Crunchy, creamy corn side dish loaded with crispy bacon, sweet bell peppers, and vibrant green onions. This recipe is easy enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for any gathering. Whether you opt for fresh summer corn or the convenience of frozen kernels, you’re guaranteed maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Ready in just 30 minutes and serving 6, this addictively sweet and savory corn dish is a perfect companion for grilled meats, flaky fish, or tender chicken. Prepare to make this Creamy Confetti Corn with Bacon a staple in your culinary rotation!
A Journey Back to Sweet Corn Memories and Family Gatherings
Recently, my guy and I embarked on a spontaneous summer adventure, hopping on a train to Washington, D.C. for an unforgettable week. Our days were filled with countless miles traversed through historic museums, leisurely strolls through the magnificent zoo, and tranquil moments in lush parks, always accompanied by refreshing iced coffees to combat the summer heat. Evenings brought romantic dinners by the river, and we cherished backyard grilling sessions at our home-away-from-home. The thrill and joyful chaos of our trip were wonderfully amplified by having our four amazing kids with us. Witnessing American history through their fresh eyes, seeing their wonder and appreciation for the first time, made every moment more special. Honestly, I wouldn’t change a single thing about that incredible week.
Except, perhaps, for a few things I might have uttered when I was “hangry.” My sincerest apologies, honey! 😂
When the vibrant city buzz began to wane, our party of six packed into the car for a relaxing day trip to my beloved small hometown on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. This place holds a special spot in my heart—it’s where I can truly kick up my boots, reconnect with my childhood best friend, and simply unwind. The unmistakable, sweet scent of honeysuckle and the serene sight of sun-drenched cornfields always offer a warm, comforting welcome home. Growing up surrounded by endless acres of fresh, ripe corn, those crisp, sweet kernels have naturally become an essential element in my summer cooking and a source of deep culinary nostalgia.
Upon our return, deeply inspired by the bounty that surrounded me during my formative years, I eagerly grabbed a generous bundle of fresh summer corn. My mission: to cook up a skillet brimming with comforting, creamy goodness. Fresh corn truly stands out as one of summer’s finest vegetables; its kernels are bursting with sweetness and offer a satisfying crunch that’s almost like a treat. It’s equally delightful enjoyed straight off the cob as it is transformed into a rich, buttery, and utterly delicious skillet side dish. The inspiration for this particular recipe stems directly from those cherished memories and the simple, unparalleled joy of fresh, peak-season corn.
I am thrilled to share with you the incredibly simple process behind creating this Creamy Confetti Corn with Bacon. It has quickly become a new favorite dish in my family, and I genuinely hope it brings as much joy and deliciousness to your table as it has to ours!
Ready to Create Your Own Creamy Confetti Corn with Bacon?
This section outlines the quick steps to bring this vibrant, flavorful dish to life in your kitchen. Follow these simple instructions for a delightful side that’s both easy and incredibly satisfying.
- In a large, sturdy skillet set over medium-high heat, add your chopped bacon. Cook until it reaches a beautiful crispness, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning. This usually takes about 5-6 minutes. Once perfectly crispy, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess fat, then set it aside. Crucially, remember to reserve the flavorful bacon fat in the skillet – this will form the rich foundation of your corn dish.
- Next, introduce the star ingredients: the sweet corn, vibrant bell pepper, and finely diced red onion, adding them directly to the hot skillet containing the reserved bacon fat. Season generously with a pinch of salt and a dash of freshly cracked black pepper. Sauté these colorful vegetables until they become tender-crisp, typically within 6-7 minutes, allowing their natural sweetness to caramelize slightly.
- Reduce the heat slightly and stir in the creamy cream cheese and a splash of milk. Mix thoroughly, allowing the cream cheese to melt completely and create a smooth, luscious sauce that coats all the vegetables. If you find the mixture a little too thick for your preference, gradually add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Finally, fold in the freshly chopped green onions and fragrant parsley, along with your reserved crispy bacon. Give it a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully. The “confetti” effect truly comes alive at this stage, with all the vibrant colors glistening in the creamy sauce.
- Serve your Creamy Confetti Corn with Bacon warm and prepare for rave reviews! This dish is not just a side; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures in every spoonful.
