Introducing a delectable dish straight from the heart of New England: Boston Baked Corn! This savory and sweet creation is a delightful addition to any meal, embodying the rich culinary heritage of the region. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cook time of 40 minutes, this recipe promises to dazzle your taste buds in under an hour.
Boston Baked Corn captures the essence of comfort food, combining fresh corn kernels with a tantalizing blend of ketchup, brown sugar, ground mustard, and a pinch of salt. These ingredients come together harmoniously, infusing each bite with layers of flavor that will leave you craving more. To add a savory twist, we incorporate savory bacon, which crisps up beautifully in the oven, adding a satisfying crunch to every spoonful.
Let’s delve into the culinary magic of Boston Baked Corn, starting with the ingredients. Gather 1 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground mustard, a half teaspoon of salt, 1 finely diced onion, 3 cups of fresh corn kernels, and 3 slices of bacon. These simple yet flavorful components form the backbone of this exquisite dish, ensuring a symphony of tastes with every mouthful.
To begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). While the oven reaches the perfect temperature, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, ground mustard, and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir these ingredients together until they form a smooth and luscious sauce, ensuring that each element is fully incorporated. Next, add the diced onion and fresh corn kernels to the sauce, gently folding them in until they are evenly coated. This step is where the magic happens, as the sweetness of the corn melds with the tangy notes of the ketchup and the warmth of the mustard, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.
Once the corn mixture is thoroughly combined, transfer it to a greased 1 1/2 quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure even cooking. Now, it’s time to elevate this dish to new heights of flavor by adding the pièce de résistance: bacon. Lay the bacon slices atop the corn mixture, allowing them to rest gracefully like a crown atop a king’s feast. As the dish bakes in the oven, the bacon will transform into golden, crispy perfection, infusing the entire dish with its smoky essence.
Slide the casserole dish into the preheated oven and let it bake, uncovered, for 40 minutes or until the bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispiness and the dish is heated through. As the aromas of caramelized onions and sizzling bacon fill your kitchen, anticipation mounts for the culinary masterpiece that is about to emerge from the oven.
Once the timer chimes, remove the Boston Baked Corn from the oven and behold its golden glory. The bacon should be crisp and glistening, the corn mixture bubbling with savory-sweet goodness. Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
With its irresistible aroma and mouthwatering flavors, Boston Baked Corn is sure to become a staple on your dining table. Whether served as a side dish at a family gathering or as a star attraction at a summer barbecue, this recipe never fails to impress. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to embark on a culinary journey to the heart of New England with this unforgettable dish.
