The Ultimate Summer Side: Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Corn on the Cob!
Hey there, flavor adventurer! Isla here from BiteTide, and I’m practically buzzing with excitement to share today’s recipe. Picture this: sweet summer corn, hugged by crispy, smoky bacon, kissed by Cajun spices, and grilled to perfection. This isn’t just corn on the cob—it’s a flavor tsunami crashing onto your taste buds! If your cookout sides feel stuck in a rut, this recipe is your golden ticket to becoming the undisputed grill hero of summer. No fancy skills needed—just pure, unapologetic deliciousness. Trust me, the first time I tested this, my neighbors followed the smoky-sweet aroma right into my backyard! Ready to turn ordinary corn into a jaw-dropping crowd-pleaser? Let’s fire up those grills and make magic.
Grandpa’s Grill & My Bacon Epiphany
This recipe whisks me straight back to my 10-year-old self, barefoot on a sticky July evening at Grandpa Joe’s lakeside cabin. He’d always grill corn in husks over crackling oak logs, teasing me about “city kids” who’d never taste “real fire-kissed gold.” One year, a rogue bacon strip fell onto his corn while he flipped burgers. He shrugged, left it there, and—oh. my. stars. That smoky, caramelized bite became legendary in our family lore. Years later, while testing BiteTide recipes, I resurrected that happy accident. After wrapping dozens of cobs (and eating my “research”), I landed on the Cajun-spiced, foil-steamed version you’re about to make. Every bite? Pure nostalgia with extra crunch. Grandpa Joe would’ve high-fived me through a mouthful of bacon!
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Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Corn on the Cob
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 1x
Description
Smoky, sweet, and completely addictive—this Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Corn on the Cob brings the ultimate summer flavor mashup. Wrapped in crispy bacon with a Cajun kick, it’s the cookout upgrade you didn’t know you needed!
Ingredients
10 ears corn, husked and cleaned
Cajun seasoning, to taste
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 lb sliced bacon (about 10 slices)
10 sheets aluminum foil (12x8 inches each)
Instructions
Preheat grill to medium heat (about 375°F/190°C).
Season corn lightly with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
Wrap each ear with a slice of bacon, spiraling from end to end.
Wrap tightly in foil, sealing ends to trap steam and bacon drippings.
Grill for 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally, until bacon is cooked through and corn is tender.
For crispier bacon, carefully unwrap foil and place corn directly on the grill for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: snack
Nutrition
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 7g
Gather Your Flavor Squad
Simple ingredients, MASSIVE impact! Here’s what you’ll need (and why):
- 10 ears corn, husked and cleaned – Pro tip: Look for plump kernels and moist stems! Stale corn won’t steam well.
- Cajun seasoning, to taste – My MVP! Use store-bought or DIY (paprika + garlic powder + onion powder + cayenne + oregano). Swap with taco or BBQ seasoning if needed.
- Salt & black pepper, to taste – Flavor foundation—don’t skip!
- 1 lb sliced bacon (about 10 slices) – Regular-cut works best. Thick-cut won’t crisp; thin-cut may burn. For heat lovers, try peppered bacon!
- 10 sheets aluminum foil (12×8 inches each) – Your bacon’s crispy-but-not-burnt insurance policy!
Chef insight: The foil wrap is KEY! It traps steam to cook the corn in bacony goodness while protecting the bacon from flare-ups. Pure kitchen alchemy!
Let’s Make That Bacon Work Its Magic!
Fire up the grill (or oven—no judgment!), and let’s roll:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (375°F/190°C) – Hot enough to sizzle, not scorch. If coals are your jam, aim for a 4-second hand hold over the heat.
- Season those golden cobs! – Sprinkle corn lightly with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Don’t overdo it—the bacon adds saltiness! Pro hack: Rub spices with a tiny bit of oil to help them stick.
- Bacon hug time! – Starting at the base, spiral-wrap one bacon slice tightly around each cob. Overlap slightly—it shrinks as it cooks! Secure ends with toothpicks if they unravel, but usually, the foil holds it.
