Description
A savory Southern-inspired side dish with sweet corn kernels fried in bacon drippings and finished with smoky spices and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 5–6 ears if fresh)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp butter (optional, for extra richness)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 2 tbsp bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Add onion to the skillet and sauté 2–3 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add corn kernels, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat. Cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until corn is golden and lightly caramelized.
- Stir bacon back into the corn. Add butter if desired for a richer flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. Serve hot as a side dish.
Notes
- Adjust salt according to your taste preference.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats or as part of a barbecue spread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg