Easy Garlic Cheddar Chive Spoonbread: Your New Favorite Holiday Side Dish

Imagine a dish that’s incredibly simple to prepare yet delivers a profound depth of flavor – a side so comforting and satisfying, it effortlessly earns a permanent spot on your holiday table. This Garlic Cheddar Chive Spoonbread is precisely that. Requiring just 5 minutes of active prep, it’s a fuss-free culinary delight that combines the rich creaminess of corn with the savory notes of sharp cheddar, fresh chives, and a hint of garlic. It’s more than just a side; it’s a centerpiece of comfort, destined to become a beloved tradition for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and beyond.

Let’s settle the great debate right away: whether you call it spoonbread, corn pudding, or even a savory corn casserole, one thing is certain – this dish is an absolute must-have for any festive gathering. Often described as a fluffy, custard-like cornmeal concoction, spoonbread hails from the American South, where it has been a cherished staple for generations. It’s not quite bread, not quite pudding, but a delightful hybrid that you literally eat with a spoon because of its incredibly moist and tender texture. Our garlic cheddar chive version elevates this classic with robust flavors, baked to golden perfection in a skillet or casserole dish, making it undeniably irresistible.

Historically, spoonbread served as a versatile dish, sometimes a breakfast item, sometimes a side, and always a symbol of Southern hospitality. Its charm lies in its simplicity and adaptability, allowing for various flavorful additions. The combination of sharp cheddar cheese, fragrant fresh chives, and aromatic garlic powder transforms humble cornmeal into a luxurious side dish that will captivate your taste buds and leave everyone asking for the recipe.

My own journey with spoonbread began just a few years ago, introduced to me by a dear friend and neighbor during her Thanksgiving menu trial. One bite, and I was instantly hooked, peppering her with questions about this magical corn concoction. The curiosity quickly turned into an obsession, and I knew I had to craft my own version, infusing it with the bold flavors I adore. For years, my holiday table has featured a rotating cast of beloved side dishes – from crispy garlic roasted Brussels sprouts and decadent sweet potato casserole to creamy slow cooker creamed corn and savory brown butter honey glazed carrots. Each has held a special place, but this cheesy spoonbread has arrived to shake things up. It’s so good, I’m seriously considering retiring one of my long-standing favorites just to make permanent space for this new culinary crush.

What Exactly is Spoonbread? A Southern Comfort Explained

At its core, spoonbread is a delightful, savory cornmeal pudding, so incredibly moist and tender that it quite literally demands to be scooped and eaten with a spoon. A true Southern comfort food, its light, soufflé-like texture sets it apart from denser corn dishes. It has a beautiful crumbly-yet-creamy consistency, almost like a savory custardy soufflé made with cornmeal. The unique texture is what truly makes it stand out among other corn-based sides.

While the terms ‘spoonbread’ and ‘corn pudding’ are often used interchangeably, there’s a subtle distinction that can help define our recipe. Traditional corn pudding often incorporates whole kernel corn for added texture, offering a bit more chew. In contrast, our luscious cheddar chive spoonbread leans into the velvety smoothness of cream-style corn, creating an almost melt-in-your-mouth experience that is truly unforgettable. It’s this specific use of creamed corn that gives our spoonbread its signature luxurious and ultra-moist consistency, making every bite a heavenly indulgence. This distinct creaminess is what elevates it to a holiday showstopper.

Essential Ingredients for This Irresistible Spoonbread

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, utilizing readily available ingredients to create a dish that tastes incredibly complex and satisfying. You don’t need exotic items to achieve this level of comfort food perfection.

• sour cream
• milk
• eggs
• butter
• cream-style corn
• chives
• seasonings (garlic powder, salt, sugar)
• corn muffin mix
• shredded cheddar cheese

Whip Up Your Spoonbread: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting this flavorful garlic cheddar chive spoonbread is remarkably straightforward, requiring minimal effort for maximum deliciousness. Just follow these easy steps to achieve a perfectly moist and savory side dish:

1. Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to the specified temperature. Then, prepare your chosen baking dish – whether it’s a skillet or casserole dish – by generously spraying it with nonstick cooking spray or greasing it with butter. This crucial step ensures your spoonbread releases easily and doesn’t stick.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the wet ingredients along with the garlic powder, salt, and sugar until well combined. This ensures a uniform distribution of flavors. Next, gently fold in the corn muffin mix. It’s important to stir just enough until the dry ingredients are incorporated and no visible cornmeal pockets remain. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense spoonbread, so aim for a light hand.
3. Bake to Perfection: Pour the spoonbread mixture into your prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 26-32 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the center is set. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on whether you’re using a cast-iron skillet (which often bakes faster) or a ceramic casserole dish. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean. Serve it immediately to enjoy its fluffy, warm goodness.

