Yields: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick-cut maple bacon, chopped
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 4-5 ears sweet corn, kernels cut off cob (or about 4 cups frozen sweet corn, thawed)
- 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts)
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Reserve about a tablespoon of the bacon grease in the pan.
2. Make the brown butter: Add the butter to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook over medium heat, swirling the pan constantly, until the butter foams, then turns a light caramel brown color (this should take about 2-3 minutes). Watch carefully to avoid burning!
3. Add the corn and flavorings: Immediately add the corn kernels, green onions, bourbon, and maple syrup to the skillet. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Sauté: Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until the corn is tender-crisp and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Finish and serve: Crumble the cooked bacon and stir it back into the corn mixture. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
Fresh is best: Use fresh sweet corn if it’s in season! It makes a huge difference in flavor.
Quality matters: Use good-quality bourbon and pure maple syrup for the best results.
Make it creamy: For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end along with the bacon.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
This is an addictive side dish perfect for summer cookouts or as a delicious addition to a weeknight meal.
