Grits Spoonbread – The Black Family Reunion Cookbook – Black Foodie Finder

A Light, Fluffy Southern Comfort Food Classic

Warm, buttery, and wonderfully comforting, Grits Spoonbread is a traditional Southern dish that brings together the creamy goodness of grits with the delicate, airy texture of a baked soufflé. Made with quick-cooking grits, milk, eggs, and butter-flavored shortening, this old-fashioned favorite is a delicious addition to breakfast, brunch, or a hearty Southern dinner.

Featured as a Heritage Recipe in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, Grits Spoonbread celebrates the tradition of transforming simple pantry staples into memorable family dishes. Unlike traditional cornbread, spoonbread has a soft, custard-like center and a lightly golden top, making it perfect for serving straight from the baking dish.

The cookbook recommends serving this dish with red-eye gravy, a classic Southern accompaniment that adds a rich, savory contrast to the spoonbread’s mild, buttery flavor.

Ingredients

(Listed exactly as they appear in the cookbook.)

• ⅓ cup quick-cooking grits
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups milk, scalded
• 3 eggs, separated
• 3 tablespoons Butter Flavor Crisco
• Red-eye gravy

Makes: 6 servings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the quick-cooking grits, sugar, and salt. Gradually stir the mixture into the scalded milk, making sure everything is well blended.

2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Continue cooking for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the grits become very thick and creamy. Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool.

3. While the grits cool, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

4. Separate the eggs, placing the yolks and whites in different bowls. Beat the egg yolks until smooth, then stir them into the cooled grits mixture.

5. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the grits mixture, taking care not to deflate them. This step gives the spoonbread its signature light and airy texture.

6. Place the Butter Flavor Crisco in a 1½-quart casserole dish and melt it. Spoon the prepared grits mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.

7. Bake at 375°F for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the spoonbread is lightly golden brown on top and set.

8. Remove from the oven and serve immediately while warm and fluffy. Spoon generous portions onto plates and accompany with red-eye gravy for a traditional Southern-style finish.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

• Use freshly cooked, thick grits for the best texture. The mixture should be creamy but firm enough to hold its shape before adding the eggs.
• Let the grits cool before adding the egg yolks to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
• Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then fold them in gently to preserve the air that makes spoonbread light and fluffy.
• For an extra buttery flavor, try substituting melted unsalted butter for Butter Flavor Crisco as a modern variation.
• Add a small handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a savory twist that pairs beautifully with the creamy grits.
• Serve with red-eye gravy, country ham, scrambled eggs, collard greens, or fried chicken for a comforting Southern meal.
• Enjoy immediately after baking. Like a soufflé, spoonbread is at its lightest and fluffiest when served fresh from the oven.

About the Recipe

Grits Spoonbread reflects the longstanding influence of corn-based cooking in Southern American food traditions. Cornmeal, grits, and other ground-corn preparations have been essential ingredients in Southern kitchens for generations, appearing in everything from everyday breakfasts to holiday side dishes.

Spoonbread itself is a traditional Southern preparation known for its soft, pudding-like texture. Unlike firmer baked breads, spoonbread is typically served with a spoon, offering a delicate consistency somewhere between cornbread and a savory custard.

In African American Southern cooking, dishes made from grits and cornmeal demonstrate the creativity and resourcefulness of generations of home cooks. Affordable ingredients such as corn, milk, and eggs could be transformed into flavorful dishes suitable for both everyday family meals and special gatherings.

This version of Grits Spoonbread uses beaten egg whites to create an especially airy texture while preserving the familiar flavor of Southern grits.

Its inclusion as a Heritage Recipe in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook highlights the importance of preserving traditional dishes and the cooking techniques passed down through African American families.

The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women

Where to Find This Recipe

This recipe is adapted from The Black Family Reunion Cookbook: Recipes & Food Memories by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. The cookbook is a treasured collection of heritage recipes, regional favorites, and family dishes that celebrate the rich culinary legacy of African American communities.

Whether you’re rediscovering a childhood favorite or trying spoonbread for the first time, this recipe is a wonderful way to bring a little Southern tradition to your table. Give it a try, serve it warm, and share your favorite way to enjoy it with the Black Foodie community.