I absolutely love how this Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe brings simple ingredients together for a comforting side dish that’s bursting with flavor. The combination of crispy bacon bits and sweet corn caramelized to perfection is pure magic on a plate, and you’ll find that it complements everything from grilled meats to weeknight dinners. When I first tried this recipe, I couldn’t believe how effortlessly it turned ordinary corn into something so special and crave-worthy.
This dish works beautifully anytime you want a quick, satisfying side that feels both homey and a little indulgent. Because it uses just a handful of ingredients, it s also super accessible-perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings where you want to impress without the fuss. If you’ve been looking for a Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe that s foolproof yet full of flavor, this is the one you want to keep in your recipe arsenal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The crispy bacon pairs beautifully with the sweetness of caramelized corn for a crave-worthy combination.
- Quick and Easy: You can have this tasty side on your table in under 30 minutes without any complicated steps.
- Versatile Side Dish: It pairs well with everything from BBQ to simple weeknight meals, so it s great to have in your rotation.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Uses just a handful of pantry staples but delivers big on taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem straightforward, but they each play a crucial role in the flavor and texture that make this Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe so darn good. Choosing fresh or high-quality items will really elevate the result.
- Bacon: Use thick-cut if you can for extra crispiness and flavor; kitchen shears make dicing a breeze.
- Onion: Finely diced yellow or white onion works best to add sweetness and depth without overpowering the dish.
- Corn Kernels: Fresh corn is ideal, but thawed frozen corn also works great; I avoid canned because it tends to be softer and overly salty.
- Sugar: Just a teaspoon helps the corn caramelize beautifully, boosting its natural sweetness.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors-season carefully as bacon adds salt too.
- Chives: Freshly sliced chives add a lovely mild onion note and a pop of color; you can swap in green onions or fresh herbs if you prefer.
Variations
This Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe is super flexible, and I encourage you to make it your own based on what you love or what s in your fridge. Here are a few ways I ve tweaked it over time.
- Cheesy Twist: Adding a sprinkle of Parmesan or sharp cheddar at the end takes the corn to irresistible cheesy goodness-my family can t get enough.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat, especially when serving alongside milder mains.
- Herb Swap: If you don t have chives, fresh thyme, parsley, or even basil works surprisingly well to brighten the flavors.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit bacon and use a smoky-smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke in the pan with olive oil for that smoky depth.
How to Make Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon
Start by placing diced bacon in a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook it until it s beautifully browned and crisp-this generally takes about 5-7 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it and stir occasionally so it browns evenly without burning. When you get that perfect sizzle, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside on paper towels to drain the excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion in Bacon Grease
Drain most of the bacon grease from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon to give the onions plenty of flavor without being greasy. Add the finely diced onion and cook it gently for 2-3 minutes until it turns translucent and soft. This step adds a subtle sweetness and depth that really makes the corn pop.
Step 3: Cook and Caramelize the Corn
Now, toss in the corn kernels along with the sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir occasionally and cook for 8-10 minutes. You ll notice the corn starting to brown and caramelize on the edges-that’s when the natural sweetness deepens and the texture gets a little crispy in spots, which I absolutely love. Be patient here; this step is key to elevating the dish.
Step 4: Combine and Finish with Chives
Once the corn is beautifully caramelized, stir the crispy bacon back into the pan to combine all those amazing flavors. Finally, sprinkle sliced fresh chives on top for a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green color. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe
- Don t Rush the Caramelizing: Patience here is key – letting the corn brown slightly adds incredible depth.
- Use Kitchen Shears for Bacon: It s faster and cleaner, and keeps your fingers safe during prep.
- Leave Some Bacon Grease: About a tablespoon gives onions and corn the best flavor; drain the rest to avoid greasiness.
- Season Thoughtfully: Since bacon is salty, add salt sparingly and taste as you go.
How to Serve Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
I love using fresh chives because they add a pop of color and a gentle onion flavor that complements the smoky bacon perfectly. Sometimes I ll sprinkle a little smoked paprika or freshly cracked black pepper for an extra punch. If I m feeling fancy, a little crumbled queso fresco or feta can also be a delightful topping.
Side Dishes
This Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, burgers, or even a simple steak. It also works great alongside a fresh green salad or roasted veggies for a well-rounded meal. I often serve it at BBQs because it s a crowd-pleaser and easy to make in big batches.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes serve this dish in small ramekins as individual sides or appetizers. Drizzling a little spicy aioli or a dollop of sour cream on top takes it up a notch. It also looks great sprinkled with fresh herbs and a wedge of lime on the side for that fresh zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The bacon will soften a bit, but reheating in a skillet brings back the crispiness better than a microwave. Just give it a quick stir fry to refresh those textures before serving.
Freezing
I haven t frozen this recipe often because the texture of corn can change after freezing and thawing, but if you do freeze it, pack it in an airtight container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently in a skillet.
Reheating
To keep that great texture, I recommend reheating Fried Corn with Bacon in a non-stick pan over medium heat rather than the microwave-stir frequently and heat just until warmed through. This way, the bacon stays crispy and the corn keeps that lovely caramelized flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use canned corn for this Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe?
While canned corn is convenient, I don t recommend it for this recipe because it tends to be softer and has added sodium, which affects both texture and flavor. Fresh or thawed frozen corn is much better for achieving that nice caramelization and bite.
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What can I substitute if I don t have chives?
Green onions, fresh parsley, or fresh thyme are excellent alternatives. Each brings a slightly different flavor but still adds freshness and a pop of color to the dish.
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Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the bacon and cook the onions in olive oil with a pinch of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to add a smoky depth. It won t be the same richness, but still tasty and satisfying.
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How do I avoid greasy fried corn?
Make sure to drain most of the bacon grease before cooking the onions and corn, leaving only about a tablespoon for flavor. Cooking over medium heat and stirring occasionally also helps to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
Final Thoughts
This Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it s so simple, yet so incredibly satisfying. Whether you re cooking for a casual family meal or trying to impress friends at a summer BBQ, it delivers every time. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do-grab those few ingredients and treat yourself to this little slice of comfort and deliciousness. You won t regret adding this one to your favorites!
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 that combines crispy bacon, caramelized corn kernels, and aromatic chives. Perfect for complementing any meal, it delivers a delightful mix of smoky, sweet, and fresh flavors with a buttery texture. Simple to prepare on the stovetop, it uses minimal ingredients and cooks in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Bacon and Aromatics
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 1/3 cup onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons chives, sliced
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or thawed from frozen)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Place the diced bacon in a large pan and cook over medium-high heat until browned and crisp. This will render the bacon fat which is essential for flavoring the dish.
- Drain Bacon: Remove the cooked bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon and set it on a paper towel to drain excess grease.
- Prepare Pan for Corn: Carefully drain the bacon grease from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon to cook the onions and corn.
- Sauté Onions: Add the finely diced onion to the bacon grease and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Cook Corn Mixture: Add the corn kernels, sugar, salt, and pepper to the pan with the onions. Cook for 8-10 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the corn starts to caramelize and develop browned edges.
- Combine and Serve: Stir the cooked bacon back into the caramelized corn mixture, then top with sliced chives. Serve warm as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- You can use fresh corn or thawed frozen corn for the best texture and flavor. Avoid canned corn due to its softer texture and high sodium content.
- Using kitchen shears makes dicing bacon quicker and easier.
- If you don’t have chives, green onions, fresh parsley, or thyme make excellent substitutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
