Jalapeño Popper Creamed Corn Recipe

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Cook Time: 15 minutes

This creamy and flavorful dish combines crispy bacon, spicy jalapeos, sweet corn, and rich cheese, making for a perfect side or main course. Here's how to prepare it:

Ingredients

• 3 pieces of bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 large jalapeos, sliced 1/4-inch thick (adjust to taste)
• 4 cups frozen corn
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (5.3-ounce) of spreadable cheese (like Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Spreadable Gourmet Cheese)
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• Lime wedges for garnish
• Fresh parsley or cilantro sprigs for garnish

Directions

1. Gather all your ingredients to make the cooking process smoother.
2. In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy and the fat is rendered.
3. Add the chopped onion and sliced jalapeos to the skillet, cooking and stirring frequently until the onion turns translucent and the bacon is browned. This should take about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the frozen corn and cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring often, until the corn is heated through and begins to brown slightly.
5. Pour in the heavy cream, add cumin and black pepper, and stir well. Let it cook for another minute until the cream is heated.
6. Add the Boursin cheese by tablespoons, mashing and stirring each addition until it fully melts into the sauce.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
8. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh parsley or cilantro sprigs.
9. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy bacon, corn, and cheese dish!

Cooks Note

If you prefer, you can use fresh corn instead of frozen. For this version, you'll need about 3 ears of corn, and you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	400
Total Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	12g
Cholesterol	63mg
Sodium	271mg
Total Carbohydrate	45g
Dietary Fiber	6g
Total Sugars	8g
Protein	14g
Vitamin C	34mg
Calcium	267mg
Iron	2mg
Potassium	631mg

Note: Percent daily values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your values may vary based on your calorie needs. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult a doctor or dietitian before preparing this recipe.

The Story Behind Jalapeo Popper Creamed Corn

Jalapeo Popper Creamed Corn is a modern twist on two beloved culinary traditions: the classic creamed corn side dish and the spicy, cheese-filled jalapeo popper appetizer. Creamed corn itself has roots in American cuisine dating back to the 19th century, where sweet corn was simmered with cream or milk to create a smooth, comforting dish. Jalapeo poppers, by contrast, emerged in the late 20th century as a popular appetizer in Tex-Mex cuisine, combining the heat of jalapeos with rich cheese and sometimes bacon. The fusion of these elements creates a dish that is both comforting and exciting, offering creamy sweetness alongside a gentle, smoky spice.

Regional Variations and Influences

This dish is particularly popular in the Southern and Southwestern United States, where corn and chili peppers are staple ingredients. In the South, creamed corn is often cooked slowly with butter and cream for a richer texture, while in Texas and other Southwestern regions, the addition of jalapeos and smoky bacon reflects the influence of Tex-Mex flavors. Some variations may swap Cheddar for pepper jack cheese or add a touch of smoked paprika, giving the dish a regional identity that balances creamy, sweet, and spicy elements.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional creamed corn, which emphasizes subtle sweetness and a smooth texture, Jalapeo Popper Creamed Corn introduces layers of flavor with bacon, sharp cheese, and jalapeos. Compared to stuffed jalapeo poppers, this dish transforms the appetizer into a side dish that can complement meats and other mains. The combination of creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy ingredients makes it richer and more complex than plain creamed corn, while still being approachable for those who enjoy familiar comfort foods.

Typical Serving Occasions

This dish is most often served as a side during casual family dinners, summer barbecues, or holiday gatherings. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats such as pork chops, chicken, or beef, and can also be served alongside classic American fare like burgers or roasted vegetables. Its visual appealwith vibrant yellow corn, green jalapeos, and golden melted cheesemakes it a festive addition to the table, ensuring it is often a conversation starter as well as a flavorful side.

Interesting Facts

• The combination of corn and jalapeos showcases a fusion of traditional Southern cooking and Southwestern spice profiles.
• Many cooks adapt the recipe by using fresh corn when in season, giving it a sweeter, more natural flavor.
• Adding Boursin or other herbed cream cheeses elevates the dish, giving it a gourmet twist while keeping it simple enough for home cooking.
• This dish exemplifies the trend of turning popular appetizers into main-course-worthy sides, blending familiarity with creativity.
• Despite its richness, Jalapeo Popper Creamed Corn can be adjusted for heat, making it accessible to a wide range of palates.

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