Around the Campfire
Bacon cheddar corn is a sweet, salty campsite side that works with burgers, hot dogs, chicken, or rice bowls. It is easy to make and easy to like.
Why This Recipe Works
The Blackstone warms and lightly browns corn while bacon and cheddar finish the dish at the end. Keeping the cheese late helps prevent sticking.
Quick Facts
- Serves: 4
- Heat zone: Medium
- Best for: Burger nights, taco nights, easy sides
- Teaches: Finish toppings after the base is hot
Shopping List
- Corn
- Bacon
- Cheddar
- Butter or oil
- Optional green onions
Home Prep
Cook bacon ahead if desired. Portion cheese and corn before the trip.
Cooler Packing
Keep bacon and cheese cold. Keep corn sealed.
Equipment
- Blackstone griddle
- Spatula
- Tongs
Heat Zones
Use medium heat and give the vegetables room to caramelize rather than steam.
Ingredients
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or thawed from frozen; about 4 large ears or 3 cans drained)
- 4 strips bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter or cooking oil
Instructions
- Preheat the griddle to medium.
- Cook or warm 4 strips chopped bacon until crisp; remove and set aside.
- Add 2 tablespoons butter or oil to the griddle. Add 4 cups corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until hot and lightly browned, about 8–10 minutes.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the corn. Let melt, 2–3 minutes.
- Top with cooked bacon and serve.
Doneness
Corn should be hot throughout and cheese melted.
Common Mistakes
- Adding cheese too early.
- Letting corn dry out.
- Cooking bacon over too much heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with burgers, hot dogs, tacos, steak, or chicken. Try topping with sliced green onions, jalapenos, or a spoonful of salsa.
Variations
- Add jalapenos.
- Add green onions.
- Use pepper jack.
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-free: Verify bacon and toppings.
- Dairy-free: Skip cheese.
- Vegetarian: Skip bacon.
Scaling
Cook corn in batches or in a griddle-safe pan for larger groups.
Weather Notes
Wind is manageable because corn heats quickly.
Leftovers
Use leftovers in rice bowls, tacos, omelets, or breakfast scrambles.
Kid Helper Tasks
Kids can sprinkle cheese and green onions after cooking.
Dragonfly Tip
Cheese goes in late. Corn first, toppings second.
Dragonfly Challenge
Try one batch with cheddar and one with pepper jack. Pick the better camp side.