An easy side dish that captivates taste buds year-round, this Creamy Corn and Bacon casserole is a true celebration of flavor and texture. Bursting with sweet corn kernels, savory crispy bacon, and enveloped in a rich, velvety cream sauce, it’s an indulgent side that promises to be a memorable addition to any meal.

For more fabulous corn side dishes that are guaranteed crowd-pleasers, be sure to explore our delightful Corn Casserole recipe or try the unique and savory Scalloped Corn and Broccoli.

Creamy Corn and Bacon: A Side Dish That Steals the Show

There’s a reason why this Creamy Corn and Bacon recipe consistently tops the charts for requested side dishes. It’s more than just good; it’s an experience. Imagine tender, sweet corn harmonizing with the irresistible crunch and savory depth of crispy bacon, all bathed in a luxurious, tangy cream sauce. This isn’t just a dish; it’s comfort food elevated, a side so delicious it often rivals the main course.

While it might feel like an indulgence, every spoonful is utterly worth it. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between richness and simplicity, making it accessible for home cooks but impressive enough for special occasions. It’s a twist on classic creamed corn, baked to perfection with the addition of everyone’s favorite ingredient: bacon. And let’s be honest, bacon truly makes everything better!

One of the many charms of this creamy corn and bacon casserole is its incredible versatility. Whether it’s the peak of summer with fresh garden corn or the dead of winter relying on convenient frozen varieties, this dish shines all year long. It’s an ideal accompaniment for holiday feasts like Thanksgiving or Christmas, a guaranteed hit at any potluck or party, and even simple enough to whip up for a memorable family dinner on a weeknight. Its adaptability ensures you can enjoy its comforting flavors whenever the craving strikes.

Key Ingredients for Creamy Corn and Bacon

Creating this irresistible side dish requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients that build layers of flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is vital:

• Bacon: The star of the show! We recommend using a good quality regular cut bacon for that perfect balance of crispiness and flavor. If you prefer heartier pieces and a more pronounced bacon presence, thick-cut bacon is an excellent alternative. The rendered bacon fat is also crucial for building the flavor base of our creamy sauce.
• Onion & Garlic: These aromatic vegetables form the foundational flavor layer, adding depth and a subtle sweetness that complements the corn and bacon beautifully. Choose a sweet yellow or white onion for the best results. Fresh garlic, finely minced, will provide the most vibrant flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is our thickening agent. When combined with the bacon drippings, it creates a roux, which is essential for giving the sauce its rich, velvety consistency. Ensure you cook the flour thoroughly to eliminate any raw flour taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Proper seasoning is paramount to elevate all the flavors in the dish. Start with a moderate amount and adjust to your taste preferences as you cook. Freshly ground black pepper always makes a difference.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: The cornerstone of our luscious cream sauce. Heavy cream provides unparalleled richness and ensures the sauce thickens beautifully. While half-and-half might work for a lighter version, the full fat content of heavy cream yields the best texture and mouthfeel.
• Sour Cream: This ingredient adds another dimension of creaminess along with a delightful tang that cuts through the richness of the bacon and heavy cream, balancing the overall flavor profile. Full-fat sour cream is recommended for the best results.
• Corn: You have flexibility here! Frozen corn is incredibly convenient and requires no thawing, making this dish suitable year-round. If fresh corn is in season, cutting kernels directly from the cob will add an extra burst of sweetness and freshness. Both options work wonderfully.
• Fresh Parsley: Used both within the dish and as a garnish, fresh minced parsley provides a touch of bright, herbaceous flavor and a pop of color, enhancing the dish’s visual appeal.

Mastering Creamy Corn and Bacon: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delectable Creamy Corn and Bacon casserole is simpler than you might imagine. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a perfectly balanced and utterly delicious side dish:

STEP 1: Prepare the Bacon. Begin by preheating your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Next, cut your bacon slices into bite-sized pieces. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s perfectly crisp and all its flavorful fat has rendered. This usually takes about 5-8 minutes. Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Leave the rendered bacon drippings in the skillet – these are liquid gold for our sauce!

STEP 2: Sauté the Aromatics. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the hot bacon drippings in the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions have softened and become translucent, which typically takes 3-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter taste to your dish.

STEP 3: Build the Roux and Season. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked onions and garlic in the skillet. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This creates a roux, which will thicken our sauce. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste at this stage.

STEP 4: Introduce the Cream. Gradually pour in the heavy whipping cream, stirring continuously with a whisk to ensure there are no lumps and the sauce becomes smooth. Continue to stir until the cream is fully incorporated and the sauce begins to thicken slightly. This will be the luxurious base for your creamy corn.

STEP 5: Combine Core Ingredients. Now it’s time to bring in the main players. Add the sour cream, corn (no need to thaw if using frozen), and the minced fresh parsley to the skillet. Stir everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and coated in the creamy sauce. Take about three-fourths of your cooked, crispy bacon and stir it into the mixture, reserving the remaining one-fourth for topping later.

