Name: Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 bacon slices; ⅓ cup onion; 4 cups corn kernels; 1 tsp sugar; salt and pepper; 2 tbsp chives

This savory and delicious fried corn with bacon recipe brings together the smoky flavor of bacon and the natural sweetness of corn. Perfect as a side dish or a hearty snack, it's sure to please any crowd.

Photos of Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe

While most of these ingredients are common pantry staples, you might need to make a special trip to the supermarket for bacon and chives. Fresh corn kernels are ideal, but you can also use frozen ones if fresh is unavailable.

Ingredients Needed for Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe

bacon: Smoky and crispy, this adds a rich flavor and texture to the dish.

onion: Provides a savory base flavor that complements the sweetness of the corn.

corn kernels: The main ingredient, providing a sweet and juicy bite.

sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the corn.

salt: Balances the flavors of the dish.

pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor.

chives: Fresh and slightly oniony, these are the perfect garnish for added freshness.

One reader, Dalis Moreland says:

This fried corn with bacon recipe is a game-changer! The sweet corn caramelizes beautifully, and the crispy bacon adds the perfect savory touch. The chives on top bring a fresh finish. It's an easy, delicious side dish that everyone loved.

Dalis Moreland

Cooking Techniques for Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe

How to cook bacon: Place the bacon in a large pan, then cook over medium-high heat until browned and crisp. How to drain bacon grease: Remove the bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon and set on a paper towel to drain. Drain the grease off the pan until approximately 1 tablespoon remains. How to cook onions: Add the onion to the bacon grease. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until translucent. How to caramelize corn: Add the corn, sugar, salt, and pepper to the pan. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn starts to caramelize and brown on the edges.

How To Make Fried Corn with Bacon

Serve up a side of these fried corn kernels and bacon for a savory side! It’s best paired with grilled steaks, hamburgers, and more to complete a big meal.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

6bacon slices,diced
⅓cuponion,finely diced
4cupscorn kernels,fresh or frozen, thawed
1tspsugar
salt and pepper,to taste
2tbspchives,sliced

Instructions

Place the bacon in a large pan, then cook over medium-high heat until browned and crisp.
Remove the bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon and set on a paper towel to drain.
Drain the grease off the pan until approximately 1 tablespoon remains.
Add the onion to the bacon grease. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until translucent.
Add the corn, sugar, salt and pepper to the pan. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn starts to caramelize and brown on the edges.
Stir the bacon back into the corn, then top with chives.
Serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 251.64kcal
Fat: 12.87g
Saturated Fat: 4.01g
Trans Fat: 0.04g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5.33g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.32g
Carbohydrates: 26.52g
Fiber: 2.72g
Sugar: 4.54g
Protein: 7.23g
Cholesterol: 19.14mg
Sodium: 311.59mg
Calcium: 10.97mg
Potassium: 338.16mg
Iron: 0.56mg
Vitamin A: 16.76µg
Vitamin C: 1.24mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting Fried Corn with Bacon

For an extra layer of flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or chicken broth after cooking the onion. This will help lift any caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan, adding depth to your fried corn.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Fried Corn with Bacon

Pre-cook the bacon: Cook the bacon in advance and store it in the fridge. This way, you can quickly add it to the corn mixture when needed.

Use frozen corn: Opt for frozen corn kernels instead of fresh ones to save time on shucking and cutting.

Chop onions ahead: Dice the onion beforehand and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Measure ingredients: Measure out all your ingredients before you start cooking to streamline the process.

One-pan method: Use a large enough pan to cook everything in one go, reducing the need for multiple dishes and cleanup.

Substitute Ingredients For Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe

bacon slices - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative that provides a similar smoky flavor and crispy texture.
bacon slices - Substitute with tempeh bacon: For a vegetarian option, tempeh bacon offers a smoky taste and chewy texture.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can add a subtle sweetness to the dish.
onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a delicate onion flavor and a slightly different texture.
corn kernels - Substitute with frozen corn: Frozen corn is convenient and retains much of the sweetness and texture of fresh corn.
corn kernels - Substitute with canned corn: Canned corn is a quick alternative, though it may be slightly softer and less sweet.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a hint of floral flavor.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat and a slightly different flavor profile.
chives - Substitute with green onions: Green onions offer a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish.
chives - Substitute with parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery taste and a vibrant green color.

