Imagine a dish that combines the hearty warmth of chili, the creamy texture of cornmeal, and the irresistible allure of melted cheese - all baked into one incredible culinary masterpiece! This Spoon Bread Tamale Bake is not just a recipe; it's a flavor adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Mexican comfort food. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you're craving something seriously delicious, this one-pan wonder is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 can (15 oz) chili
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal and baking powder, whisking them together to ensure even distribution.
- Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Crack the eggs into the cornmeal mixture and whisk vigorously until fully incorporated, creating a light and airy batter.
- Pour the prepared chili into the bottom of the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform base layer.
- Carefully pour the cornmeal batter over the chili, ensuring it covers the entire surface without mixing the layers.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly across the top of the batter, covering the entire surface.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cornmeal batter is set.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the layers to settle and cool slightly.
- Cut into 8 equal portions and serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider using homemade chili or a gourmet canned chili with bold spices.
- Whisk the cornmeal mixture thoroughly to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- Let the dish rest after baking to allow the layers to set and make cutting easier.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend for added kick.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese without compromising taste.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is still melty and the top is golden brown for the best experience.
- Customize your toppings with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 95mg
