Name: Ba'corn Cheese Corn
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 (8 ounce) package bacon, chopped; 2 (16 ounce) packages frozen sweet corn, thawed; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bunch green onions, sliced; 2 jalapeno peppers, diced, or more to taste; 1 pinch salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese; 4 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Cook Time: 25 minutes

This deliciously creamy dish combines sweet corn, crispy bacon, and melted cheese for a perfect side dish or light meal. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, its sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

1 (8 ounce) package bacon, chopped
2 (16 ounce) packages frozen sweet corn, thawed
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 bunch green onions, sliced
2 jalapeno peppers, diced (or more to taste)
1 pinch salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 pinch cayenne pepper (or to taste)
1 cup heavy cream
2 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
4 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions

Step 1: Heat a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is nearly crisp and the fat has rendered, about 7-8 minutes.

Step 2: While the bacon is cooking, position an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the broiler.

Step 3: Drain the frozen corn thoroughly in a colander. Add half of the corn to the skillet with the bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the corn starts to turn golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Add the minced garlic, sliced green onions, and diced jalapenos to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and begin to release their sweetness.

Step 5: Tilt the skillet to drain some of the excess fat. Use a paper towel to soak up any remaining fat.

Step 6: Season the mixture with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 7: Stir in the remaining corn and cook until its heated through.

Step 8: Turn off the heat and add about two-thirds of the shredded mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the mixture is well combined.

Step 9: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and add a little extra cayenne pepper for some extra kick.

Step 10: Transfer the skillet to the preheated broiler and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the top is browned and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Step 11: Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, cheesy corn dish with bacon!

Chef's Notes

You can pan-fry all the corn or none of it in the bacon fat during Step 2 for more flavor. If you're using fresh corn, make sure to blanch or pan-fry it first to remove the raw edge. The broiling step is only for browning and heating, so the corn should be fully cooked by the time it goes under the broiler.

If you'd like to make this ahead, wait until serving time to top it with cheese and broil. Alternatively, you can bake the dish at 475F (250C) instead of broiling. Feel free to substitute Cheddar cheese for the Monterey Jack if you prefer.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 268
Fat: 17g
Carbs: 22g
Protein: 11g
Sodium: 298mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 4g
Vitamin C: 12mg
Calcium: 168mg
Iron: 1mg
Potassium: 335mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Comments

Scott Hill

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Quick, simple, and tastes like heaven.

Hot Mana

10/04/2020 03:49:32 PM

This is fantastic!!! My husband loves bacon and this hits the spot. We both love everything about this recipe. I have now made it at least 5 times. I follow the recipe and I do use a cast iron skillet . I use poblano pepper instead of jalapeno and cheddar instead of monterey jack . If I don't have green onions I use red. I cut calories by using half coconut milk half cream. Freezes well.

lastarks

10/17/2019 12:28:25 AM

This was very good. I cooked the bacon in the oven then just used some of the grease. I only had a Colby jack shredded and cheddar shredded so I also added some grated cojito cheese to give it a little to punch. I may not have defrosted the corn long enough but it came out great. I would make again. Would be great as a side for thanksgiving if you have the oven or broiler space.

chefhorse

07/08/2020 10:36:32 AM

Used three 10 oz bags of Mexican street corn, 8sixed the green onion. substituted 5 red Fresnos for the jalapeños. Used 1 part applewood smoked Gouda and 1 part queso chihuahua.

flbirdman

05/18/2020 10:44:58 PM

Absolutely love this dish. Used fresh sweetcorn. Added ham cubes to make it a meal instead of a side dish.

Elvina McHenry

07/29/2022 02:01:36 AM

This recipe was a hit in my home. I did add a few ingredients, but I know it would have been delicious without the changes. I added diced jalapeño peppers and 1/4 cream cheese. I used mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese. The next time I make it, I will add a touch of liquid smoke to give it a smoky flavor. Yummy! Thanks for sharing.

lexi0317

01/01/2020 02:44:28 PM

Very good, was worried would be too spicy with the jalapeños but the flavor was great with the bacon and it only added a tiny bit of heat. Didn’t have a cast iron, so I cooked in a large non stick skillet then transferred to a glass casserole dish for the oven. Turned out perfect!

Jpratt

12/02/2020 03:58:01 AM

Excellent! I added a little more bacon, which I liked. I probably sautéed 1/2 the corn a little too long - which made it a little chewy, but that was my fault. Next time I will add 1/2 the corn with the onions, garlic and jalapeños and sautée 3-5 minutes. Makes creamy, cheesy, corn goodness! Will definitely make again.

Lisa Stark

11/11/2019 05:54:15 AM

I will never feel the same way about corn! This dish had a rockin' party in my mouth. Chef, I couldn't go light on this one. 6 oz of sweetened condensed milk perfectly complimented the jalopeno and smoky bacon. YUM!

D

08/18/2019 10:03:12 PM

This was absolutely AMAZING. Thank you Chef John. I laughed when you said you normally do not lighten up a recipe but this one you did. I cut the recipe quantity in half and I did not have heavy cream so I used what I had, some half and half and it turned out delicious. Hub’s was beside himself and loved every bite as well as the leftovers. Super easy, will be my go to recipe whenever I have bacon and corn on hand. Cheers

fruitdog

10/01/2019 05:43:11 PM

The guys really loved this! I used fresh corn and a poblano because my BF forgot to buy jalapeno. Can't wait to do it with a hotter pepper!

Nathan Scott

04/11/2025 03:11:23 AM

Made it on a whim and it blew me away.

Darlene S

04/02/2025 03:24:49 PM

It sounds good, but is it a casserole or a dip

DidIDoThat

08/26/2024 04:26:53 PM

really good, I served with Chef's pork belly recipe.

Claudette Perry

02/22/2024 01:18:05 AM

I kept the receipt almost exact, except no jalapeño & I used pepper bacon. It was fabulous.

SCaso

11/21/2022 11:49:15 AM

Delicious!

TammyC

07/11/2021 01:41:31 PM

Fantastic dish, served it was ribs, marinated shrimp, roasted new potatoes, herb biscuits and tomato salad. I used fresh corn because it’s what I had on hand. Chef John knocked this one out of the park.

Lee

07/04/2021 06:31:20 PM

Found this recipe 3 months ago and I have made it 6 times since then. Family loves it and it was a hit with large gatherings too (isn't it great to have large gatherings again?). It is best broiled but if a broiler/oven is otherwise being used or not handy you can still take it hot to a party and no one will miss the beautiful browning.

seipmoney

05/23/2021 02:05:09 AM

Seriously this is incredible, that is all that needs to be said.

Jon Wolfe

01/05/2021 03:50:09 AM

Wonderful flavors, easy to make. I might add, be cautious when adding salt to this recipe. Depending on the saltiness of your bacon and how much bacon fat you keep when cooking, it may lead to a very salty dish.