Keep reading for the full ingredient list, detailed instructions, and helpful tips below!
Ingredient Spotlight: Unlocking the Flavors of Your Confetti Corn
The beauty of Creamy Confetti Corn with Bacon lies in the harmonious blend of its simple yet powerful ingredients. Let’s dive deeper into what makes each component indispensable:
- Corn (Fresh or Frozen): The heart of our dish. Fresh corn, especially during peak summer, offers unparalleled sweetness and a delightful crunch. If using fresh, aim for firm, bright yellow ears with tightly wrapped green husks. Cut the kernels directly from the cob for the best flavor. Frozen corn, a convenient alternative, is flash-frozen at its peak, retaining much of its sweetness and texture, making it a fantastic year-round option. There’s no need to thaw frozen corn before adding it to the skillet; it will cook perfectly alongside the other vegetables.
- Bacon: Beyond its savory crunch, bacon brings a depth of smoky, salty flavor that permeates the entire dish. Cooking it first renders out flavorful fat, which becomes the base for sautéing the vegetables, infusing every bite with rich undertones. Remember to crisp it well for that essential textural contrast.
- Bell Pepper (Red Recommended): The “confetti” in our dish! Red bell peppers not only add a beautiful burst of color but also contribute a mild, sweet flavor and a tender bite. Their natural sugars caramelize slightly during cooking, enhancing the overall sweetness. While red is ideal for color, other bell pepper colors will work just as well, bringing their own subtle nuances.
- Red Onion: Offering a slightly sharper, more pungent sweetness than yellow or white onions, red onion adds a crucial layer of flavor complexity. When diced small and sautéed, it softens and sweetens, blending seamlessly into the creamy base without overpowering the corn.
- Cream Cheese: The secret to the “creamy” in Creamy Confetti Corn. Full-fat cream cheese melts into a wonderfully rich, velvety sauce that coats every kernel and vegetable, adding an indulgent smoothness. Neufchatel (light cream cheese) is a fantastic lighter alternative that still delivers on creaminess without compromising flavor.
- Milk: Used to thin out the cream cheese base, creating that perfect, pourable consistency. Any type of milk (whole, 2%, skim) will work, so use what you have on hand. Add it gradually to control the thickness of your sauce.
- Green Onions (Scallions): Added at the end, these provide a fresh, mild oniony bite and a vibrant green hue, contributing to both the “confetti” visual appeal and a refreshing flavor lift.
- Fresh Parsley: A final flourish of fresh herbs brightens the entire dish. Parsley adds a clean, slightly peppery note and a beautiful pop of green, elevating the visual appeal and tying all the flavors together.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Creamy Confetti Corn?
This versatile side dish complements a wide array of main courses. Here are some fantastic suggestions that will make your meal truly unforgettable:
- Sweet Chili Hawaiian Chicken Skewers: The sweet and tangy glaze on these skewers offers a delightful contrast to the savory and creamy corn, creating a balanced and exciting flavor profile.
- Sausage, Zucchini + Tomato Sheet Pan Dinner: A hearty and rustic sheet pan meal finds its perfect match in this vibrant corn dish. The rich flavors of sausage and roasted vegetables are beautifully cut by the corn’s creaminess and sweetness.
- Grilled Caprese Chicken and Summer Squash: The fresh, Italian-inspired flavors of Caprese chicken, with its mozzarella and basil, will harmonize wonderfully with the sweet corn, while the grilled squash adds another layer of summery goodness.
- Lemon-Garlic Honey Butter Salmon & Veggies in Foil: The delicate, buttery salmon and tender vegetables are elevated by the rich, flavorful corn, which adds a creamy texture and a touch of sweetness to this light and healthy meal.
- Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken Fajita Salad: This zesty, smoky salad gains a fantastic creamy counterpoint with the confetti corn, balancing the spices and providing a comforting side that rounds out the meal.
- Avocado Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwich: For a heartier lunch or casual dinner, this sandwich provides a robust main, while the creamy corn serves as a refreshing and flavorful side, adding color and texture.
- Easy Roasted Summer Vegetables: If you’re looking for an all-vegetable feast, this corn dish enhances the natural flavors of other roasted veggies, contributing a unique creamy and sweet element to the medley.
