Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Cheesy Bacon and Corn Casserole! Imagine a perfect blend of sweet corn, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese creating a symphony of flavors that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. Whether you're looking for a show-stopping side dish or a comforting main course, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- If using fresh corn, remove kernels from the cob. If using frozen corn, thaw completely and drain excess moisture. Pat corn kernels dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp texture in the casserole.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, eggs, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and well combined. This creates the creamy base for the casserole.
- Add the corn kernels to the cream mixture, stirring gently to ensure even distribution. The corn should be fully coated with the seasoned cream base.
- Chop cooked bacon into small, uniform pieces. Reserve a small portion for topping if desired.
- Fold the chopped bacon and shredded cheddar cheese into the corn and cream mixture, ensuring ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. If reserved, sprinkle additional bacon pieces on top for extra crunch.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. The casserole should be slightly jiggly but not liquid.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to portion.
- Serve hot as a side dish or light main course. Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Moisture is Key: Make sure to thoroughly pat your corn kernels dry, especially if using frozen corn. Excess moisture can make your casserole soggy instead of creamy.
- Bacon Perfection: Use crispy, well-cooked bacon for maximum flavor and crunch. Consider cooking it until it's extra crisp to add a delightful texture to the dish.
- Cheese Selection: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with different cheese blends. A mix of cheddar and monterey jack can add extra depth of flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes serving much easier.
- Garnish Game: Elevate the dish with fresh chopped chives, parsley, or even a sprinkle of green onions for added color and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 376kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 145mg