Presentation Tips for Serving Fried Corn with Bacon

Use a sleek, white plate: Choose a minimalist, white plate to make the vibrant colors of the corn and bacon pop.
Create a base layer: Spread a thin, even layer of the fried corn mixture on the plate, ensuring it covers the center but leaves a clean border around the edges.
Add height with bacon: Crumble the bacon into larger pieces and strategically place them on top of the corn to add height and texture.
Garnish with chives: Finely chop the chives and sprinkle them delicately over the dish, adding a touch of green and a burst of freshness.
Drizzle with bacon grease: Use a small spoon to drizzle a few drops of the reserved bacon grease around the plate for added flavor and a glossy finish.
Add microgreens: Place a small handful of microgreens on top of the corn and bacon for an elegant touch and a hint of bitterness.
Finish with a dusting of paprika: Lightly dust the plate with a pinch of paprika to enhance the visual appeal and add a subtle smoky flavor.
Serve with a side of aioli: Accompany the dish with a small ramekin of garlic aioli on the side for dipping, adding a creamy contrast to the crispy bacon and sweet corn.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Fried Corn with Bacon

Large pan: Used to cook the bacon and later the corn mixture. It should be big enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably.
Slotted spoon: Helps to remove the bacon from the pan while leaving the grease behind.
Paper towel: Used to drain the excess grease from the cooked bacon.
Knife: Essential for chopping the onion and chives.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onion and chives.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the corn kernels and other ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the sugar, salt, and pepper.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients in the pan without scratching it.
Serving dish: Used to serve the finished fried corn with bacon.
Stove: Provides the heat source for cooking the dish.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Fried Corn with Bacon

Let the fried corn with bacon cool completely before storing or freezing.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled fried corn with bacon in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the fried corn with bacon:
- Transfer the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Frozen fried corn with bacon will maintain its best quality for up to 3 months.
To reheat refrigerated or frozen fried corn with bacon:
- Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or chicken broth to help rehydrate the corn and prevent it from drying out.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the dish in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.
Keep in mind that the texture of the bacon may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the flavor should remain delicious.

How To Reheat Leftover Fried Corn with Bacon

The best way to reheat leftover fried corn with bacon is to use a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a tablespoon of butter or olive oil in the pan over medium heat, then add the leftover corn and bacon mixture. Stir occasionally until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges, about 5-7 minutes. This method helps to preserve the texture and flavor of the dish.
Another option is to reheat the fried corn with bacon in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover corn and bacon mixture in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking to allow the top to crisp up slightly.
If you're short on time, you can also reheat the fried corn with bacon in the microwave. Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the corn to become mushy.
For a unique twist, try repurposing your leftover fried corn with bacon into a delicious frittata or quiche. Simply whisk together some eggs, milk, and shredded cheese, then fold in the leftover corn and bacon. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish or pie crust and bake until set and golden brown.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your reheated fried corn with bacon, try stirring in some chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or basil. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a zesty kick.

Interesting Trivia About Fried Corn with Bacon

A random fact about this recipe is that bacon grease adds a rich, smoky flavor to the corn and helps in caramelizing it, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Is Making Fried Corn with Bacon at Home Cost-Effective?

This fried corn with bacon recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, bacon, corn kernels, and onion, are relatively inexpensive and widely available. The use of bacon grease instead of additional oil adds flavor without extra cost. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $10-$12. Given the balance of flavor, simplicity, and affordability, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10.

Is Fried Corn with Bacon Healthy or Unhealthy?

This recipe for fried corn with bacon is not particularly healthy due to several factors:

The use of bacon, which is high in saturated fat and sodium, can contribute to heart disease and high blood pressure when consumed in excess.
Frying the corn in bacon grease adds extra fat and calories to the dish.
The addition of sugar, while small, can add unnecessary calories and contribute to blood sugar spikes.