- Caprese Grilled Chicken: A classic pairing where the fresh, vibrant notes of Caprese chicken are beautifully complemented by the rich, sweet, and savory profile of the creamy corn.
Explore More Fresh & Easy Side Salads!
If you’re looking to expand your collection of simple, delicious side dishes, especially those bursting with fresh flavors, here are some excellent options that would also pair wonderfully with many main courses:
- Texas Caviar: This vibrant, zesty bean and corn salad is incredibly popular for its refreshing taste and colorful presentation.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: A deconstructed take on Elote, featuring charred corn, cotija cheese, and a creamy, spicy dressing – a crowd-pleaser!
- Avocado, Corn and Mango Salad: A tropical delight that combines creamy avocado, sweet corn, and juicy mango for a refreshing and light side.
- Simple Southern Potato Salad: A timeless classic, this creamy and comforting potato salad is a staple for barbecues and family meals.
- Best-Ever Creamy Macaroni Salad: Another quintessential side, perfect for picnics and potlucks, offering a delightful texture and rich flavor.
- Mediterranean Orzo Salad: Light, fresh, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors like feta, olives, and fresh herbs, making it a great light option.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Confetti Corn & Easy Adaptations
While the unparalleled sweetness of freshly cut corn is truly unbeatable during its season, don’t hesitate to use frozen corn for this dish. Frozen corn is often picked and flash-frozen at its peak ripeness, preserving much of its flavor and texture, making it a perfectly acceptable and convenient substitute any time of year. There’s no need to thaw it beforehand; simply add it directly to the skillet with the other vegetables.
We adore enjoying this sweet and savory corn alongside a variety of grilled meats, chicken, and fish. It’s also surprisingly satisfying and light enough to be enjoyed all by itself as a refreshing lunch. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. For instance, if red bell peppers aren’t on hand, any color bell pepper will work beautifully in their place, offering slightly different nuances in sweetness and color. Similarly, feel free to swap out the red onion for yellow or white onions if that’s what you have in your pantry; the essential onion flavor will still be present.
Looking to make it a bit lighter? Go right ahead and use light cream cheese (Neufchatel) instead of full-fat. The creamy texture will remain, with just a slight difference in richness. The vibrant colors of the ingredients listed—the red bell pepper, green onions, and golden corn—all contribute to the delightful “confetti” visual appeal of this dish, making it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. However, remember that these ingredients are incredibly versatile and easy to swap out based on your preferences or what you have available. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
We absolutely cherish the bright flavors and the exquisite salty-sweet balance of this corn dish. It has undoubtedly earned a permanent spot on our weeknight dinner table. Its simplicity and family-friendly appeal are unmatched, not to mention the nostalgic comfort it brings to this corn-loving country girl at heart! It’s more than just a side; it’s a dish that evokes warmth, comfort, and the joy of home.
I sincerely hope you give this Creamy Confetti Corn with Bacon a try and fall in love with it just as much as we have. Your feedback is invaluable, so please don’t hesitate to leave a comment and a star rating if you decide to whip up this delicious recipe. Happy cooking!
Creamy Confetti Corn with Bacon
6 servings
15 minutes
15 minutes
30 minutes
Rated 5 out of 5 stars based on 4 ratings.
Printable recipe available (functionality depends on browser settings).
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon, chopped into small pieces
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn, (if using fresh, use 6-7 ears corn)
- 1 medium red bell pepper, small diced
- 1/2 medium red onion, small diced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 6 oz. cream cheese, regular or Neufchatel (light cream cheese) work
- 1/3 cup milk
- 6 green onions, chopped
- 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a large skillet set to medium-high heat, add chopped bacon. Cook ’til crisp, stirring occasionally, about 5-6 minutes. Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate; set aside. Reserve bacon fat in skillet.
- Add corn, bell pepper and red onion to the hot skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until veggies are tender, 6-7 minutes.
- Stir in cream cheese and milk, mixing well until melted in and smooth. If needed, add more milk (1 Tbsp. at a time) to thin the mixture.
- Stir in chopped green onions, parsley and bacon.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
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