Mexican Panned Corn
A flavorful Mexican-style panned corn dish featuring crispy bacon, tender vegetables, and savory olives, perfect as a side or snack for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crisp.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Cook onion in bacon drippings until tender.
- Add corn, green pepper, olives, and salt. Heat, stirring constantly.
- Crumble bacon over corn and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, try using smoked bacon or adding a pinch of smoked paprika. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with olive oil and use liquid smoke for flavor. You can also switch out the green olives for black olives or omit them entirely for a milder taste. This dish can also be enhanced with spices like cumin or chili powder for a bit more heat.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexican Panned Corn is a delightful side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be served alongside tacos or chili. For a complete meal, consider serving it with My Mom's Mexican Dip and tortilla chips. It also complements a fresh garden salad or a bowl of Mexican Rice and Bean Soup perfectly, creating a colorful and satisfying spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the corn from drying out. Microwave on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Panned Corn contains roughly 166 calories, with 8g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (152% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1997mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
Yes, frozen corn can be a great substitute. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the skillet. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the corn is heated through.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving. This can save you time during meal prep, especially when serving guests.
What can I add to make it spicier?
To add some heat, consider including diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. You could also mix in some chopped fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).