The smoky aroma of sizzling bacon fills the kitchen, and as you take that first bite of fried corn, the crispy, salty bacon perfectly complements the sweet, tender kernels. There’s something so comforting about the way the flavors meld together—like the best kind of harmony in every bite. The bacon not only adds a savory crunch but also infuses the corn with a deep richness that makes this dish feel both simple and indulgent. As you stir the corn in the pan, you can almost hear the satisfying sizzle, each piece of bacon turning into a crispy morsel, ready to deliver just the right amount of crispness to balance the softness of the corn. It’s the kind of dish that you’ll crave again and again, especially when you’re looking for something quick but packed with flavor. The best part? It’s a dish that feels a little fancy, yet it’s so easy to whip up, making it perfect for everything from a casual dinner to a holiday side dish.
Key Ingredients in Fried Corn with Bacon
Each ingredient in this dish has a unique role that contributes to its irresistible flavor and texture. From the sweet corn to the smoky bacon, these simple ingredients work together to create something truly special. Let’s dive into each one!
– Corn kernels
The star of the dish! Whether you’re using fresh, frozen, or even canned corn, these tender kernels provide the sweet base that contrasts beautifully with the savory bacon and spices. Their natural sweetness is what makes every bite feel like a little celebration.
– Bacon
Crispy, salty, and full of flavor—bacon is the ultimate ingredient for adding richness and texture to this dish. It brings that satisfying crunch and a smoky depth that perfectly complements the sweetness of the corn.
– Butter
Rich and velvety, butter helps to coat the corn, creating a smooth and luxurious texture. It also enhances the overall flavor, giving the dish that perfect balance of creaminess without being overwhelming.
– Onion
A small, finely chopped onion adds a touch of sweetness and savory depth. It softens in the pan, creating a mild yet fragrant base that elevates the entire dish. The onion’s natural sugars caramelize, adding complexity to the flavors.
– Heavy cream
The creamy richness of heavy cream brings the dish together, making it luscious without being too heavy. It helps create that perfect, velvety sauce that coats every kernel of corn, enriching the dish with a smooth, indulgent finish.
– Salt
A key ingredient to bring all the flavors to life. Salt not only enhances the sweetness of the corn but also highlights the smoky bacon and balances the richness of the butter and cream.
– Black pepper
Freshly cracked black pepper adds just the right amount of heat and sharpness to the dish. It provides a subtle kick that complements the sweetness of the corn and the richness of the bacon and cream.
– Smoked paprika
Smoked paprika imparts a mild, smoky flavor that enhances the bacon’s smokiness. It’s the secret ingredient that brings a bit of warmth and complexity to the dish, without overpowering the delicate flavors.
– Chopped fresh parsley
A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness. It cuts through the richness of the dish with its bright, herbaceous note, making each bite feel a little lighter and more vibrant.
How to Make Fried Corn with Bacon
1. Place the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat.
Start by laying out your bacon slices in a large skillet. Medium heat is key here to ensure the bacon crisps up without burning. Let the sizzling begin!
2. Cook the bacon, turning occasionally, until it becomes crispy and browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
As the bacon cooks, turn it occasionally to ensure even crisping. The bacon will gradually get golden and crispy—just the way we want it!
3. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
Once the bacon is perfectly crispy, carefully remove it from the skillet and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any extra grease. Let it cool slightly.
4. Once the bacon has cooled slightly, crumble it into small pieces and set it aside.
After it’s cooled enough to handle, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces. Set these aside for later use.
5. Carefully discard most of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
Don’t toss out all that bacon goodness! Carefully pour off most of the grease, leaving just about 1 tablespoon in the skillet. This is where all the flavor is!
6. Add the butter to the skillet and melt it over medium heat.
Drop in the butter and let it melt into that leftover bacon grease, combining the richness of butter with the smoky bacon remnants. Stir occasionally.
7. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté it, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Toss in the finely chopped onion. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns soft and translucent. This step builds a savory base for the corn.
8. Add the corn kernels to the skillet, stirring them with the onions to mix.
Next, stir in the corn kernels. Mix them well with the onions so that every kernel gets coated in that buttery, flavorful base.
9. Cook the corn, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the kernels to lightly brown and crisp up on the edges.
Let the corn cook, stirring now and then, until the kernels begin to lightly brown and crisp up on the edges. This gives the corn that delicious texture and depth.
10. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, letting it cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to incorporate it with the corn. Let it cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken and coat the kernels.
11. Season the corn with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, stirring until evenly distributed.
Now, sprinkle in the salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together to ensure the seasonings coat the corn evenly, bringing out all those warm, savory flavors.
12. Once the corn mixture is well-seasoned and heated through, add the crumbled bacon back into the skillet and stir to combine.
Time to bring back the bacon! Stir the crumbled bacon into the corn mixture, making sure it’s well mixed in.
13. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to heat the bacon through.
Let everything cook together for another minute or two, ensuring the bacon gets nice and hot.
14. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top.
Take the skillet off the heat and add a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley. This brightens everything up and adds a pop of color.
15. Serve the fried corn with bacon immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Serve up your delicious fried corn with bacon while it’s still warm. Garnish with extra parsley if you like, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Fried Corn with Bacon
– As a side dish to grilled meats
This fried corn with bacon is the perfect accompaniment to a juicy grilled steak or barbecue chicken. The smoky bacon and creamy corn balance out the rich flavors of grilled meats beautifully, making it the ideal side for any summer cookout or dinner.
– With a dollop of sour cream
For an extra indulgent touch, serve the corn with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. The cool, tangy sour cream adds a creamy contrast to the warm, smoky corn, and the cheddar brings a sharp, melt-in-your-mouth richness.
– As a filling for tacos or burritos
Imagine this sweet and savory corn wrapped in a warm tortilla—fried corn with bacon makes for an amazing taco or burrito filling. Top it with some fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a bit of hot sauce, and you’ve got yourself a delicious, handheld meal.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy this dish? Feel free to get creative and mix in your favorite toppings or sides!
How to Store Fried Corn with Bacon
If you happen to have leftovers of this delicious fried corn with bacon (which is rare, I know!), you’ll want to store it properly so that the flavors stay fresh and vibrant. Here are a few simple tips:
– Refrigerating
Place the fried corn with bacon in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should stay good for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little butter or cream if needed to restore its creamy texture.
– Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the fried corn with bacon. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up on the stovetop.
– Avoid storing with extra toppings
If you’ve added toppings like sour cream or cheddar cheese, it’s best to store those separately. They can alter the texture when stored with the corn. Add them fresh when you’re ready to serve!
With these simple storing methods, you can enjoy your fried corn with bacon for days to come—though I wouldn’t blame you if you finish it all in one sitting!
Conclusion
And there you have it—fried corn with bacon, a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious! The combination of sweet corn, smoky bacon, and creamy butter is a match made in culinary heaven, and with just a few simple ingredients, you can create something truly special in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish at your next barbecue or enjoying it on a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
I hope this recipe has inspired you to get cooking and experiment with new flavors in your own kitchen. Feel free to leave a comment or let me know how your fried corn with bacon turned out! I’d love to hear if you added any of your own twists to it or if you need any tips. Enjoy, and happy cooking!
Fried Corn with Bacon
Description
Crispy, golden fried corn meets savory bacon in this irresistible dish! The sweet, juicy kernels pop with flavor, while crispy bacon bits add a smoky, salty crunch. It's the perfect balance of textures and tastes that’ll leave you craving more!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Place the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Cook the bacon, turning occasionally, until it becomes crispy and browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
-
Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
-
Once the bacon has cooled slightly, crumble it into small pieces and set it aside.
-
Carefully discard most of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
-
Add the butter to the skillet and melt it over medium heat.
-
Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté it, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
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Add the corn kernels to the skillet, stirring them with the onions to mix.
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Cook the corn, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the kernels to lightly brown and crisp up on the edges.
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Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, letting it cook for an additional 2 minutes.
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Season the corn with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, stirring until evenly distributed.
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Once the corn mixture is well-seasoned and heated through, add the crumbled bacon back into the skillet and stir to combine.
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Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to heat the bacon through.
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Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top.
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Serve the fried corn with bacon immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Note
- The bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor, so make sure to crisp it well for the best texture and taste.
- You can substitute frozen corn kernels if fresh corn isn't available, but fresh provides a better texture.
- For a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapenos.
- If you prefer a lighter version, use turkey bacon and half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Make sure to stir the corn occasionally as it cooks to prevent it from sticking or burning in the skillet.
