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
Scale
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.
