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Spoon-Bread Muffins

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 17 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

These spoon-bread muffins offer a delightful twist on classic cornbread, resulting in a texture that is remarkably light and moist. By using extra-fine cornmeal and tangy buttermilk, these savoury bakes achieve a delicate crumb that sits somewhere between a traditional muffin and a soft savoury pudding. They are a staple of comforting home cooking, offering a golden, slightly crisp crust that gives way to a tender, melt-in-the-mouth centre.

This vegetarian recipe is an excellent accompaniment to a hearty bowl of chilli or a seasonal vegetable stew. While they are wonderful served plain, they truly shine when split open and spread with a generous knob of salted butter or a drizzle of honey. Quick to prepare and bake, they are a versatile addition to any weekend lunch or family dinner table.

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Ingredients for Spoon-Bread Muffins

  • 350ml extra-fine-grind white cornmeal

  • 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

  • 3/4 teaspoons fine sea salt

  • 550ml well-shaken buttermilk

  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

  • Equipment: a muffin pan with 12 (1/2-cup) muffin cups

How to make Spoon-Bread Muffins

Preheat oven to 218°C with rack in middle. Butter muffin cups.

Whisk together cornmeal, bicarbonate of soda, and salt in a bowl. Whisk buttermilk into eggs, then add to cornmeal mixture and whisk vigorously until smooth. Whisk in butter.

Divide batter among muffin cups and bake until edges begin to pull away from sides and a wooden pick inserted in centre of a muffin comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Turn out onto a rack and serve warm.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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