Bacon Cheese Corn: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Bacon cheese corn. Just the name conjures up images of warm, comforting goodness. It’s the perfect side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or even just a cozy night in. This recipe takes the classic creamed corn to a whole new level by adding crispy bacon and melty cheese, creating a flavor explosion that will leave everyone wanting more. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and incredibly delicious, look no further! This bacon cheese corn recipe is a guaranteed winner.

Why This Bacon Cheese Corn Recipe Works

This isn’t just your average creamed corn. Several key elements elevate this recipe to something truly special:

• The Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the corn perfectly. It also provides a textural contrast that keeps things interesting.
• The Cheese: The melted cheese creates a creamy, gooey texture that binds everything together and adds a richness that’s hard to resist. We’ll explore different cheese options later to tailor the flavor to your preferences.
• The Sweet Corn: Fresh, frozen, or canned corn can be used, making this recipe accessible year-round. Each type offers a slightly different sweetness and texture, so choose what you prefer.
• The Creamy Base: A combination of butter, flour, and milk (or cream) creates a luscious and velvety base that coats every kernel of corn.
• Simple Seasoning: A touch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients without overpowering them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious bacon cheese corn:

• Corn: 6 cups of fresh, frozen, or canned corn. If using fresh corn, you’ll need about 6 ears of corn. If using frozen, thaw it completely before cooking. Canned corn should be drained.
• Bacon: 8 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled. Use your favorite type of bacon – thick-cut, applewood smoked, or even turkey bacon.
• Cheese: 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a blend of cheeses. More on cheese variations later!
• Butter: 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. This helps to create the creamy base and adds richness to the dish.
• Flour: 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. This acts as a thickening agent for the sauce.
• Milk (or Cream): 1 1/2 cups of milk or heavy cream. Heavy cream will result in a richer, more decadent dish, while milk will be lighter. You can also use a combination of milk and cream.
• Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Adds a subtle savory flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is key to bringing out the best flavors in the dish.
• Optional: Chopped fresh chives or green onions for garnish. These add a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to make the perfect bacon cheese corn:

1. Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon and set it aside. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
2. Sauté the Corn (Optional): If using fresh or frozen corn, you can sauté it in the bacon grease for a few minutes to enhance its flavor. This step isn’t necessary, but it does add a nice depth of flavor. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the corn is slightly tender.
3. Make the Cream Sauce: Melt the butter in the same skillet (with the bacon grease) over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help to thicken the sauce.
4. Add the Milk (or Cream): Gradually whisk in the milk or cream, making sure to break up any lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Season the Sauce: Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Add the Corn: Add the corn (fresh, frozen, or canned) to the sauce and stir to combine.
7. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
8. Incorporate the Bacon: Stir in about three-quarters of the crumbled bacon, reserving the rest for topping.
9. Combine and Heat Through: Stir everything together gently and heat through until the corn is warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
10. Serve: Transfer the bacon cheese corn to a serving dish and top with the remaining shredded cheese and crumbled bacon. Garnish with chopped fresh chives or green onions, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Bacon Cheese Corn

Here are some tips to help you make the best bacon cheese corn possible:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the final product will be. Use good quality bacon, fresh or high-quality frozen corn, and your favorite cheese.
• Don’t Overcook the Bacon: You want the bacon to be crispy, but not burnt. Cook it until it’s golden brown and crispy, but still has some chewiness.
• Thaw Frozen Corn Completely: If using frozen corn, make sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the sauce. This will prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
• Don’t Overcook the Sauce: Overcooking the sauce can make it thick and gummy. Cook it until it’s smooth and creamy, but not too thick.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding the corn and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder to taste.
• Keep it Warm: If you’re not serving the bacon cheese corn immediately, keep it warm in a slow cooker or on a warming tray. Stir it occasionally to prevent the cheese from sticking to the bottom.

