Bacon-Wrapped Corn on the Cob: A Savory Summer Recipe
A spicy honey glaze and crispy bacon elevate sweet corn to a must-serve seasonal staple.
Bacon-Wrapped Corn on the Cob: The Ultimate Guide for Summer Entertaining
If you’re looking for a truly irresistible way to enjoy sweet summer corn, look no further than Bacon-Wrapped Corn on the Cob. This dish marries the smoky, savory flavors of bacon with the natural sweetness and crunch of fresh corn, all finished with a spicy honey glaze for the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a Father’s Day feast, or just seeking a fun new side for dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why Bacon-Wrapped Corn Belongs At Your Cookouts
- Bold, Contrasting Flavors: The saltiness of bacon enhances the natural sweetness of fresh corn.
- Unique Presentation: Bacon spiraled neatly around corn looks impressive and appetizing.
- Simple Preparation: Few ingredients and minimal prep yield maximum flavor.
- Versatile Cooking: Perfect for oven roasting, grilling, or even campfire cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh corn (ears, shucked and halved) | 6 |
| Bacon (slices) | 12 |
| Honey | ¼ cup |
| Cayenne pepper | ¼ tsp. |
| Vegetable oil | ¼ cup |
| Kosher salt | 1½ tsp. |
| Black pepper | to taste |
Optional Add-Ins
- Smoked paprika for extra flavor
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Maple syrup in place of honey for a deeper sweetness
How To Make Bacon-Wrapped Corn on the Cob
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (218°C), and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix the Spicy Glaze: In a small bowl, blend the honey with cayenne pepper. Set aside; this will be brushed onto the bacon-wrapped corn before roasting.
- Season the Corn: Toss shucked and halved corn in a bowl with vegetable oil, kosher salt, and black pepper to help the bacon stick and add flavor.
- Wrap the Corn: Take each piece of corn and wrap a slice of bacon around it, starting at one end and spiraling around the cob. Overlap the bacon slightly and tuck the end under itself so it stays secure while roasting.
- Arrange and Glaze: Lay the bacon-wrapped corn seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Brush each cob with the spicy honey glaze for a sweet and spicy finish.
- Roast: Place in the oven and roast for about 25 minutes, turning the cobs halfway through. The corn should be tender and the bacon crispy and browned.
- Serve: Let cool slightly and serve hot, garnished with extra honey or herbs if desired.
Tips for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Corn
- Tuck the Bacon Securely: This prevents the bacon from unraveling as it cooks.
- Choose Thick-Cut Bacon: Standard thickness works best for even cooking and holds up well during roasting.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Allow some space between cobs for even browning.
- Flip Once: Turning halfway helps both sides cook evenly and crisps the bacon.
- Add Glaze Generously: Brushing the spicy honey on both sides intensifies flavor and helps caramelize the bacon.
Creative Variations to Try
This recipe is both adaptable and inspiring. Try these twists for a fresh take:
- Maple-Bacon Corn: Swap honey for maple syrup and add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Cheesy Bacon Corn: Sprinkle shredded parmesan or cotija cheese over the finished cob.
- Herb-Lover’s Corn: Toss fresh chopped herbs like basil, cilantro, or chives onto the cobs just before serving.
- Spicy Kick: For extra heat, add chili powder to the honey glaze or sprinkle the finished corn with a dash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Bacon-Wrapped Corn on the Cob shines as a side dish, but it’s versatile enough to serve in many settings. Consider these pairings for a perfect meal:
- Grilled steak, burgers, or barbecue chicken
- Summer salads like potato salad or cowboy pasta salad
- Fresh vegetable sides—think roasted asparagus or grilled broccoli
- Savory brunch spreads with eggs and baked beans
Can You Make Bacon-Wrapped Corn Ahead of Time?
To streamline prep for parties or large gatherings:
- Wrap corn and store refrigerated: Assemble cobs up to a day ahead and keep covered in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Bake just before serving: For best texture, roast right before serving so the bacon stays crispy and the corn tender.
