a good Mexican brunch recipes . If you're looking for Mexican side dish recipes , you really found the right one, a delicious Southwestern spoon bread with cheese.
It is perfect to have some creamy cornbread with cheese and makes a good Mexican cornbread casserole .
Recipe Notes: Making Your Mexican Spoon Bread Epic
Alright, let's talk about making this Mexican spoon bread amazing . This isn't just any Mexican cornbread casserole , it's your Fiesta Spoon Bread recipe! Honestly, small details make all the difference.
You know? It's super easy to put your own spin on things too!
Ace Serving Suggestions: The Plating Power-Up
How you serve it matters, you know? Plating is key. Think rustic chic! A dollop of sour cream? A sprinkle of cilantro? Game changer! Seriously.
Pair this Southwestern spoon bread with some grilled chicken. It's a classic! Or how about alongside a zesty Mexican side dish recipe ? Even just enjoy with a fresh salad! Don't forget the margs! Tip: Warm plates make everything feel fancier!
Storage Sorted: Keepin' it Fresh
So, you have leftovers? Lucky you! Fridge is your friend here. Wrap it up tight, and it will be fine for about 3 days .
Honestly, after that, it starts to lose its oomph. Freezing? Yeah, you can . Wrap it in plastic wrap. Then, pop it in a freezer bag.
It keeps for about a month. For the love of all that is holy, don't forget to label it!
Warning : If it smells weird, just chuck it!
Reheating tip : Reheat at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through.
Variations: Your Spicy cornbread recipe Your Way
Want to mix it up? Of course, you do! Let's get creative with our Fiesta spoon bread recipe . Add more jalapenos for a Jalapeno spoon bread with a real kick! This can be adapted for a vegetarian diet very easily.
This also would be really great to make a seasonal ingredient swap, especially in the winter.
dairy-free option : Use almond milk and a vegan cheese alternative. Spicy option : A dash of cayenne pepper really turns up the heat.
Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness Inside
Okay, so this isn't exactly a salad! But it's got corn! About 320 calories per serving. 12g of protein. 18g of fat and 30g of carbohydrates.
This cheesy Mexican cornbread offers a good dose of vitamins and fiber. Plus it is like cornbread pudding! Nutritional info is an estimate only .
So, there you have it! A few extra bits to make your Mexican spoon bread the best on the block. Get in the kitchen and make some magic!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Mexican Spoon Bread anyway? It sounds intriguing!
Think of Mexican Spoon Bread as the love child of cornbread and a soufflé, with a fiesta in every bite! It's a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish, somewhere between a bread and a pudding.
It's a bit like the Southern classic spoon bread, but with a south-of-the-border twist thanks to ingredients like peppers, onions, and chili powder.
Can I make Mexican Spoon Bread ahead of time? I'm juggling a lot!
You can indeed prep some components in advance. You can dice the vegetables and shred the cheese a day before. However, for the best texture, it's recommended to bake the Mexican spoon bread closer to serving.
If you must make it ahead, gently reheat it in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) covered with foil to prevent it from drying out, but bear in mind that it will lose some of its original soufflé like texture.
I'm not a fan of spicy food. How can I adjust the recipe to be milder?
No worries, spice is completely optional! Simply omit the jalapeno entirely or use a milder pepper like poblano. Also, make sure to use a mild chili powder. You can even start with half the suggested amount of chili powder and taste as you go, adding more if you want a little kick but not too much.
It's all about finding your Goldilocks zone of flavor!
How should I store leftover Mexican spoon bread, and how long will it last?
Store any leftover Mexican spoon bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will generally last for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or toaster oven. You can also freeze it for longer storage, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing it might become a bit more dense.
Any clever variations I can try to jazz up my Mexican Spoon Bread game?
Absolutely! For a spicier version, use Pepper Jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack. You could also add a can of drained black beans or corn kernels for extra texture and heartiness.
If you're feeling adventurous, crumble some cooked chorizo on top before baking for a truly decadent treat, sort of like the full monty of Mexican Spoon Bread!
Is Mexican Spoon Bread healthy? What's the nutritional lowdown?
While delicious, Mexican spoon bread is more of a comfort food than a health food! It contains a good amount of carbs and fat, so it's best enjoyed in moderation. You can lighten it up a bit by using skim milk, reducing the amount of cheese, or adding more vegetables.
Check the recipe for the approximate nutritional information per serving.
Fiesta Spoon Bread
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 320 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 3g |