STEP 6: Bake to Perfection. Transfer the entire creamy corn mixture into an 8×8-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon pieces over the top. Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 25-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and heated through. The top bacon should be beautifully golden and crisp.

STEP 7: Serve and Enjoy. Once baked, remove the Creamy Corn and Bacon from the oven. For an extra touch of freshness and color, you can garnish with a sprinkle of additional fresh minced parsley before serving. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before diving in. Serve warm as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite main dishes.

Expert Tips and Customization Ideas for Creamy Corn and Bacon

While the basic recipe for Creamy Corn and Bacon is incredibly satisfying, these tips and tricks will help you perfect it and even adapt it to your preferences:

• Make Ahead Magic: This casserole is an excellent candidate for make-ahead meal prep. Simply prepare the entire dish up to the point of baking. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, bake straight from the refrigerator, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s thoroughly heated and bubbly.
• Flavor Boosters: Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional spices. A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of smoked paprika can add a wonderful warmth and subtle kick. For a smoky, savory depth, a touch of onion powder or garlic powder can enhance the existing aromatics.
• Cheese, Please! For an even more indulgent experience, consider stirring in about half a cup of shredded cheese, such as sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Parmesan blend, with the corn and sour cream. You can also sprinkle some cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a golden, bubbly crust.
• Adjusting Consistency: If you find the sauce too thick after combining all ingredients, especially if using frozen corn which can absorb some liquid, simply stir in an extra splash or two of heavy cream or milk until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if you prefer a thicker casserole, you can reduce the amount of cream slightly or add an extra tablespoon of flour to your roux.
• Herb Variations: While parsley offers a classic fresh note, consider other herbs that pair well with corn and bacon, such as fresh chives, thyme, or even a touch of rosemary for a different aromatic profile.
• Adding Vegetables: For a more substantial side, finely diced bell peppers (red or green) can be sautéed with the onions to add color and a mild, sweet flavor. For those who enjoy a little heat, a minced jalapeño (seeds removed for less spice) can be added with the garlic.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers of this Creamy Corn and Bacon are just as delicious, if not more so, the next day. Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions until hot, or for a crispier top, reheat the entire dish in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, usually about 15-20 minutes. You might want to add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much during refrigeration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use canned corn for this recipe?

Yes, you can use canned corn, but be sure to drain it very well before adding it to the mixture. Canned corn tends to be softer and sometimes sweeter, so adjust seasoning accordingly.

Is this dish gluten-free?

As written, the recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch (use about half the amount of cornstarch as flour, mixed with a little cold water to create a slurry before adding to the hot liquid to prevent lumps).

Can I make a lighter version of this creamy corn?

You can reduce the fat content by using half-and-half or even whole milk instead of heavy cream, and light sour cream. However, this will result in a thinner, less rich sauce. You may need to increase the flour slightly to compensate for the thinner liquids.

What main dishes pair well with Creamy Corn and Bacon?

This versatile side dish complements a wide array of main courses. It’s fantastic with roasted chicken or turkey, grilled pork chops, steak, ham, or even simple meatloaf. It’s truly a holiday table staple!

More Irresistible Side Dish Recipes

If you loved this creamy corn and bacon, be sure to check out these other fantastic side dish ideas that are sure to become family favorites:

• Perfectly Glazed Carrots
• Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Cheesy Ranch Potatoes
• Zesty Greek Lemon Potatoes

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Creamy Corn and Bacon

Author:
Deborah Harroun

Prep Time:

15
minutes

Cook Time:

35
minutes

Total Time:

50
minutes

Servings:

6
servings

Course:
Side Dish

Cuisine:
American

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Pin

An easy side dish, this Creamy Corn and Bacon is delicious all year round! Filled with corn, bacon, and a creamy sauce, this is an indulgent side packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• Salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 8 oz sour cream
• 3 1/2 cups corn frozen or fresh
• 1 tablespoon minced parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375ºF (190°C).
2. Cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the bacon. Cook until crisp, then remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave the drippings in the skillet.
3. Add the onion to the bacon drippings and cook until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Stir in the flour. Let it cook, stirring, for a couple of minutes to form a roux. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Stir in the heavy cream until it is completely combined and the sauce begins to thicken.
6. Add the sour cream, corn, parsley, and 3/4 of the cooked bacon. Stir everything together well.
7. Transfer the mixture to an 8×8-inch baking dish and top with the remaining bacon.
8. Bake in the preheated oven until hot and bubbly, about 25-35 minutes.
9. Serve warm, topped with more parsley, if desired.

Recipe Notes:

Adapted from Taste of Home.

Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1serving,
Calories: 287kcal (14%),
Carbohydrates: 24g (8%),
Protein: 8g (16%),
Fat: 19g (29%),
Saturated Fat: 10g (63%),
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g,
Trans Fat: 0g,
Cholesterol: 54mg (18%),
Sodium: 274mg (12%),
Potassium: 411mg (12%),
Fiber: 2g (8%),
Sugar: 9g (10%)

Keywords:
bacon, Corn casserole