Blackstone’s Sizzling Bacon Corn

Welcome to the ultimate guide for a side dish that promises to steal the show: **Blackstone Bacon-Fried Corn**. Imagine perfectly tender corn kernels, infused with the rich, savory goodness of crispy bacon, all cooked to perfection on your flat-top griddle. This isn’t just any side dish; it’s a flavor explosion that comes together in mere minutes, making it an absolute game-changer for weeknight dinners, weekend cookouts, or any meal needing a touch of irresistible comfort. Whether you’re a seasoned griddle master or just starting your flat-top culinary adventure, this simple yet profoundly delicious recipe is designed to impress with minimal effort.

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There’s something truly magical about cooking on a Blackstone griddle. The expansive, even heat surface allows for quick cooking and incredible caramelization, and this bacon-fried corn recipe truly shines in such an environment. It’s an ideal introduction to griddle cooking, ready in under 15 minutes, and scales effortlessly to feed a hungry crowd. If the combination of sweet corn and smoky bacon sounds like heaven to you, then prepare to have your taste buds dazzled. Every time this dish hits the table, it disappears almost instantly!

Beyond the primary stars, bacon and corn, a few carefully selected ingredients elevate this dish from good to utterly phenomenal. Fresh garlic, vibrant green onions, and a touch of paprika add layers of complexity and aroma that make every bite memorable. The best part? You can use either fresh, sweet corn right off the cob or convenient frozen corn kernels, making this recipe accessible year-round. So, if you’re ready to create a truly unforgettable side, gather your ingredients, fire up that flat-top griddle, and let’s dive into the delicious world of Blackstone Bacon-Fried Corn!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Bacon-Fried Corn Recipe

This Bacon-Fried Corn isn’t just another side dish; it’s a culinary experience waiting to happen. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation:

• Unbeatable Flavor Profile: The marriage of crispy, savory bacon with sweet, tender corn is a classic for a reason. Cooked in bacon fat, the corn absorbs all that glorious smoky flavor, creating a depth that’s simply unmatched by other cooking methods. Fresh garlic and green onions add a vibrant, aromatic layer that ties everything together beautifully.
• Lightning-Fast Preparation: In today’s fast-paced world, quick and easy recipes are golden. This dish comes together in less than 15 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious side without a lot of fuss, or for last-minute additions to your weekend barbecue spread.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled chicken, juicy steaks, or a simple burger, this bacon-fried corn complements nearly any main course. It’s also incredibly flexible; use fresh corn in season or frozen corn for convenience, making it a year-round staple.
• Perfect for the Blackstone Griddle: The flat-top griddle is ideal for this recipe. Its large, even cooking surface allows the bacon to crisp up beautifully and the corn to caramelize slightly, developing incredible texture and flavor. The residual bacon fat on the griddle becomes the perfect cooking medium for the corn, ensuring every kernel is coated in deliciousness.
• Feeds a Crowd Effortlessly: Hosting a party or a family gathering? This recipe is incredibly easy to double or triple. The expansive surface of a griddle means you can cook a large batch all at once, ensuring everyone gets a generous serving of this crowd-pleasing dish.

Essential Ingredients for Griddle Perfection

Simplicity is key to this flavorful dish. You don’t need a long list of exotic items; just a few quality ingredients will bring this recipe to life.

• Bacon: The hero of the dish! You can opt for thick-cut or thin-cut bacon, depending on your preference. Thick-cut bacon yields more substantial, chewy chunks, while thin-cut gets crispier faster. Choose a good quality, smoky bacon for the best flavor.
• Corn Kernels: The sweet counterpart. Fresh corn off the cob provides a delightful pop of sweetness and texture, especially when in season. Frozen corn kernels are an excellent substitute and work just as wonderfully; simply ensure they are thawed or cooked a little longer.
• Green Onion: Both the white and green parts, sliced. These add a mild, fresh oniony kick and a beautiful hint of color that brightens the dish.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves, minced. Garlic provides an aromatic foundation that beautifully complements the bacon and corn. Fresh garlic is highly recommended for its potent flavor.
• Paprika: A touch of paprika adds a subtle smoky depth and a beautiful reddish hue to the corn. For an extra kick, consider smoked hot paprika.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings. I highly recommend using kosher salt for its texture and balanced salinity, and freshly cracked black pepper for its vibrant aroma. Adjust to taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish. While optional, a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the bacon.

Equipment You’ll Need

One of the beauties of this recipe is its minimal equipment requirements. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Blackstone Griddle or Any Outdoor Flat-Top Griddle: This is the ideal cooking surface for crispy bacon and evenly cooked corn. The large, flat surface ensures excellent heat distribution and makes it easy to manage ingredients.
• Large Skillet or Cast Iron Pan (Alternative): If you don’t have a griddle, a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan will work well on your stovetop. Just make sure it’s big enough to hold all the ingredients without overcrowding.
• Sturdy Spatula: Essential for flipping bacon, stirring corn, and scraping the griddle clean.
• Tongs: Useful for handling bacon as it crisps.
• Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For prepping bacon, green onions, and garlic.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining ingredients before cooking, if preferred.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make The Best Bacon-Fried Corn on a Blackstone Griddle

Get ready for a simple yet incredibly rewarding cooking experience. Follow these steps to achieve perfectly flavored Bacon-Fried Corn:

1. Preheat Your Griddle: Start by preheating your Blackstone griddle or chosen flat-top griddle to medium-high heat. A properly heated surface is crucial for crisping the bacon and searing the corn. If using a large skillet, place it over medium-high heat on your stovetop.
2. Cook the Bacon: Add the chopped bacon to the hot griddle. Spread it out evenly in a single layer to ensure it cooks consistently. Cook, stirring occasionally with your spatula or tongs, until the bacon begins to get wonderfully crispy and has rendered much of its fat. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once crispy, push the cooked bacon to one side of the griddle, keeping it warm but allowing the rendered bacon fat to pool on the other side.
3. Introduce the Corn: Move the corn kernels directly onto the hot griddle, specifically into the glorious pool of rendered bacon fat. This is where the magic happens, as the corn will soak up all that rich, smoky flavor. Spread the corn out to cover the hot surface.
4. Cook the Corn and Garlic: Cook the corn over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want to see some slight caramelization and browning on the kernels. After this initial cook time, add the minced garlic to the corn mixture. Cook for an additional minute, stirring continuously, until the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn’t burn.
5. Combine and Season: Add the sliced green onions to the corn and garlic mixture. Stir everything together. Now, bring the crispy bacon back into the main corn mixture, tossing to combine all the ingredients.
6. Final Seasoning: Season the entire dish generously with paprika, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Give it another good stir to ensure all the flavors are well distributed.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the hot Bacon-Fried Corn to a serving bowl. For an extra touch of freshness and color, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately as a delightful side dish!

Chef Jenn’s Pro Tips for the Best Fried Corn

Achieving culinary perfection often comes down to a few expert tips. Here are some insights to make your Bacon-Fried Corn truly outstanding:

• Bacon Thickness Matters: For the best texture in this dish, aim to slice your bacon into roughly 1/2-inch thick pieces. This ensures you get substantial, satisfying chunks of bacon that hold up well and provide a wonderful chew alongside the tender corn. Too thin, and it might crumble; too thick, and it might not crisp evenly.
• Embrace the Bacon Fat: This is perhaps the most crucial tip! Do NOT drain the bacon fat. The rendered fat is liquid gold, providing an unparalleled depth of flavor to the corn. Cooking the corn directly in this fat is what gives this dish its signature rich, smoky taste.
• Adjust for Frozen Corn: If you’re using frozen corn kernels, they will naturally release more moisture than fresh corn and will also need to thaw and heat through. You may need to add an extra 1-2 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are perfectly tender and slightly caramelized. Avoid overcrowding the griddle if using frozen corn, as this can steam instead of fry them.
• Experiment with Paprika: While regular paprika adds a lovely color and mild flavor, consider using smoked hot paprika if you enjoy a bit of a spicy kick and an extra layer of smoky flavor. It adds a delicious complexity without being overwhelmingly hot.
• Spice it Up: For those who love a bit of heat, consider dicing up a fresh jalapeño and adding it to the griddle along with the garlic. The vibrant heat will be a fantastic contrast to the sweet corn and savory bacon.
• Add a Pop of Color and Flavor: Beyond jalapeños, small diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) can add extra visual appeal and a subtle sweetness. Add them along with the corn for a nice crunch and fresh flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Griddle: Whether cooking bacon or corn, ensure you don’t overcrowd your cooking surface. Overcrowding can lower the temperature, leading to steamed ingredients rather than nicely seared and crispy ones. If making a large batch, consider cooking in two smaller batches.

Creative Variations & Customizations

While the classic Bacon-Fried Corn is incredible on its own, don’t hesitate to get creative and tailor it to your taste preferences:

• Cheesy Corn Delight: For an extra layer of indulgence, stir in about 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled cotija cheese just before serving. The residual heat will melt it into a gooey, flavorful coating.
• Herbaceous Twist: Beyond parsley, fresh cilantro, chives, or even a sprinkle of dried oregano can add different aromatic notes. Experiment with what you have on hand or what pairs well with your main course.
• Smoky Chipotle Version: Instead of paprika, use chipotle powder for a deeper, smokier heat. A dash of liquid smoke could also be added sparingly with the corn for an extra smoky punch if you’re not cooking on a griddle.
• Zesty Lime Finish: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can brighten the flavors considerably, adding a tangy counterpoint to the richness of the bacon.
• Creamy Addition: For a creamier texture, you could stir in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the very end. This will create a richer, almost street-corn-like consistency.
• Sweet and Spicy: A drizzle of honey or maple syrup towards the end of cooking can enhance the natural sweetness of the corn, creating a delightful sweet-and-savory profile, especially good with a hint of spice from smoked hot paprika or jalapeños.

What to Serve with Bacon-Fried Corn: Make It A Meal!

