
Spoon bread sits somewhere between a soufflé and a cornbread casserole, and the result is one of the most comforting things you can pull out of an oven. The batter comes together from stone-ground white cornmeal, whole milk, butter, and eggs — nothing more, nothing less — so it's a naturally clean dish that doesn't rely on any seasonings beyond a little salt and sugar. That simplicity is exactly what makes it such a reliable choice when you need to keep things completely spice-free without sacrificing any satisfaction. The technique of folding whipped egg whites into the warm cornmeal base is what gives this dish its signature lift — light and custardy in the center, with edges that turn golden and just slightly crisp. It bakes up in a buttered casserole dish and goes straight to the table, scooped out with a big spoon while it's still puffed and steaming. This is the kind of recipe that feels special enough for a holiday spread but is simple enough to make on a weeknight when you just want something warm and deeply satisfying.
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously butter a 2-quart baking dish and set aside.
Combine the milk, water, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the cornmeal in a slow, steady stream, then reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula, until the mixture thickens to a stiff porridge and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.
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