Skillet Corn with Spinach and Peppers: A Flavorful Summer Side Dish
As the season brings an abundance of tender sweet corn, this incredible Skillet Corn with Spinach and Peppers inevitably finds its way back onto our dinner table. Combining the inherent sweetness of corn with the smoky richness of bacon, the freshness of spinach, and the subtle kick of red pepper flakes, this dish offers an amazing depth of flavor that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re gathering fresh ears from the local farmer’s market or using high-quality frozen kernels, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable side dish that complements almost any meal. Prepare to elevate your corn experience from ordinary to extraordinary with this vibrant and easy-to-make skillet creation.
Why This Skillet Corn Recipe Is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another corn recipe; it’s a celebration of seasonal flavors packed into one convenient skillet. Here’s why this Skillet Corn with Spinach and Peppers will quickly become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire:
- A Delicious Twist on Corn: If your summer routine involves a lot of steamed or grilled corn on the cob, this skillet dish offers a refreshing and incredibly flavorful alternative. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the natural sweetness of corn in a new and exciting format.
- Unbeatable Flavor Profile: The magic happens when the sweet corn meets the savory, crispy bacon. Add in the subtle heat from red pepper flakes, the delicate aroma of shallots, and the earthiness of spinach and bell peppers, and you have a symphony of flavors that’s truly delightful. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, fresh, and slightly spicy.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: Designed for busy weeknights and relaxed weekend gatherings, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. It requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact, making it ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
- Versatile and Adaptable: While it shines with fresh summer corn, this recipe is equally delicious with frozen corn, making it a year-round favorite. It’s also incredibly flexible; easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs (more on this in the variations section!).
- Elevates Any Meal: This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a showstopper. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, fish, or even as a light vegetarian main with some crusty bread. Its vibrant colors and rich aromas make it a welcoming addition to any dinner table.
Mastering Skillet Corn: A Step-by-Step Guide
Crafting this flavorful side dish is straightforward and enjoyable. It’s the perfect recipe to showcase fresh, sweet corn when it’s at its peak, or to bring a touch of summer to your table any time of year with frozen kernels. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious outcome:
- Prepare Your Corn: If using fresh corn on the cob, you’ll first need to cook it until tender. Steaming is an excellent method, taking just 3-5 minutes in a covered pot for fresh ears. Once cooked, allow the corn to cool slightly. For optimal flavor and ease, stand each ear tip-side down in a large bowl and use a sharp knife to slice the kernels away from the cob, working from the stem end downwards. If using frozen corn, simply ensure it is defrosted before use, or add it directly to the skillet and extend the cooking time slightly until tender.
- Crisp the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally until the bacon is perfectly crispy and golden brown. This step is crucial for rendering out the fat, which will infuse the entire dish with a wonderful smoky flavor. Once cooked, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain it on a paper towel-lined plate. Carefully pour off any excess bacon grease from the skillet, leaving just about a tablespoon behind to build the flavor base.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add one tablespoon of butter to the same skillet (or a touch more if you omitted the bacon). Once melted, add the minced shallot and sauté until it becomes tender and translucent, typically 2-3 minutes. Shallots offer a milder, sweeter onion flavor that beautifully complements the corn without overpowering it.
- Combine Core Vegetables and Season: Introduce the corn kernels and chopped red bell pepper to the skillet. If you enjoy a touch of heat, now is the time to add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Season generously with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the corn is tender and the peppers have softened slightly, usually 3-5 minutes for fresh corn.
- Incorporate Bacon, Scallions, and Spinach: Return the crispy bacon to the skillet. Add the sliced scallions and about half of the baby spinach leaves. Stir gently until the spinach wilts down, which happens quite quickly. Then, add the remaining spinach and continue to stir until all the spinach is fully incorporated and tender. Cooking the spinach in two batches helps prevent overcrowding the skillet and ensures even wilting.
- Final Stir and Serve: Give the entire mixture a final stir to ensure all ingredients are well combined and heated through. Serve your Skillet Corn with Spinach and Peppers warm as a vibrant and irresistible side dish.
Tips for the Perfect Skillet Corn
To ensure your Skillet Corn with Spinach and Peppers turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Choose Fresh Corn Wisely: When buying fresh corn, look for bright green husks that are tightly wrapped, with moist ends. The silk should be slightly sticky and golden brown. Peel back a small section of the husk to check for plump, milky kernels.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Use a large skillet to ensure the ingredients cook evenly and develop a nice sear. Overcrowding can steam the vegetables instead of sautéing them, resulting in a less vibrant flavor and texture.
- Adjust Spice to Your Liking: The pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle warmth. If you prefer more heat, feel free to increase the amount. For a milder dish, omit them entirely.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your dish before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and any other seasonings as needed. The sweetness of the corn and the saltiness of the bacon will influence the overall flavor balance.
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can cook the bacon and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and then simply combine and cook when you’re ready to serve.
Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions
This Skillet Corn with Spinach and Peppers is wonderfully versatile. Here are some ideas to customize it and pair it with your favorite meals:
Customization Ideas:
- Vegetarian & Vegan Adaptations: This dish is easily made vegetarian by simply omitting the bacon. For a vegan version, also replace the butter with olive oil or your favorite plant-based butter. You might consider adding smoked paprika for a hint of smoky flavor if you’re going meatless.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to toss in other quick-cooking vegetables. Cherry tomatoes (halved), sliced zucchini, or chopped mushrooms would be delicious additions. Just ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Herbaceous Freshness: Stir in a handful of fresh chopped herbs like parsley, cilantro, chives, or basil at the very end for an extra burst of freshness and aroma.