Scaling Up: Doubling Your Spoonbread for a Crowd

Planning a larger gathering or simply want more of this amazing side? Good news – this spoonbread recipe is easily scalable. If you’re feeding more people, you can simply double all the ingredients and pour this into a greased 13×9 inch baking dish. Be sure to allow for the spoonbread casserole to cook for slightly longer, typically an additional 5-10 minutes, until it sets in the center and achieves that perfect golden brown crust.

Expert Tips for Perfect Spoonbread Every Time

• Embrace Cream-Style Corn: For that signature creamy texture, always opt for canned cream-style corn found in the canned vegetable aisle. It’s the secret to achieving the spoonbread’s incredibly moist and smooth consistency, distinguishing it from a chunkier corn pudding. This ingredient is key to its luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Serve Warm for Best Flavor: Spoonbread is at its absolute best when served fresh and warm from the oven. Its fluffy texture and melty cheese are unparalleled right after baking. This makes it an ideal dish to prepare during that prime window when your holiday turkey is resting, allowing you to present a perfectly warm side without rushing. The aroma alone will draw everyone to the table!
• Reheating Instructions: Should you need to make it ahead or have delicious leftovers, fear not! Reheat your spoonbread in a 200ºF (95ºC) oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through. While delightful cold, the warmth truly brings out its best qualities, making it feel freshly baked and ensuring the cheese is perfectly gooey again.
• Experiment with Flavor Variations: Don’t be afraid to customize! The base recipe is incredibly versatile and open to your creative additions. Explore different flavor profiles to suit your taste. We’ve successfully experimented with a spicy jalapeño and cheddar version, which adds a fantastic kick and a vibrant color. My friend, ever the culinary innovator, even tried it with roughly 4 ounces of defrosted green beans and a ½ teaspoon of mustard seeds for an intriguing twist. For a Mexican-inspired delight, swap the jalapeños for a minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce – the smoky heat and depth of flavor are absolutely divine and will take your spoonbread in an exciting new direction!

During my recipe testing, multiple batches of this spoonbread vanished almost instantly! It’s truly that addictive. Any precious leftovers were quickly repurposed, finding new life in hearty bowls of chili, as a delightful bed for fried eggs, or simply enjoyed straight from the skillet – a testament to its universal appeal. This dish isn’t just a recipe; it’s a versatile companion for any meal. We wholeheartedly encourage you to welcome this incredible garlic cheddar chive spoonbread to your holiday menu this year. Its straightforward preparation makes it an excellent choice for even the most novice cooks among your guests. Share this recipe widely; everyone deserves to experience the comfort and joy of this simple yet sensational side dish that will undoubtedly become a staple in your home.

Yield: 6 servings

Garlic Cheddar Chive Spoonbread (aka Corn Pudding)

Prep Time
5 minutes

Cook Time
30 minutes

Total Time
35 minutes

An easy cheddar chive spoonbread that requires just 5 minutes of prep! It’s as easy as stirring a few ingredients and popping it in the oven. The mixture of creamed corn, sour cream, and cheddar make this one of the best Thanksgiving side dishes!

Ingredients

• ½ cup sour cream
• ⅓ cup milk
• 4 tablespoons melted salted butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 (15-ounce) can cream-style corn
• ¼ cup chopped chives
• 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder 
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 (8.5-ounce) package corn muffin mix
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. PREP: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 375ºF. Lightly spray a 10-inch oven-proof skillet with nonstick cooking spray or any 1 ½ quart casserole dish.
2. COMBINE: In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, melted butter, eggs, cream-style corn, chives, garlic powder, salt, and sugar. Once combined, add the corn muffin mix and stir using a rubber spatula just enough to work out the cornmeal pockets. Do not overmix!
3. BAKE: Spread the spoon bread mixture in the prepared skillet or casserole dish and allow for it to bake for 26-32 minutes or until golden brown on top. Serve immediately.

Have you made this recipe?

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