Variations and Substitutions

This bacon cheese corn recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:

• Cheese Variations:
  • Monterey Jack: Offers a mild, creamy flavor and excellent melting properties.
  • Colby Jack: A blend of Colby and Monterey Jack, providing a slightly sharper flavor.
  • Pepper Jack: Adds a spicy kick to the dish.
  • Sharp Cheddar: Provides a more intense cheddar flavor.
  • Smoked Gouda: Imparts a smoky flavor that complements the bacon.
  • Parmesan: Grated Parmesan cheese can be added for a salty, nutty flavor. Add about 1/4 cup along with the other cheese.
  • Cream Cheese: For an ultra-creamy texture, add 2-4 ounces of softened cream cheese along with the other cheese.
• Bacon Substitutions:
  • Turkey Bacon: A lower-fat alternative to pork bacon.
  • Prosciutto: Adds a salty, savory flavor. Chop it finely before adding it to the dish.
  • Pancetta: Italian bacon that is cured but not smoked.
  • Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add smoked paprika to the sauce for a smoky flavor. You can also add crumbled tempeh bacon.
• Spice It Up:
  • Jalapeños: Add diced jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Cayenne Pepper: A pinch of cayenne pepper will also add some heat.
  • Chili Powder: A teaspoon of chili powder will add a smoky, slightly spicy flavor.
• Add Vegetables:
  • Diced Bell Peppers: Add diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green) to the sauce for added flavor and texture. Sauté them with the corn or butter at the beginning.
  • Chopped Onions: Add chopped onions to the sauce for a savory flavor. Sauté them with the butter at the beginning.
  • Chopped Spinach: Add chopped spinach to the sauce for added nutrients and flavor. Stir it in at the end, just before serving.
  • Roasted Red Peppers: Diced roasted red peppers add a sweet, smoky flavor.
• Make it Gluten-Free:
  • Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. If using cornstarch, use half the amount (2 tablespoons).
• Make it Dairy-Free:
  • Substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative.
  • Use unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk instead of milk or cream.
  • Use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Add Some Herbs:
  • Fresh Thyme: Add a sprig of fresh thyme to the sauce while it’s simmering. Remove it before serving.
  • Fresh Rosemary: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary to the sauce while it’s simmering. Remove it before serving.
  • Dried Herbs: Add a teaspoon of dried herbs, such as oregano or basil, to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Bacon cheese corn is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Barbecues: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, ribs, hamburgers, or hot dogs.
• Potlucks: It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for potlucks and gatherings.
• Holidays: It’s a delicious addition to holiday meals like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
• Comfort Food Dinners: Pair it with meatloaf, fried chicken, or mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
• Tacos or Fajitas: Add a scoop of bacon cheese corn to your tacos or fajitas for a creamy, flavorful twist.
• As a Topping: Use it as a topping for baked potatoes, nachos, or chili.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can easily make this bacon cheese corn ahead of time. Here’s how:

• Prepare the Dish: Follow the recipe instructions up to the point where you add the cheese and bacon.
• Cool and Store: Let the corn mixture cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat and Finish: When ready to serve, reheat the corn mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Stir in the cheese and bacon and heat until the cheese is melted and the bacon is heated through.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftover bacon cheese corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
• Freezing: While you can freeze bacon cheese corn, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. The sauce may become a bit grainy. If you choose to freeze it, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutrition information below is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup
• Calories: 250-350
• Fat: 15-25g
• Saturated Fat: 8-15g
• Cholesterol: 50-75mg
• Sodium: 300-500mg
• Carbohydrates: 20-30g
• Fiber: 2-4g
• Sugar: 5-10g
• Protein: 8-12g

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
• Whisk
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Serving Dish

Troubleshooting

• Sauce is too thick: Add more milk or cream, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
• Sauce is too thin: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold milk. Stir this slurry into the sauce and cook for a few minutes, until the sauce thickens.
• Corn is too watery: Make sure to drain canned corn well. If using frozen corn, ensure it’s thoroughly thawed and drained. You can also cook the corn for a few minutes before adding the milk to evaporate some of the moisture.
• Cheese isn’t melting smoothly: Make sure the heat is on low and stir the cheese frequently. If the cheese still isn’t melting smoothly, add a tablespoon of milk to the sauce. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains cellulose which can prevent it from melting properly.
• Bacon is soggy: Make sure to cook the bacon until it’s crispy and drain it well on paper towels before crumbling it.

Final Thoughts

This bacon cheese corn recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, savory bacon flavor, and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious and comforting side dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheese variations and add-ins to create your own unique twist on this classic recipe! Happy cooking!