There is nothing quite like the irresistible comfort of the Skillet Cheesy Corn with Bacon and Green Chiles Recipe to cozy up your table. This dish is a glorious celebration of sweet corn, crispy bacon, and spicy green chiles, all blended together with plenty of melty, gooey cheese. It’s creamy, savory, and bursting with flavor in every bite, making it the ultimate side or even a scrumptious snack. If you want a dish that feels like a warm hug and packs a punch of cheesy, smoky goodness, this recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple ingredients, this Skillet Cheesy Corn with Bacon and Green Chiles Recipe comes to life with big flavors and beautiful textures. Every ingredient has a special role, from the crisp bacon to the creamy cheese, ensuring each bite is deliciously memorable.
- Frozen corn (2 x 12 oz packages): The star of the dish providing sweetness, texture, and vibrant color.
- Butter (4 Tbsp): Adds rich creaminess and helps soften the corn during cooking.
- Salt (to taste): Enhances the natural flavors of all ingredients.
- Pepper (to taste): Adds a subtle kick that balances the sweetness.
- Sugar (1 tsp): Boosts the natural sweetness of the corn perfectly.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates a luxuriously thick, creamy sauce that binds everything together.
- Scallions (3, chopped plus more for garnish): Bring a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
- Chopped green chiles (1 can, 4 oz): Provide gentle heat and a smoky depth that lifts the dish.
- Bacon (8-10 slices, cooked and chopped): Adds irresistible smokiness and crisp texture.
- Mozzarella cheese (16 oz shredded): Melts beautifully, making the dish gloriously cheesy and gooey.
How to Make Skillet Cheesy Corn with Bacon and Green Chiles Recipe
Step 1: Start with the Corn and Butter
Grab a large oven-proof skillet and toss in the frozen corn and butter. Cooking them together over medium heat lets the butter melt and the corn thaw out, which sets the stage for all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2: Season It Right
Once the corn is ready, stir in salt, pepper, and sugar. This trifecta balances the sweetness, seasoning, and a little bit of spice to awaken every kernel and make your taste buds smile.
Step 3: Add the Cream, Scallions, and Green Chiles
Now it’s time to pour in the heavy cream along with the chopped scallions and green chiles. Simmer the mixture gently over medium heat as the cream thickens, infusing the corn with a velvety texture and layers of rich flavor from the veggies and subtle heat from the chiles.
Step 4: Mix in Bacon and Cheese
Once the cream is silky and thickened, fold in the crispy bacon and most of the mozzarella cheese. Stir continuously so the cheese melts into the creamy corn, creating that classic cheesy goodness you crave.
Step 5: Broil for the Perfect Finish
Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top and slide your skillet under the broiler for about 5 minutes. Watch as the cheese melts and forms a gorgeous golden-brown crust, bringing a delightful texture contrast to this rich dish.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped scallions for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve immediately while warm and cheesy—you’re about to dig into pure comfort!
How to Serve Skillet Cheesy Corn with Bacon and Green Chiles Recipe
Garnishes
Adding an extra handful of scallions or even fresh chopped cilantro can brighten up the dish with color and subtle freshness. For a little spice kick, try a small dash of smoked paprika or a few chili flakes right before serving.
Side Dishes
This Skillet Cheesy Corn with Bacon and Green Chiles Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats, barbecued chicken, or even simple roasted vegetables. It’s also a fantastic indulgent side for taco nights or Sunday brunch spreads.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, serve this cheesy corn right in the skillet for a rustic look, or dish it up in small ramekins for individual portions. You can even use it as a hearty scoop to top baked potatoes or as a filling for savory crepes for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. Just make sure to cool it completely before storing.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save some for later. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and seal tightly. It’s best used within 1-2 months for optimal flavor and texture retention.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the corn gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You can also microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Adding a splash of cream or butter while reheating helps bring back its creamy charm.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh corn kernels work wonderfully in this recipe and add a lovely, sweet crunch. Just cut the kernels off the cob and use about 4 cups for the best results.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk to lighten it up, but keep in mind the sauce might be less rich and creamy. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream can work but will add a subtle coconut flavor.
What type of cheese works best?
Mozzarella’s mild meltiness makes it perfect here, but feel free to mix in sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack for a bit more tang and depth of flavor.
How spicy is the dish with the green chiles?
The green chiles add a mild heat that’s more smoky than fiery, keeping the dish accessible for most palates. If you prefer more heat, you can add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Just omit the bacon or replace it with smoked tempeh or mushrooms for a similar smoky flavor but keep all the other delicious elements intact.
Final Thoughts
This Skillet Cheesy Corn with Bacon and Green Chiles Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that combines simple ingredients into a spectacularly flavorful dish. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or as a star side at a gathering, it promises comfort, richness, and a touch of excitement in every spoonful. I encourage you to try making it soon—you might just find yourself coming back to it again and again!
Print
Skillet Cheesy Corn with Bacon and Green Chiles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Skillet Cheesy Corn is a creamy, cheesy side dish featuring sweet frozen corn cooked in butter and heavy cream, spiced with green chiles and scallions, and topped with crispy bacon and melted mozzarella cheese. Finished under the broiler for a bubbly, golden top, it’s a comforting, flavorful accompaniment perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 (12 ounces each) packages frozen corn
- 3 scallions, chopped plus more for garnish
- 1 (4 ounces) can chopped green chiles
Dairy
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 16 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided (8–10 slices equivalent)
Meat
- 8–10 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the skillet: In a large oven-proof skillet, combine the frozen corn and butter, placing it over medium heat.
- Thaw and melt: Cook until the corn is thawed and the butter has fully melted, stirring occasionally to combine.
- Season the mixture: Add sugar, salt, and pepper to taste, stirring well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Add cream and aromatics: Pour in the heavy cream, then add the chopped scallions and green chiles to the skillet.
- Thicken the cream: Continue cooking the mixture over medium heat for about 8 minutes, or until the cream thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Incorporate bacon and cheese: Stir in the cooked, chopped bacon and three-quarters of the shredded mozzarella until the cheese melts completely into the mixture.
- Top with remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top of the corn mixture in the skillet.
- Broil for a golden finish: Place the skillet under the broiler for about 5 minutes, or until the top cheese layer is melted and slightly browned, creating a bubbly crust.
- Garnish: Remove from the oven and sprinkle additional chopped scallions over the top for a fresh finish.
- Serve: Serve hot as a delicious, cheesy side dish to complement your meal.
Notes
- Use an oven-proof skillet to safely move from stovetop to broiler without transferring dishes.
- If you prefer less heat, use mild green chiles or omit altogether.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or substitute with smoked mushrooms or vegetarian bacon alternatives.
- Adjust seasoning as needed, especially salt, since bacon and cheese add saltiness.
- This dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or holiday feasts.
