spoon bread: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Specialized/Regional)Informal, Culinary
Quick answer
What does “spoon bread” mean?
A soft, baked savory pudding or bread made from cornmeal, with a moist, spoonable consistency.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A soft, baked savory pudding or bread made from cornmeal, with a moist, spoonable consistency.
A traditional Southern American dish, often served as a side, with a texture similar to a cornmeal soufflé or very moist cornbread.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
This term is almost exclusively American, specifically associated with Southern US cuisine. It is largely unknown in British English.
Connotations
Connotes Southern US heritage, home cooking, and traditional comfort food.
Frequency
Very rare in British contexts. In the US, frequency is regional, common in the South, uncommon elsewhere.
Grammar
How to Use “spoon bread” in a Sentence
[eat/have/serve] spoon bread[make/bake] spoon bread [with cornmeal/eggs/milk]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spoon bread” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The American guest described a dish called spoon bread, which was unfamiliar to the British hosts.
American English
- We're having fried chicken and spoon bread for Sunday supper.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
May appear in historical or cultural studies of American foodways.
Everyday
Used in the context of cooking, family meals, and Southern US culture.
Technical
Used in culinary arts to describe a specific dish type.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spoon bread”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spoon bread”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spoon bread”
- Referring to any soft bread as 'spoon bread'.
- Using 'spoonbread' as one word (acceptable but less common than the two-word form).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not in the conventional, sliceable sense. It is a baked cornmeal dish with a soft, custard-like consistency, more akin to a savory pudding or soufflé.
Traditional recipes rely on eggs for structure and lift, creating the characteristic airy texture. Eggless versions would be a different, denser cornmeal porridge.
Spoon bread has a significantly higher moisture content (from more milk/buttermilk and eggs) and is beaten to incorporate air, resulting in a soft, spoonable dish, whereas cornbread is firmer and can be sliced.
Typically, no. It is a savory side dish, though some modern variations might include sweet elements like maple syrup, blurring the line.
A soft, baked savory pudding or bread made from cornmeal, with a moist, spoonable consistency.
Spoon bread is usually informal, culinary in register.
Spoon bread: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspuːn ˌbrɛd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspun ˌbrɛd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As comforting as spoon bread.”
- “It's not exactly spoon bread (implies something is not soft/easy).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'spoon' - you need one to eat this soft 'bread'.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOFT FOOD IS COMFORT (e.g., spoon bread represents homey, nurturing sustenance).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of spoon bread?