If you’re craving a side that’s both tasty and quick, Bacon Fried Corn is just the thing for you. This dish brings together the sweetness of corn and the savory goodness of crispy bacon.
Provides a quick, budget-friendly side that uses bacon grease, prevents soggy corn, and adds a savory texture with crispy bits to pair with mains.
Sometimes, finding a side dish that isn’t boring is a bit of a challenge. I often end up with soggy frozen veggies or bland salads. Luckily, this recipe steps things up without taking a whole lot of time or effort, which is great for those busy nights.
It’s super simple to whip up, taking just 10 minutes to prep and about 15 minutes to cook. You’ll be enjoying delicious, caramelized corn in no time! Plus, since we’re using fresh corn, you won’t have to worry about that mushy texture that often comes from canned varieties.
If you love adding a special twist to your meals, this dish is perfect for you. If you need something sweet to go with it, try out my Ramp Potato Salad!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Combo This bacon fried corn is all about that delicious blend of sweet corn and savory bacon. It’s the kind of dish that packs a flavor punch.
- Quick Prep With just a few minutes of prep and cook time, you can whip this up in no time. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want something tasty.
- Customizable You can add your favorite herbs or veggies to make it your own. Whether you like it simple or with a twist, it’s super easy to personalize.
- Great for Leftovers If you happen to have some left, don’t worry. It stores well in the fridge for up to three days, making it a solid choice for meal prep.
Fried Corn with Bacon Side Dish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: side dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Bacon Fried Corn is a delicious side dish featuring crispy bacon and sweet corn, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 1/3 cup onion, finely diced
- 4 cups corn kernels
- 11/2 teaspoon sugar
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chives, sliced
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Start by cooking the diced bacon in a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook until it is crispy and has released its aroma. Keep an eye on it, as overcooking can turn it too crunchy rather than perfectly crisp.
- Remove & Reserve Fat: Once the bacon is crispy, carefully transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease. Ensure to save about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet for added flavor.
- Add the Corn: With the bacon grease still hot, toss the corn kernels into the skillet. The sizzling sound is an indicator of flavor building. Stir occasionally so the corn caramelizes nicely; be cautious not to stir too infrequently to avoid burning.
- Season to Taste: Add your favorite seasonings, such as salt and fresh pepper. Taste the corn before adding more seasoning, as seasoning too early can lead to an overly salty dish.
- Mix in Crumbled Bacon: Once the corn has reached a golden hue, mix in the crumbled bacon. Ensure to mix well for everyone to get a taste of the delicious bacon bits mingling with the corn.
- Serve Warm & Enjoy: Serve the dish warm in a bowl. The inviting aroma will attract everyone. Do not let it sit too long if serving later, as cold corn loses its appeal. Enjoy every bite!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best quality.
- Expert Tips: If the corn does not caramelize as expected, ensure that the heat is high enough and stir occasionally to avoid burning.
- If the dish tastes overly salty, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of sugar can balance the flavor.
- For bacon that does not crisp up properly, make sure to cook over medium-high heat and remove it from the skillet promptly once it reaches the right crispness.
- Using kitchen shears to cut the bacon can save time. If using frozen corn, ensure to thaw completely before cooking for better texture.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with grilled chicken or steak. Serve alongside summer salads or with fresh bread or rolls.
- Recipe Variations: For a sweeter taste, add diced red bell pepper. Incorporate fresh tomatoes for a summer twist. Mix in a can of green chiles for a spicy kick.
- Ingredient Notes: Select fresh corn for the best flavor; frozen corn is an option but thaw beforehand. Quality bacon will enhance the dish’s overall taste. Consider fresh chives for garnish or substitutes like green onions, parsley, or fresh thyme.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 184
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 349mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 14mg
Find it online: https://bakeitwell.com/bacon-fried-corn
Recipe Tips
- If corn isn’t caramelizing properly, try raising the heat and remember to stir it occasionally to prevent any burning.
- When the dish tastes overly salty, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of sugar can help balance the flavor.
- For bacon that doesn’t crisp well, keep the heat at medium-high and take it out promptly once it reaches that perfect crispness.
- If you’re using frozen corn, letting it thaw completely before cooking will give a better texture and reduce moistness.
- For saving time on cutting bacon, using kitchen shears can be a quick and efficient method to get it ready.
Serving Suggestions
Serve bacon fried corn alongside grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal. This dish also complements summer salads and fresh bread or rolls.
This fried corn works well in other recipes like corn fritters or as a topping for baked potatoes. You can mix it into tacos or burritos for added flavor and texture.
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of lime juice to brighten the dish. Hot sauce or barbecue sauce also adds a kick to the flavors.
Recipe variations
- You can use turkey bacon or pancetta instead of traditional bacon for a different flavor profile in your fried corn.
- Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness and 1 teaspoon garlic powder for extra depth.
- Either substitute green onions for chives or add a squeeze of lime juice for added zestiness.
- If making for a larger group, double the corn to 8 cups and increase bacon to 12 slices for a hearty dish.
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How to Store?
To keep your bacon fried corn fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep it sealed and safe.
Freezing: Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and enjoy promptly.
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