I absolutely love this Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe because it s such a simple side dish that packs a punch of flavor and texture. The combination of sweet, caramelized corn with crispy, smoky bacon is something that I keep coming back to, especially when I want something comforting but easy. You ll find it s perfect for summer barbecues, weekday dinners, or whenever you need a crowd-pleaser that comes together in under 30 minutes.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how a few basic ingredients could come together into something so special. The key is cooking the corn long enough to caramelize it just right, and the crispy bacon adds that salty crunch that makes every bite exciting. I m excited to share this Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe with you because it s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you probably already have like bacon, corn, and onions.
- Big Flavor Impact: The caramelized corn combined with crispy bacon creates a delicious contrast of sweet and savory.
- Versatile Side Dish: Goes with grilled meats, eggs, or even tossed into a salad for extra texture.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 25 minutes, which is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe plays an important role to balance texture and flavor, and I’ll share a few tips to make sure you have the best results.
- Bacon: Use thick-cut for crunchier pieces; kitchen shears make quick work of dicing.
- Onion: Finely diced to melt into the dish and add subtle sweetness without overpowering.
- Corn kernels: Fresh is best, but thawed frozen corn works well too; avoid canned for a better texture.
- Sugar: Just a bit to enhance the natural sweetness of the corn and help with caramelization.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste, balancing the sweetness and bacon saltiness.
- Chives: Adds a fresh, mild oniony bite to finish – green onions or fresh herbs can substitute.
Variations
I love how flexible the Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe is. Feel free to make it your own – I often switch things up depending on what I have on hand or the season.
- Swap Bacon for Turkey Bacon: Tried this for a leaner option and still got great flavor, just less grease.
- Add Spices: A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne takes this dish from simple to smoky and spicy, which my family adores.
- Incorporate Fresh Herbs: Adding thyme or parsley instead of chives gave it a bright twist I loved during fall dinner parties.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers or jalapeños for more color and a little heat.
How to Make Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon to Perfection
Start by placing your diced bacon into a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook it slowly, stirring occasionally, until it s browned and crispy-this usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Trust me, don t rush this part because those crispy bacon bits are the heart of the dish. Once done, scoop them out with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onion and Corn
Drain most of the bacon grease from the pan, leaving about a tablespoon behind to flavor everything. Toss in the finely diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it turns translucent and soft. Next, add your corn kernels along with the sugar, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic happens: cook the corn mixture for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to brown and caramelize around the edges. Watch closely so the corn doesn t burn – you want golden little bits that add subtle sweetness.
Step 3: Bring it All Together
Once the corn is beautifully caramelized, stir the crispy bacon back into the pan. Give everything a gentle mix to combine the flavors without breaking up the corn too much. Finish with a sprinkling of sliced chives for that fresh pop of color and oniony brightness, and you re ready to serve!
Pro Tips for Making Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe
- Don t Skip the Bacon Grease: Leaving that tablespoon of grease adds deep flavor and helps caramelize the corn beautifully.
- Low and Slow Caramelization: Cook the corn on medium heat and be patient for those crispy brown edges-it s worth the wait!
- Use Kitchen Shears: I discovered that cutting bacon directly into the pan with kitchen scissors saves time and cleanup.
- Don t Overcrowd the Pan: If your pan is too full, the corn will steam instead of crisp. Cook in batches if needed.
How to Serve Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
I always stick with fresh chives to finish the dish because their mild onion flavor complements the sweetness and bacon perfectly. Sometimes I ll sprinkle a little crumbled feta or cotija cheese for a tangy twist that my guests rave about. A squeeze of lime juice right before serving also brightens it up beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal. I also love serving it alongside fluffy scrambled eggs for brunch or tossed into a leafy green salad to add texture. It s incredibly versatile, so it ll fit right in whatever you re planning.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve this corn in small cast-iron skillets or colorful ramekins – it feels cozy and inviting. Another fun idea I tried was spooning it over baked potatoes or inside warm tortillas for a tasty taco night side. Little touches like garnishing with edible flowers or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can really elevate the presentation too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I make sure to cool the corn completely before storing to avoid sogginess. When I do this, the bacon stays crispy enough, and the corn holds its texture nicely.
Freezing
Personally, I don t recommend freezing this recipe if you want to preserve the bacon s crispiness, but if you have to, freeze in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to avoid mushiness.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming the fried corn with bacon in a skillet over medium-low heat rather than the microwave. This helps revive the crispy texture and caramelized bits without making the corn soggy. Just heat until warmed through, stirring gently.
FAQs
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Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?
I don t recommend using canned corn because it s softer and often already salted, which can alter the texture and flavor balance. Fresh or thawed frozen corn caramelizes better and gives you that perfect bite in the Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe.
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How do I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
You can substitute bacon with smoky vegan bacon or use smoked paprika and a dash of liquid smoke for flavor. Skip the bacon grease and use olive oil or vegan butter instead. Adjust seasoning accordingly for a delicious plant-based version.
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What can I serve alongside this Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe?
This side dish goes perfectly with grilled meats, eggs, baked potatoes, or fresh salads. It s great for BBQs and works well as part of a hearty brunch spread too.
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Can I prep any part of the recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the bacon ahead and store it separately to save time. Also, the corn can be prepped (cut or thawed) in advance, but I recommend cooking the dish fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
I hope you ll give this Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe a try soon – it s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Every time I make it, the crispy bacon combined with sweet, caramelized corn gets compliments and requests for seconds. It s simple, satisfying, and ready to become a staple in your rotation just like it is in mine. Happy cooking!
Print
Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Fried Corn with Bacon recipe is a savory and satisfying side dish combining crispy, smoky bacon with sweet caramelized corn and fresh chives. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for complementing any meal with its rich flavors and delightful textures.
Ingredients
Bacon and Vegetables
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 1/3 cup onion, finely diced
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or thawed from frozen)
- 2 tablespoons chives, sliced
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Place the diced bacon in a large pan and cook over medium-high heat until browned and crisp, ensuring it renders its fat and develops a deliciously crunchy texture.
- Drain and reserve bacon: Remove the cooked bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Drain the bacon grease from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon to cook the vegetables.
- Sauté the onion: Add the finely diced onion to the reserved bacon grease in the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and tender.
- Cook the corn: Stir in the corn kernels along with the sugar, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn starts to caramelize and brown lightly on the edges, enhancing its natural sweetness.
- Combine with bacon and garnish: Stir the reserved crispy bacon pieces back into the caramelized corn mixture. Sprinkle with sliced chives on top and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use fresh corn or thawed frozen corn for this recipe. Avoid canned corn as it tends to have a softer texture and added sodium.
- Use kitchen shears to dice the bacon quickly and efficiently.
- If you don’t have chives, substitute with green onions, parsley, or fresh thyme for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