What others are reading
Why Bacon Makes Corn on the Cob Irresistible
Bacon’s magic comes from its interplay of salty, smoky, and rich flavors with the juicy, sweet pop of summer corn. When roasted together, the bacon renders and crisps while its fat bastes the corn, resulting in an unbeatable combination:
- Smoky aroma infuses the corn kernels
- Bacon fat keeps the corn moist and tender
- Sweet and spicy glaze caramelizes for extra texture
Nutritional Overview
| Component | Estimated Value (per cob) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210-250 |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Sodium | 490 mg |
Please note these are rough estimates and may vary depending on bacon thickness, glaze amount, and serving size.
More Cowboy-Inspired Recipes for Every Season
- Southern Potato Salad: Rich, creamy, and perfect for cookouts.
- Cowboy Pasta Salad: Hearty side packed with bold flavors.
- BBQ Chicken Without a Grill: All the smoky flavor, no grill required.
- Father’s Day Brunch Menu: Make-ahead dishes for a festive brunch.
- Steak and Eggs: Classic cowboy breakfast pairing.
Other Summer Corn Recipes Worth Trying
- Pan de Elote: Sweet Mexican cornbread bursting with fresh corn flavor.
- Hot Corn Dip: Cheesy, spicy dip for parties and gatherings.
- Chipotle Corn Salsa: Zesty, homemade salsa for topping tacos or dipping chips.
- Corn Salad: A refreshing blend of corn, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and chipotle-lime dressing.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Charred, smoky corn in the husk for classic summer taste.
Best Bacon Recipes to Try Alongside Corn
- Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Chili Butter: Elegant appetizer for special occasions.
- Maple-Bacon Scones: Sweet and savory baked treat ideal for brunch.
- Twice-Baked Potato Casserole: Creamy potatoes layered with crispy bacon.
- BLT Pasta Salad: Cool pasta salad loaded with fresh veggies and bacon.
Pro Tips for a Perfect BBQ Spread
- Mix and match sides for variety—add creamy potato salad, corn souffle, and bright salads.
- Serve alongside classic grill fare like burgers, steaks, and BBQ chicken.
- Include colorful vegetable dishes for balance—think grilled broccoli or stuffed tomatoes.
- Don’t forget cool drinks and fresh lemonade to complement the smoky, bold flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I cook bacon-wrapped corn on the grill instead of in the oven?
A: Yes. Place the bacon-wrapped corn over indirect heat on the grill, turning occasionally. Watch for flare-ups and cook until the bacon is crisp and the corn is tender, similar to oven timing.
Q: What type of bacon is best for wrapping corn?
A: Standard or thick-cut bacon works best. Thin bacon may become too crispy too quickly and is harder to wrap; thick bacon stays moist and neatly spiraled during roasting.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: You can substitute vegetarian or turkey bacon, but flavor and texture may change. Use a smoky seasoning or cheese for additional taste.
Q: Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
A: Fresh corn is best for optimal texture. If using frozen, thaw completely and blot dry before wrapping to prevent sogginess.
Q: Is spicy honey glaze necessary?
A: The glaze adds unique flavor, but you can omit cayenne for a milder dish or substitute with a blend of favorite spices.
Q: How do I prevent the bacon from unwrapping?
A: Always tuck the bacon ends securely, or use wooden toothpicks if needed. Lay seam-side down for extra hold.
SEO Tips for Sharing Bacon-Wrapped Corn Recipes
- Use keywords like “bacon-wrapped corn”, “summer cookout recipes”, and “BBQ side dishes”
- Include instructional step-by-step headings for readers and search engines
- Add cooking tips, variations, and pairing suggestions for comprehensive content
- Frequently update tags and meta descriptions to match seasonal trends
Ready to Try Bacon-Wrapped Corn?
Whether you’re a home cook looking for a wow-worthy side or an aspiring grill master, bacon-wrapped corn on the cob is an easy and memorable addition to any summer meal. Its blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors will have your guests coming back for seconds—and asking for your secret recipe.
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