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Crispy Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Corn

crispy grilled bacon-wrapped corn - featured image

A simple and bold BBQ side dish featuring fresh corn on the cob wrapped in crispy bacon, enhanced with herb-infused butter and smoky grill flavor. Perfect for any occasion and a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked and cleaned
  • 8 slices bacon strips, regular or thick-cut
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro), chopped (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Corn: Husk and clean 4 ears of fresh corn, removing all silk strands. Pat dry with a towel. (About 5 minutes)
  2. Mix the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir well to blend. Set aside. (3 minutes)
  3. Wrap the Corn: Take 2 slices of bacon per ear and wrap them snugly around each ear of corn, overlapping slightly. Secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the bacon from unraveling during grilling. (5 minutes)
  4. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat, roughly 350°F (175°C). If using charcoal, wait until the coals are covered with white ash. Clean and oil the grates lightly. (10 minutes)
  5. Grill the Corn: Place the bacon-wrapped corn on the grill, turning every 3-4 minutes. The bacon should crisp up evenly without burning, and the corn will develop grill marks and a smoky aroma. This will take about 15-20 minutes in total. Watch carefully for flare-ups and move corn if needed. (20 minutes)
  6. Apply Herb Butter: Once cooked and bacon is crispy, remove corn from the grill. Use a basting brush to generously coat each ear with the prepared herb butter. This melts into the warm corn and bacon, adding extra flavor and moisture. (2 minutes)
  7. Season & Serve: Finish with a light sprinkle of salt if needed and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing. The citrus brightens the dish beautifully. (1 minute)

Notes

Use thick-cut bacon for better crispness and easier wrapping. Grill over medium heat to avoid burning bacon before corn cooks. Turn corn regularly to ensure even cooking and prevent flare-ups. Soaking corn in cold water for 10 minutes before grilling can help keep kernels juicy. Applying herb butter while corn is hot helps it melt and enhances flavor. For dairy-free option, substitute butter with olive oil or plant-based margarine. If no grill is available, bake in oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon wrapped corn, grilled corn, BBQ side dish, crispy bacon, summer recipe, easy BBQ recipe, herb butter corn