- Cheesy Goodness: A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese, grated Parmesan, or a touch of goat cheese after cooking can add a creamy, tangy dimension.
- Boost the Protein: For a more substantial meal, add cooked and shredded chicken, crumbled sausage, or a can of drained and rinsed black beans along with the corn.
Serving Suggestions:
- Grilled Favorites: This skillet corn is the ultimate companion to any grilled main, from juicy steaks and chicken breasts to tender pork chops and flaky white fish.
- Summer BBQ Staple: Serve it alongside burgers, hot dogs, or ribs at your next backyard barbecue.
- Brunch Side: It’s a fantastic addition to a brunch spread, pairing well with scrambled eggs, quiches, or frittatas.
- Light Main Course: Enjoy a larger portion on its own with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a quick and satisfying vegetarian lunch or light dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skillet Corn
There are several popular and effective ways to cook fresh corn on the cob, including steaming, boiling, grilling, and microwaving. Steaming is often preferred for its ability to preserve the corn’s natural sweetness and tenderness; it typically takes about 3-5 minutes in a covered pot. For exceptionally fresh, just-picked sweet corn, you might find it cooks perfectly in as little as 2 minutes. When boiling, avoid adding salt to the water, as research from the University of Illinois suggests salt can toughen the corn kernels. It’s best to pass salt along with butter at the table. For other methods, such as grilling, you can find detailed instructions and delicious pairings like a compound butter for corn on specialized recipe posts.
Absolutely! Frozen corn is an excellent substitute for fresh corn, especially when fresh options are out of season or unavailable. It is typically flash-frozen at its peak of freshness, locking in all its sweet flavor and nutrients. You can often add frozen corn directly to the skillet without thawing; just be prepared for a slightly longer cooking time to ensure it heats through and becomes tender. This makes the Skillet Corn with Spinach and Peppers a fantastic year-round recipe!
The best way to determine if fresh corn is cooked to perfection is to pierce a few kernels with a sharp knife or the tip of a fork. If the knife or fork inserts easily and the kernels are tender and juicy, your corn is done. Very fresh corn will cook faster and be naturally more tender, while older corn might require a minute or two longer. Ultimately, taste is the best indicator!
Yes, this skillet corn is incredibly easy to adapt for a vegetarian diet. Simply omit the bacon from the recipe. To ensure you don’t lose any flavor or richness, you might want to add an extra teaspoon of butter or a swirl of olive oil to the skillet when sautéing the shallots. You could also introduce smoked paprika to give a subtle smoky depth that mimics the bacon’s contribution. For a vegan version, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative or olive oil.
This dish is best served fresh, right after cooking, to enjoy the vibrant textures of the spinach and the crispness of the bacon. However, you can certainly prepare some components ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. You can cook and dice the bacon, chop the bell peppers and shallots, and even remove the corn kernels from the cobs a day in advance. Store all prepped ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and then simply assemble and cook when you’re ready to serve.
If you happen to have any leftovers of this delicious skillet corn, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the corn in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also use a microwave, heating in short bursts and stirring in between. Be mindful that the spinach might become slightly softer upon reheating, but the flavors will still be wonderful.
More Delicious Side Dishes to Explore
If you loved this Skillet Corn with Spinach and Peppers, you’ll surely enjoy these other fantastic side dish ideas that are perfect for any occasion:
- Easy Corn Dip from Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom
- Maque Choux from The Gingered Whisk
- Creamed Corn Casserole from Savory Experiments
- Corn, Basil and Tomato Salad
- Fresh Corn and Black Bean Salad
- Summer Tomato Tart
- Spinach Almond and Berries Salad
- Plus many more delicious Side Dish Recipes
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Skillet Corn with Spinach and Peppers
10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes
4 servings
A flavorful side dish made with fresh summer sweet corn, spinach, peppers and bacon! Perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 shallot, minced
- 3 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- ½ cup chopped red bell pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 to 3 scallions, sliced
- 4 cups baby spinach leaves
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until brown.
- Remove and drain on paper towels. Pour off the excess oil.
- Add the butter to the skillet and melt. Add shallot and saute until soft.
- Add corn, bell pepper, and red pepper flakes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook until the corn is tender, 3-5 minutes.
- Add the bacon, scallions, and half the spinach. Stir until the spinach has wilted, then add the rest of the spinach.
- Give the mixture a final stir and serve warm.
Notes
Adapted from The Mom 100 Cookbook.
Leave out the bacon for a vegetarian version.
Replace the butter (and omit bacon) for a vegan version. Use olive oil instead.
Toss in whatever vegetables sound good to you. Make sure they’re cut into bite-sized pieces.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 245
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 19mg
Sodium: 492mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 14g
Thatskinnychickcanbake.com occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although thatskinnychickcanbake.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe. Also, many recipes on thatskinnychickcanbake.com recommend toppings, which may or may not be listed as optional and nutritional information for these added toppings is not listed. Other factors may change the nutritional information such as when the salt amount is listed “to taste,” it is not calculated into the recipe as the amount will vary. Also, different online calculators can provide different results. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information obtained is accurate.
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