Bacon Is Your Secret For The Best Grilled Corn On The Cob Ever

Enhance your summer grilling experience by incorporating bacon into your corn on the cob recipe for an unexpected twist of flavor. Start by selecting fresh ears of corn, ensuring they are bright and firm. Remove the husks and silk, preparing them for their savory upgrade. Wrap each ear of corn with a slice of bacon, securing it with toothpicks if necessary. The smoky, salty essence of bacon seeps into the kernels as they grill, creating a delightful contrast with the corn's natural sweetness. Cooking over medium heat allows the bacon to crisp up perfectly while the corn becomes tender and slightly charred. Turn the corn regularly to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Once done, you can brush the corn with melted butter and sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness. The combination of crispy bacon and juicy corn makes for a mouthwatering side dish that complements any barbecue spread. This method not only elevates the flavor profile of traditional grilled corn but also adds a layer of indulgence that is sure to impress your guests. Whether for a casual backyard cookout or a festive gathering, bacon-wrapped grilled corn is a surefire way to elevate your culinary repertoire.
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Boost the flavor with extra toppings

To personalize your bacon-wrapped corn on the cob, consider adding a unique twist with some extra ingredients inspired by Marcus Samuelsson's favorite toppings. If bacon alone isn't enough, elevate the dish with a variety of spices, herbs, and peppers.

Transform it into elote, or Mexican street corn, by incorporating aromatic elements like cotija (or feta) cheese, cilantro, lime juice, and chili powder. After grilling the bacon-wrapped corn, brush the cobs with mayonnaise and sprinkle on your delicious toppings to achieve that rich, creamy elote flavor. If the toppings make it difficult to eat, feel free to cut the corn off the cob and enjoy it in a bowl like esquites (street corn salad). For a simpler version, just dust the bacon-wrapped corn with chili powder or mild seasoned salt before grilling.

To amp up the heat, add hot peppers. When wrapping the corn, place a few slices of jalapeños on top of the bacon so they get rolled in with the corn. You can also include some basil or cilantro for added flavor and a touch of sweetness. The grill will enhance the jalapeños' charred flavor, which pairs beautifully with the smoky bacon and sweet corn.

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