Growing up, Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers were always the star of our family’s summer barbecues. I can still remember the mouthwatering aroma wafting through the air as my dad tended to the grill, carefully rotating those golden-brown nuggets of deliciousness. The sweet, caramelized corn kernels nestled snugly within a savory bacon blanket – it was like a flavor explosion in every bite.
Whenever those Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers hit the table, it was a race to see who could grab them first. My sister and I would fight over the last skewer, each of us claiming it was rightfully ours. Dad would just chuckle and shake his head, amused by our antics, before finally stepping in to play referee. Those were such fun, lively memories that I’ll always cherish.
Why This Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers
Even though Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers seem like a simple dish, there’s a little secret to making them truly exceptional. The key is in the preparation – parboiling the corn first to get it perfectly tender, then wrapping it in a strip of savory bacon before grilling. This ensures the corn cooks through without drying out, while the bacon gets deliciously crisp and infuses everything with its smoky, salty goodness. It’s a game-changing technique that takes these Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers to the next level.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Corn: Sweet, fresh corn is the star of this dish. Look for cobs with plump, juicy kernels.
- Bacon: Thick-cut, applewood-smoked bacon works best to complement the corn’s sweetness.
- Skewers: Metal or soaked wooden skewers will help you easily assemble and grill the Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers.
- Seasonings: A simple blend of salt, pepper, and a touch of brown sugar enhances the natural flavors.
Step-by-Step Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers Instructions
Preparing Your Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers
These Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers come together quickly, with just a few simple steps. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish, including the cooking time. You’ll need a grill or grill pan to get that delightful charred flavor.
1- Start by parboiling the corn cobs for 5 minutes to partially cook them. This ensures the corn will be tender and juicy when grilled.
2- While the corn is cooking, slice the bacon strips in half lengthwise to create thinner, more manageable pieces.
3- Carefully thread the parboiled corn cobs onto skewers, leaving a bit of space between each one. Wrap a half-slice of bacon around each piece of corn, securing it with a toothpick.
4- Generously season the Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers all over with salt, pepper, and a light sprinkling of brown sugar. This creates a delectable caramelized crust when grilled.
5- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers for 15-20 minutes, rotating them frequently, until the bacon is crispy and the corn is charred in spots.
6- Remove the skewers from the grill and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy those Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers hot off the grill!
Pro Tips for Success
One key tip for perfect Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers is to parboil the corn first. This helps ensure the corn cooks through without the bacon burning. Additionally, be sure to use thick-cut bacon, as the thinner slices can sometimes shrink and unwrap during grilling.
Another pro tip is to soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling the Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers. This prevents the skewers from burning on the grill.
Serving and Storing Your Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers
Perfect Pairings for Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers
These Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers are the ultimate summertime grilling dish. They pair beautifully with classic barbecue favorites like coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad. For drinks, an ice-cold beer or lemonade are perfect complements.
You can also serve the Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers as an appetizer at your next backyard gathering or tailgate party. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleasing hit!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to grill. Just be sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the bacon from drying out.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers
Creative Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers Variations
While the classic Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers are hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to mix things up. Try swapping in different types of bacon, like maple-cured or jalapeño-infused, for extra flavor. You can also experiment with seasoning blends, such as Cajun or lemon-pepper.
For a fun twist, try threading cherry tomatoes or small chunks of bell pepper onto the skewers alongside the corn. The vibrant colors and contrasting flavors are sure to delight.
Making Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers Diet-Friendly
To make these Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers more diet-friendly, you can opt for turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly.
For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of the regular soy sauce. And for a low-carb take, you can serve the Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers over a bed of grilled zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
A: While fresh corn is ideal, you can certainly use frozen corn kernels in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw them completely before parboiling and assembling the Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers.
Q: How can I ensure the bacon cooks through?
A: The key is to parboil the corn first, which helps the bacon cook more evenly. You can also try partially cooking the bacon before wrapping it around the corn.
Q: Can I make Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to grill. Just be sure to cover them tightly to prevent the bacon from drying out.
Q: How many Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield 8-10 Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers, depending on the size of your corn cobs. You can easily scale the recipe up or down to serve your desired number of guests.
Q: What should I do if the bacon isn’t crisping up?
A: If the bacon isn’t crisping up as much as you’d like, try increasing the grill temperature or grilling the Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers for a bit longer. You can also try parboiling the bacon strips before wrapping them around the corn.
Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 12 skewers
Description
Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers are a quick and easy appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Juicy corn kernels are wrapped in crispy, savory bacon for a flavor-packed bite that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
– 6 ears of corn, shucked and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare your grill for medium-high heat.
2. – In a large bowl, toss the corn pieces with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. – Wrap each piece of corn with a half slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick or skewer.
4. – Arrange the bacon-wrapped corn skewers on a baking sheet or grill grate, making sure they are not touching.
5. – Bake for 15-18 minutes, or grill for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the corn is tender.
6. – Remove the toothpicks or skewers and serve the Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers warm.
Notes
For a crispier texture, you can broil the skewers for 2-3 minutes after baking or grilling. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the bacon is cooked through. These skewers can also be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers are the ultimate summertime grilling recipe that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With their irresistible combination of sweet corn and savory, crispy bacon, these skewers are guaranteed to be the star of your next backyard barbecue or tailgate party.
The secret to making them truly exceptional lies in the parboiling technique, which ensures the corn cooks through perfectly while the bacon gets deliciously caramelized. So, fire up that grill and get ready to enjoy the most incredible Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Corn Skewers you’ve ever tasted! Don’t forget to let me know how they turn out in the comments below.
