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Creamy Jalapeño Popper Corn Salad with Bacon and Cheddar

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A creamy, smoky, and slightly spicy corn salad featuring fresh corn, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a tangy cream cheese dressing with jalapeño heat. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 5–6 medium ears) or thawed frozen corn
  • 6–8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1–2 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (seeds optional)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat or Greek yogurt for lighter version)
  • Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a cold skillet over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally, until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cool.
  2. Slice kernels off the corn cobs using a sharp knife. If using frozen corn, thaw and pat dry.
  3. Dice jalapeños and chop cilantro finely. Remove seeds from jalapeños to reduce heat if desired.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Add lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper; stir until fully incorporated.
  5. Add corn kernels, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, and cilantro to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold to coat evenly.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.
  7. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  8. Before serving, give the salad a final gentle stir and garnish with extra shredded cheddar or cilantro if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook bacon to avoid bitterness. Use fresh corn for best texture and sweetness. Chill salad before serving to enhance flavor. Adjust jalapeño seeds to control heat. If salad is too thick, add a splash of milk or buttermilk to loosen dressing without watering down flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño popper, corn salad, bacon, cheddar, creamy salad, potluck recipe, easy side dish, spicy salad

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/creamy-jalape-n-o-popper-corn-salad-recipe-with-bacon-and-cheddar-easy-and-delicious/