Easy Southern fried corn with bacon is a rich and flavorful side dish. It’s one of my favorite sides to make, especially in the Summer during peak corn season. This is a MUST try corn recipe.

I know it’s still a little early in the year but I am already dreaming about Summer and all of the fresh vegetables that come along with it. Corn in particular, is one vegetable that I can’t get enough of during the warm months.

This recipe is such a great way to use fresh corn. Try serving it alongside chicken, burgers, pork, and more.

What is fried corn?

This is a classic Southern side dish that is made by cooking corn kernels with bacon grease and spices. Not to be confused with creamed corn which cooks the corn in milk.

How to pick the best corn

In my opinion, fresh corn from the cob is the best choice when making this fried corn recipe. The corn really is the star of the show so you should try to choose the best.

The key to picking corn is in the kernel. Check for plump kernels with good color. I love using yellow and white corn.

Another thing to look for when picking corn is the corn husk. It should be a nice bright green color.

Ingredients needed for fried corn

Corn kernels – I love using fresh corn but fee free to use thawed, frozen corn.

Butter – Butter just makes everything better. Use unsalted, sweet cream butter.

Bacon – Adds a delicious depth of flavor.

Bacon grease – Adds even more flavor.

How to make Southern fried corn

Scroll to the bottom for full printable recipe and ingredients.

• Remove the corn kernels from the cob.
• Cook 3 pieces of bacon in a large skillet until they are crispy.
• Place the bacon on a plate and add the corn into the skillet with bacon grease.

• Add in the finely diced red pepper and diced onion to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute.
• Stir in the corn over medium heat.

• Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and add butter.
• Top with crumbled bacon because everything is better with extra bacon.

How to remove corn kernels from the corn cob

• Start by removing the husk and cleaning off all of the corn silks.
• Cut off the end of one side of the corn, stand it up and use a sharp knife to cut close to the cob and remove the kernels.
• I have also used a bundt pan by placed the cut end of the corn in the hold of the pan. Cut the kernels off the cob and they will collect in the bundt pan.

Fried corn variations

This traditional Southern recipe is delicious just the way it is but you can try adding a few extra ingredients to add a new spin.

• Fresh herbs – Add a little green to the dish with fresh green onions, chives, or parsley.
• Vegetables – Add a little heat with diced jalapeno or diced tomatoes.
• Cheese – Try a sprinkle of goat cheese, cheddar cheese, or Parmesan cheese.

More delicious side dishes

• Corn salad – This is a fresh corn salad with tomatoes and other veggies.
• Pea salad – This is a popular recipe on the site.
• Broccoli salad – Another wonderful salad full of broccoli and bacon.
• Deviled spinach – One of my mom’s favorites. Creamy spinach with cheese and a dash of spice.
• Cucumber salad – Cool, creamy salad with cucumbers and onions.
• Slow cooker cream cheese corn – A simple, rich corn recipe.
• Canned green beans recipe – Super simple side dish.