Bacon corn cheese is a comfort food classic that brings together smoky bacon, sweet corn, and gooey cheese into one irresistible and addicting casserole. This dish is a staple at potlucks, parties, and family dinners, with its rich flavors and textures satisfying all appetites.
The unique combination of ingredients is what makes bacon corn cheese so special. By itself, corn is sweet and starchy, cheese is creamy and tangy, and bacon is smoky, salty, and crispy. But together, these components create a symphony of flavors and textures that complement each other perfectly.
The corn provides a sweet pop of flavor, the cheese gives an indulgent creaminess, and the bacon lends a savory, smoky crunch. This interplay of tastes and textures is what makes this recipe an ideal crowd-pleaser and versatile side dish.
What Makes Bacon Corn Cheese So Popular?
Bacon corn cheese has all the hallmarks of a great comfort food:
- It’s warm and filling, making it satisfying on a cold day or when you need a hearty meal. The casserole format also holds heat well after baking.
- There’s a mix of savory, sweet, and salty flavors from the bacon, corn, and cheese that appeal to our tastebuds.
- The soft, melty cheese and tender corn provide a pillowy texture contrasted by crunchy bits of bacon.
- It evokes feelings of nostalgia and homey familiarity, reminiscent of meals we grew up with.
- It’s simple to make using common ingredients most households regularly stock.
When To Enjoy Bacon Corn Cheese?
Bacon corn cheese is versatile enough for both everyday family dinners and special occasions. Some ideas include:
- Weeknight meals
- Potlucks and barbecues
- Game day sports parties
- Holiday dinners like Thanksgiving and Christmas
- Birthdays, anniversaries, or other celebrations
- Brunch or breakfast for a crowd
This crowd-pleasing casserole travels well for potlucks and goes great with southern flavors like BBQ. The recipe is also easy to scale up or down depending on the size of your gathering.
Essential Ingredients for Bacon Corn Cheese
The basic components of bacon corn cheese are right in the name. When selecting ingredients, opt for quality over convenience for best results.
Bacon:
- Use thick-cut bacon for bigger bites of smoky flavor. Regular sliced bacon works too.
- Get uncured bacon when possible for a cleaner pork flavor.
- Chop or crumble the cooked bacon into smaller pieces that incorporate well.
Corn:
- Use fresh sweet corn if in season for sweetness and texture.
- Frozen corn works well too – just thaw and drain excess liquid first.
- Canned corn lacks the sweetness of fresh or frozen. Avoid if possible.
Cheese:
- Sharp cheddar is the best cheese for flavor and melting properties.
- Monterey jack or a cheddar-jack blend also work.
- Grated or cubed cheese will both melt nicely when baked.
- For extra richness, half cream cheese can be used too.
Substitute Ingredients
Some flexible substitutions include:
- Cooking greens like kale or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
- Bell peppers, tomatoes, or hot peppers to change up flavors.
- Turkey bacon or veggie bacon for lower fat or vegetarian options.
- Gruyère, gouda, or fontina instead of cheddar.
- Gluten-free cornbread or cassava flour if avoiding gluten.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Making Bacon Corn Cheese
With the right techniques and a little patience, you’ll have bubbly, beautiful bacon corn cheese ready for serving.
Fry The Bacon:
- Cook bacon slices low and slow in a skillet until crispy.
- Drain bacon on paper towels and let cool slightly.
- Chop or crumble bacon into bite-sized pieces.
Cook the Corn:
- Spread fresh or thawed frozen corn in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil or bacon grease and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until corn caramelizes and browns slightly.
Make the Roux:
- Melt 4 Tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in 1/4 cup flour until fully combined to form a smooth paste.
- Cook the roux 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it just begins to brown.
Mix the Cheese Sauce:
- Whisk in 2 cups whole milk and bring to a simmer, cooking until thickened to a velvety sauce consistency.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in 2 cups grated cheddar and 1/2 cup cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.
Assemble and Bake:
- Butter a casserole dish.
- Add corn and half the bacon.
- Pour cheese sauce over and top with remaining bacon.
- Cover with 2 more cups grated cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until hot and bubbling.
- Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Enhancing Your Bacon Corn Cheese
With a basic recipe in hand, now let’s customize it to suit your tastes.
Herbs and Spices:
- Smoked paprika enhances bacon flavor
- Cayenne pepper brings mild heat
- Chopped chives provide freshness
- Thyme and rosemary add earthiness
Dairy-Free Options:
- Use vegan butter
- Substitute almond or coconut milk
- Try vegan cheese shreds
Variations Of Bacon Corn Cheese:
- Add poblano peppers for a twist
- Mix in cooked sausage or chicken
- Top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs
- Serve bacon corn cheese fritters for appetizers
- Use leftovers for a cheesy bacon corn chowder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?
Frozen corn works great in this recipe! Just thaw it first and drain off any excess liquid before using. The flavor and texture will be nearly identical to fresh corn.
What is the purpose of making a roux?
The roux thickens the cheese sauce so it coats the corn and bacon instead of making a soupy casserole. It creates a smooth, velvety texture in the sauce.
What are some good cheese substitutes?
Gruyère, gouda, monterey jack, and fontina all substitute well for cheddar. For creaminess, havarti or brie make great additions too.
How is this different from regular corn casserole?
Traditional corn casserole is usually just corn, cheese, milk, and butter. Bacon corn cheese uses smoky bacon, caramelized corn, and a roux-based cheese sauce for more complex flavors.
Conclusion: Bacon Corn Cheese
With its irresistible flavor combinations, bacon corn cheese has earned its place as a cherished comfort food. Making it from scratch using high-quality ingredients elevates this classic to new heights. Experiment with different add-ins to put your own twist on the recipe. Just be sure to serve it fresh from the oven, when the cheese is still bubbling. One bite of this cheesy, sweet, and smoky casserole, and you’ll see why it never goes out of style.
Bacon Corn Cheese
Notes
· Spice it Up: For a kick, add diced jalapeño pepper with the onion and garlic in step 2.
· Cheese Selection: Feel free to experiment with different types of shredded cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend.
· Creamy or Cheesy: For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk. You can also adjust the amount of cheese depending on your desired cheesiness.
· Serving Suggestions: This Bacon Corn Cheese dish is delicious on its own, but it can also be served over rice, pasta, or with tortilla chips for dipping.
Ingredients
- • Bacon: 6 slices
- • Corn: 2 cups (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- • Shredded Cheese: 1 cup (cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend)
- • Milk or Heavy Cream: ½ cup
- • Butter: 1 tablespoon
- • Salt & Pepper: To taste
- • Chopped onion: ¼ cup
- • Minced garlic: 1 clove
- • Chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives): 1 tablespoon
- • Jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced (for a kick): ½ pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel to drain. Drain off most of the bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
- Sauté Vegetables (Optional): If using, add chopped onion and garlic to the pan and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add Corn: Add the corn (fresh or thawed frozen corn) to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Incorporate Cheese and Cream: Stir in the milk or heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Gradually add the shredded cheese, stirring constantly, until melted and smooth.
- Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the cooked bacon (crumbled). Garnish with chopped fresh herbs (optional) and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Bacon Corn Cheese
Serves: 4 persons
| Amount Per Serving: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 500 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 30 | 46.2% | |
| Saturated Fat 15 | 75% | |
| Trans Fat 0 | ||
| Cholesterol 100mg | 33.3% | |
| Sodium 700mg | 29.2% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 30 | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber 4 | 16% | |
| Sugars 10 | ||
| Protein 25 | ||
| Vitamin A 0 | Vitamin C 0 | |
| Calcium 0 | Iron 0 | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Cheen Huaye
Executive Chef Marco Velasquez brings his unique, elevated Mexican cuisine to Cheen Huaye. A native of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Marco honed his skills in some of South Florida’s finest restaurants before opening his own restaurant.
At Cheen Huaye, you’ll experience authentic Yucatecan dishes made from fresh ingredients, to order. Our food has been praised by publications like the Miami New Times and continues to receive rave reviews from diners all over. So if you’re looking for a different take on Mexican food – one that’s still familiar yet exciting – come visit us at Cheen Huaye!