Best Southern Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe
If you’re craving a true taste of the South, trust me: the Best Southern Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe needs to be on your table. This dish is creamy, salty, sweet, and full of Southern charm thanks to fresh corn, crispy bacon, and a buttery skillet finish. It’s a celebration of summer’s best produce and the magic that happens when a handful of simple ingredients gets treated with love (and bacon fat). This recipe brings the soul of a backyard cookout right into your kitchen, and you’ll find yourself hooked after your very first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Best Southern Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe comes from its humble, easily found ingredients. Each one is essential—building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this classic a crowd-pleaser at any table.
- Fresh Sweet Corn: Go with the freshest ears you can find for maximum sweetness and pops of juicy flavor.
- Bacon (regular slice): The backbone of this recipe, bacon adds a smoky savoriness and crispy texture that’s totally irresistible.
- Unsalted Butter: Lends a rich, creamy base that soaks up those bacon drippings for next-level flavor.
- Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness of the corn and brings every bite to life.
- Ground Black Pepper: A subtle bit of earthy heat; just a little goes a long way to enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Best Southern Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Render the Bacon
Start by placing the bacon slices in a cold cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. This slow start encourages the fat to gently render out, giving you all the drippings you’ll need for the corn later. Patience is key here—let the bacon work its magic for about five minutes as your kitchen starts to smell amazing.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
Turn up the heat to medium-high and give the bacon a few turns, letting it cook for another four to five minutes until each slice is perfectly browned and crisp. Remove the bacon, set it aside on paper towels to drain, and make sure to leave every precious drop of bacon fat right in the skillet. That’s flavor gold!
Step 3: Prep the Corn
While the bacon’s sizzling, grab a good sharp knife and cut the kernels off each cob, letting them fall into a deep bowl. Don’t be shy about going around a few times—you want every bit of those juicy kernels. This fresh corn is what truly sets the Best Southern Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe apart from the rest.
Step 4: Scrape the Cobs
Once you’ve got the kernels, take the back of your knife and scrape down each cob over the bowl. This releases all that starchy, sweet “corn milk,” which is the secret to a creamy, authentic Southern fried corn. Trust me, your future self will thank you for this step!
Step 5: Sauté the Corn
Add the unsalted butter to the skillet with the bacon drippings. Once melted and bubbling, add in your corn and the precious corn milk. Sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper. This combination transforms into a beautiful, golden sauté, filling your kitchen with a buttery, irresistible aroma.
Step 6: Cook Until Just Tender
Let the corn cook, stirring occasionally, for about five to fifteen minutes. The fresher the corn, the quicker it cooks. Start tasting at around seven minutes—you’re after sweet-tender kernels with a little bite. Don’t let them turn mushy! The goal is a comforting, creamy skillet of corn that still shines with freshness.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Remove your skillet from the heat, crumble the reserved crispy bacon over the top, and dish it up right away while everything is still warm and inviting. The combination of sweet, creamy corn and salty bacon is what makes the Best Southern Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe completely addictive.
How to Serve Best Southern Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
For a pop of color and a hint of extra flavor, scatter freshly chopped chives or green onions over your fried corn before serving. If you’re a fan of spice, a light sprinkle of smoked paprika or a few grinds of black pepper adds a fun twist. A small knob of butter melting over the top just before serving is pure Southern bliss!
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a backyard barbecue side—but don’t stop there! Pair it with fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, or even grilled shrimp. The Best Southern Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe is equally at home on a holiday table or alongside a weeknight pork chop.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning the fried corn into pretty ramekins or serving it family-style in your favorite cast-iron skillet at the center of the table. For a modern touch, top with a soft-poached egg or toss into a rustic grain bowl. You can even use leftovers to zhuzh up a brunch frittata or as the base of a savory corn salad—total showstopper!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare), stash them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen overnight, making the Best Southern Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe an even more tempting treat the next day. Just make sure to eat within 2 to 3 days for the best freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this dish if needed. Let the fried corn cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label with the date and use within 2 months for the best flavor and texture. Keep in mind that the texture may soften slightly upon reheating, but the taste remains crave-worthy.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the corn in a skillet over medium heat, adding a touch of butter if needed. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. Give it a gentle stir and a taste test—sometimes a pinch of salt or fresh herbs is all you need to restore that freshly-cooked magic.
FAQs
Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen corn for convenience when fresh isn’t in season—just thaw and drain well first. Canned corn will work in a pinch, but fresh really does deliver the burst of sweetness and creaminess that makes the Best Southern Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe unforgettable.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the bacon and use extra butter or a splash of olive oil in the skillet. You can toss in smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic some of that depth, and maybe add a pinch more salt for balance.
Do I have to use a cast-iron skillet?
While a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet delivers unbeatable results and that signature Southern flair, any heavy-bottomed skillet will work. The real star is fresh corn cooked in bacon drippings, no matter what pan you use.
How do I keep fried corn from drying out?
Make sure you don’t overcook the corn—stop as soon as it’s just tender. That natural corn milk you scraped from the cobs helps keep everything lusciously creamy. Adding a touch more butter as you cook can also help.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! The Best Southern Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe is easy to scale—just use a larger skillet or work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Your only challenge will be not eating it all before it gets to the table!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried the Best Southern Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe, this is your sign to grab some fresh corn and get cooking. Simple, satisfying, and full of Southern soul, this dish is guaranteed to steal the spotlight at your next meal. Give it a try and let your kitchen fill with memories and smiles!
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Best Southern Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the best Southern Fried Corn with Bacon recipe that brings out the sweet flavors of fresh corn combined with the savory richness of bacon. A true Southern classic that will be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
Corn:
- 6 ears fresh sweet corn, (shucked)
Bacon:
- 4 slices bacon, (regular slice)
Other Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Add the bacon slices to a cold 10-inch, cast-iron skillet over medium low heat and cook for about five minutes or until the fat starts rendering out of the bacon.
- Brown the Bacon: Turn the heat up to medium high and cook, frequently turning, for another four to five minutes or until the bacon is browned and crispy. Remove the bacon and drain it on paper towels. Set aside. Leave the bacon dripping in the skillet.
- Prepare the Corn: While the bacon is cooking, cut the kernels off of the corn cobs. Hold each ear up with the bottom of the cob touching the bottom of the bowl and slice the kernels off. Scrape the cob to extract the milky goodness.
- Cook the Corn: Add butter to the skillet, melt it, and then add the corn kernels. Season with salt and pepper. Stir and cook for 5 to 15 minutes, tasting for tenderness starting at the 7-minute mark.
- Serve: Remove from heat, top with crumbled bacon, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure the corn is fresh for the best flavor.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Southern Fried Corn, Bacon Corn Recipe, Southern Side Dish, Corn with Bacon