However, the recipe does include some nutritious ingredients, such as corn (a good source of fiber and vitamins) and onions (which contain antioxidants and may help lower cholesterol).

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Use turkey bacon or Canadian bacon instead of regular bacon to reduce the amount of saturated fat and calories.
Drain the bacon grease completely and use a small amount of olive oil or avocado oil to sauté the onions and corn. This will help reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
Omit the sugar to reduce the calorie content and prevent blood sugar spikes.
Add more vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
Use fresh corn instead of canned or frozen corn to avoid added sodium and preservatives.
Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as smoked paprika or cumin, to add flavor without relying on salt or sugar.

Editor's Opinion on the Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe

This recipe for fried corn with bacon is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. The bacon adds a rich, smoky depth, while the caramelized corn brings a touch of sweetness. The onions provide a subtle aromatic base, and the chives add a fresh, vibrant finish. It's a simple yet sophisticated dish that balances textures and tastes beautifully. Perfect as a side dish or a standalone treat, it showcases how a few quality ingredients can come together to create something truly special.

Enhance Your Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Imagine the creamy, buttery goodness of mashed potatoes infused with the rich aroma of roasted garlic. This side dish will perfectly complement the savory and slightly sweet notes of the fried corn with bacon.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Picture tender asparagus spears, lightly charred on the grill, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest. The bright, citrusy flavor will add a refreshing contrast to the hearty corn and bacon.

Tomato Basil Salad: Tomato Basil Salad: Envision a vibrant mix of juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This salad will bring a burst of freshness and acidity that balances the richness of the fried corn with bacon.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Honey Glazed Carrots: Think of tender carrots coated in a sweet and sticky honey glaze, with a hint of butter and a touch of cinnamon. This side dish will add a delightful sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory corn and bacon.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Imagine Brussels sprouts roasted to perfection, with crispy edges and a hint of balsamic vinegar. The slight bitterness and crunch will provide a wonderful textural contrast to the soft and flavorful fried corn with bacon.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Like Fried Corn with Bacon

Creamy Corn Chowder: Dive into a bowl of creamy corn chowder that's rich, hearty, and perfect for any season. This comforting soup combines sweet corn, tender potatoes, and smoky bacon in a luscious, creamy broth. Top it off with a sprinkle of fresh chives for a burst of color and flavor.

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: Elevate your side dish game with bacon-wrapped asparagus. Crisp, tender asparagus spears are wrapped in savory bacon and roasted to perfection. This dish is a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it a hit at any meal.

Corn And Black Bean Salad: Brighten up your table with a refreshing corn and black bean salad. This vibrant dish features sweet corn, hearty black beans, juicy tomatoes, and zesty lime dressing. It's a perfect side for grilled meats or a light, satisfying lunch.

Bacon And Brussels Sprouts Skillet: Transform humble brussels sprouts into a mouthwatering dish with this bacon and brussels sprouts skillet. The brussels sprouts are caramelized to perfection and paired with crispy bacon, creating a savory, slightly sweet side that's sure to please.

Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Experience the flavors of Mexican street corn right at home with this delicious elote recipe. Grilled corn on the cob is slathered in a creamy, tangy sauce, sprinkled with cotija cheese, and dusted with chili powder. It's a fiesta of flavors in every bite.

Why trust this Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe:

This recipe combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the natural sweetness of corn kernels, creating a delightful balance of taste. The addition of onion and a hint of sugar enhances the caramelization process, giving the dish a rich, savory depth. Topped with fresh chives, this dish not only looks appealing but also adds a burst of freshness. Trust this recipe for its simplicity and the harmonious blend of ingredients that promise a satisfying and flavorful experience.

Share your thoughts on the Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to make this dish even more delicious!

FAQ:

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn kernels?

Yes, you can definitely use frozen corn. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the pan.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be good for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or even a bit of jalapeño for some heat would be great additions.

What can I serve with fried corn and bacon?

This dish pairs well with grilled meats like chicken or steak. It's also a great side for a barbecue or a potluck.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon and using a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to sauté the onions and corn. You might want to add a bit of smoked paprika for a hint of that smoky flavor.