Southern Fried Corn Skillet

Name: Southern Fried Corn Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 ears of corn (husked); 4 slices bacon (chopped); 1 tbsp sugar; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

30 min 4 servings Easy

All Recipes

Savour the rich, creamy flavours of Southern fried corn cooked to perfection in bacon fat.

Prep

10 min

Cook

20 min

Total

30 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Southern Fried Corn is a classic side dish that embodies comfort and flavour. This dish is all about simplicity and letting the natural sweetness of the corn shine through. By cooking the corn in bacon fat, you add a smoky richness that complements the corn's sweetness perfectly. Using a cast iron skillet ensures an even cooking temperature, allowing the corn to caramelize slightly and develop a deeper flavour. The corn is cooked in its own milk, which thickens and creates a creamy texture that is simply irresistible. It's an easy yet impressive dish that stands out on any dinner table.

Instructions

Prepare corn

Using a sharp knife, cut the kernels off the cob, and then use the back of the knife to scrape the cob to collect the corn milk.

Pro tip: The corn milk adds creaminess to the dish.

Cook bacon

In a large cast iron skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the skillet.

Pro tip: Bacon fat adds a smoky flavour to the corn.

Sauté corn kernels

Add the corn kernels and their milk to the skillet. Stir to coat the corn in bacon fat and cook for 2-3 minutes until the corn begins to soften.

Pro tip: Ensure the corn is evenly coated with bacon fat for optimal flavour.

Add sugar and seasoning

Stir in the sugar, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is tender.

Pro tip: Adjust seasoning to taste at this stage.

Incorporate milk

Pour in the whole milk and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

Pro tip: Do not overcook; the corn should be creamy, not dry.

Finish and serve

Return the crispy bacon to the skillet, stir to combine, and serve hot.

Pro tip: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added colour.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use fresh corn for optimal sweetness and texture.
Cooking in bacon fat enhances the corn's natural sweetness.
A cast iron skillet provides even heat distribution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Southern fried corn?

Southern fried corn is a dish where corn is cooked in bacon fat and its own milk until it thickens, often seasoned with sugar, salt, and pepper.

How do you make fried corn?

Fried corn is made by sautéing corn kernels in bacon fat, seasoning with sugar, salt, and pepper, then cooking with milk until creamy.

What kind of corn is best for frying?

Fresh sweet corn is best for frying due to its natural sweetness and tender kernels.

Can you use canned or frozen corn?

Yes, but fresh corn yields the best flavour and texture. If using canned or frozen, adjust cooking times as needed.

How long does it take to cook Southern fried corn?

It takes about 20 minutes to cook Southern fried corn from start to finish.

What should I serve with Southern fried corn?

Serve it with barbecued meats, grilled chicken, or alongside hearty stews for a classic Southern meal.

Serving Suggestions

Southern Fried Corn is perfect as a side dish for barbecued meats, grilled chicken, or even a hearty stew. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a slice of cornbread for a truly Southern meal. This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop to maintain its creamy texture, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen it.

Nutrition per serving

220

Calories

Protein

10g

Fat

Enjoy the creamy, sweet goodness of homemade creamed corn. Perfect with fresh, frozen, or canned corn, this recipe is a versatile side dish.

Easy40 min

See the recipe

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