Creamed Corn with Bacon and Herbs Recipe

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 8 strips thick cut bacon, optional (recommended)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 shallot, minced
• 3 10-oz pkgs frozen corn kernels, thawed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup half and half
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Dash of cayenne pepper
• Chopped parsley, optional for garnish

Blender Corn

• 1 1/2 cups frozen thawed corn (from above listed corn)
• 1 cup half and half
• 4 oz cream cheese, cubed, very soft
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon flour

Instructions

1. Remove 1 ½ cups of thawed corn from the packages and add to a blender along with 1 cup half and half, 4 oz cubed cream cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon flour. Blend until completely smooth, then set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, cook the bacon strips over medium heat until crisp. Once done, transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
3. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pan. Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter to the drippings and melt over medium heat. Add minced shallot and sauté for 2 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the remaining thawed corn kernels to the pan along with 1 cup half and half, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon each of dried rosemary, thyme, paprika, pepper, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Cook the mixture over medium heat for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Pour in the blended corn mixture and stir well to combine. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes or until the creamed corn thickens to your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, stir in a little extra half and half or milk to loosen it.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper if desired. Garnish with the crispy bacon pieces and chopped parsley if using. Serve warm as a delightful side dish.

Notes

• If omitting bacon, increase the unsalted butter amount to 3 tablespoons to maintain richness.
• Use fresh corn kernels if available for a sweeter, fresher taste.
• Adjust the thickness by adding more or less half and half according to preference.
• For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use olive oil or extra butter for sautéing.