- Foiled again (in a good way)! – Wrap each bacon-clad cob snugly in foil, twisting ends like a candy wrapper. No steam escapes = juicy corn + perfectly cooked bacon!
- Grill for 20-25 minutes – Place packets on the grill, turning every 5-7 minutes with tongs. Hear the sizzle? That’s the sound of happiness!
- Crispy bacon finale (optional but glorious) – Carefully unwrap foil (hot steam alert!). Grill corn directly for 2-3 minutes per side until bacon crackles. Watch closely—it can burn fast!
Biggest hack: If bacon isn’t crisp enough after grilling, pop cobs under the broiler for 60 seconds. Works like a charm!
Serve It Like a Backyard Rockstar
Presentation matters, friends! Slide corn into a rustic wooden tray or straight onto plates lined with checkered parchment paper. Tuck lime wedges between cobs for a zesty pop of color. For maximum fun, stick mini forks or corn holders into the ends—less mess, more joy! Serve alongside cold beer, tangy coleslaw, or juicy pulled pork. Watch eyes widen as your crew discovers the bacon surprise. Pro tip: Keep napkins stockpiled. Things will get deliciously messy!
Shake Up Your Flavor Wave!
Customize your cobs with these tasty twists:
- Maple-Sriracha Glaze: Brush bacon with 2 tbsp maple syrup + 1 tsp sriracha before grilling. Sweet heat heaven!
- Cheesy Herb Bomb: After grilling, roll cobs in grated Parmesan + chopped parsley or cilantro.
- Veggie-Friendly: Skip bacon, rub corn with smoked paprika + olive oil, and use vegan “bacon” strips.
- Honey-Lime Fiesta: Swap Cajun for chili powder. Serve with lime crema (sour cream + lime zest).
- Breakfast Corn: Wrap with maple bacon. Serve with scrambled eggs!
Confessions of a Bacon-Wrapping Addict
True story: I once made 40 cobs for a beach bonfire. Midway through wrapping, my dog snatched a bacon slice and did victory laps around the yard—cue a corn-wrapped chaos! Lesson learned: Guard your bacon stash fiercely. Over the years, I’ve tweaked this recipe like mad. Early versions had bacon falling off mid-grill (RIP many strips). The foil wrap was my “aha!” moment—it keeps everything juicy and intact. These days, I always double the batch because leftovers make killer corn chowder (chop kernels, add broth, cream, potatoes—boom!). Also? Cold bacon corn straight from the fridge at midnight? Chef’s secret indulgence.
Your Burning Questions—Answered!
Q: Can I make this in the oven?
A: Absolutely! Bake foil packets at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes. Unwrap & broil for crispiness.
Q: My bacon’s soggy! Help!
A: Two fixes: 1) Unwrap & grill longer (5+ mins). 2) Pat corn dry pre-wrapping—excess moisture steams bacon instead of crisping it!
Q: Can I prep these ahead?
A: Wrap & refrigerate cobs 24 hours ahead. Let sit at room temp 30 mins before grilling. No freezer—corn gets mushy.
Q: How spicy is Cajun seasoning?
A: Mild-to-medium usually! Control the heat: 1 tsp per cob max, or use half paprika/half Cajun for kids.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Calories: ~240 kcal | Protein: ~7g | Fat: ~14g | Carbs: ~22g
Gluten-free, nut-free. Values are estimates—bacon thickness varies!
This Bacon-Wrapped Cajun Corn is the ultimate summer BBQ side that will steal the show! The smoky bacon, zesty Cajun seasoning, and juicy corn, all sealed in foil and grilled to perfection, create a flavor-packed bite with minimal effort. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or enjoying a quiet evening with your favorite sides, this dish is sure to elevate your outdoor cooking game. With customizable options and fun twists, these bacon-wrapped beauties will become your go-to for all future cookouts!