Wondering what delicious main dishes pair perfectly with this incredible Blackstone Bacon-Fried Corn? The beauty of this side is its versatility – it goes with almost anything! If you’re planning an entire meal on your flat-top griddle, the options are endless. Pair it with a hearty Blackstone Chicken Philly Cheesesteak for a complete griddle feast. Or, fire up your smoker and serve it alongside succulent Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze for a truly memorable BBQ experience.

Here are more ideas to inspire your meal planning:

• Griddle Classics: Serve it with juicy griddle-cooked burgers, hot dogs, or sausages for an elevated backyard barbecue.
• Steak Night: It’s a perfect partner for grilled steaks, providing a flavorful and satisfying contrast to rich beef.
• Chicken Dishes: Whether it’s grilled chicken breasts, thighs, or crispy fried chicken, the corn adds a comforting, savory element.
• Pork Delights: Compliments pork chops, pulled pork, or even a simple roasted pork loin beautifully.
• Seafood Pairings: Believe it or not, this corn can also be a delightful side for griddled shrimp or seared scallops, offering a robust flavor profile.
• Breakfast/Brunch: Yes, even breakfast! Serve it alongside scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, or pancakes for a hearty morning meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Sometimes, there are leftovers (though with this dish, it’s rare!). Here’s how to store and reheat your Bacon-Fried Corn to enjoy it again:

• Storage: Allow any leftover Bacon-Fried Corn to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating:
  • Griddle/Skillet: The best way to reheat is on a griddle or in a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tiny splash of water or broth if it seems too dry, and stir occasionally until heated through. This method helps the bacon regain some crispness.
  • Microwave: For a quicker option, microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, until hot. Be aware that the bacon may lose some of its crispness this way.
• Enjoy Hot or Cold: This dish is surprisingly delicious served at room temperature or even cold, making it a great option for packed lunches or picnics!

Step By Step Process Visualized

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions about making Bacon-Fried Corn:

Q: Can I use a regular skillet instead of a griddle?

A: Absolutely! While a Blackstone griddle provides a large, even cooking surface that’s ideal, a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan will work perfectly well on your stovetop. Just ensure it’s spacious enough to avoid overcrowding the ingredients.

Q: Is it better to use fresh or frozen corn?

A: Both fresh and frozen corn work wonderfully in this recipe. Fresh corn, especially when in season, offers a slightly sweeter taste and a firmer texture. Frozen corn is a convenient year-round option and performs beautifully, though it might need an extra minute or two of cooking to heat through and brown slightly.

Q: How do I prevent the corn from sticking to the griddle?

A: The rendered bacon fat is your friend here! It provides a natural non-stick layer. Ensure your griddle or skillet is properly preheated and that you’ve used enough bacon to create a good amount of fat. If using leaner bacon, you might add a tiny bit of cooking oil before adding the corn, but typically the bacon fat is sufficient.

Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

A: While this dish is best served immediately after cooking for optimal crispness and flavor, you can prep the ingredients (chop bacon, mince garlic, slice green onions) ahead of time. The cooked dish can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated, but the bacon may lose some of its crispness.

Q: Is this recipe healthy?

A: This dish is rich in flavor, largely due to the bacon fat. As indicated in the nutritional information, it’s higher in calories and fat. It’s a delicious indulgence, best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. You can adjust the portion size to fit your dietary needs, or for a slightly lighter version, you could drain a small amount of the bacon fat before adding the corn, though this will impact the flavor.

Want More Delicious and Easy Griddle & Smoker Recipes?

If you loved this recipe, you’re in for a treat! Exploring the world of griddle and smoker cooking opens up a universe of incredibly flavorful and often simple dishes. Here are some more favorites to expand your culinary repertoire:

• Perfect Steaks on a Blackstone Griddle: Master the art of searing and cooking steaks to perfection on your flat top.
• How to Make Peameal Bacon: Learn to craft this delicious Canadian bacon at home for a truly unique breakfast or sandwich experience.
• Flavorful Smoked Lamb Chops: Infuse tender lamb chops with incredible smoky flavor using your smoker.
• Mouthwatering Smoked Eye of Round: Discover how to transform a lean cut of beef into a juicy and tender smoked roast.
• Irresistible Smoked Shotgun Shells: A fun and savory appetizer or main dish involving pasta shells stuffed with goodness and smoked to perfection.
• Cooking Sausage on a Blackstone Griddle: A simple guide to getting perfectly cooked sausages every time.
• Crispy Blackstone Fried Potatoes: Another fantastic griddle side, perfect for breakfast or dinner.
• The Ultimate Guide to Bacon on a Blackstone: Learn all the tricks to cooking perfect bacon, every single time.

Conclusion

Blackstone Bacon-Fried Corn is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when prepared thoughtfully, can yield extraordinary flavors. Its quick cooking time, incredible versatility, and undeniable deliciousness make it an essential addition to any home cook’s repertoire, especially for those who love their griddle. So, the next time you’re searching for a side dish that promises maximum impact with minimum effort, look no further. Fire up that griddle, gather your ingredients, and prepare to delight everyone at your table with this flavorful and utterly addictive corn dish!