Crack Corn Salad

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Looking for a crowd-pleasing summer side dish that disappears fast? Meet Crack Corn Salad—a creamy, cheesy, and utterly addictive salad that’s perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. Made with sweet corn, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and ranch dressing, this chilled salad is loaded with flavor and texture. It’s called “crack” for a reason—it’s impossible to stop eating once you start. Best of all, it’s easy to make ahead and even easier to customize. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want something quick and satisfying, this corn salad never disappoints. Ingredients: 4 cups corn (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed) ½ cup mayonnaise ½ cup sour cream 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz) 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled ½ cup chopped green onions or chives Salt and black pepper, to taste Optional: ½ cup diced jalapeños or red bell pepper for kick or crunch Preparation: Step 1: Prepare the Corn If using canned corn, drain well. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry. If using fresh, cook and cut kernels from the cob. Place corn in a large mixing bowl. Step 2: Mix the Dressing In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and ranch seasoning until smooth and fully combined. Step 3: Combine the Ingredients Add the shredded cheddar, cooked bacon, green onions, and dressing to the bowl with the corn. Stir everything together until evenly coated. Step 4: Season and Chill Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Step 5: Serve Serve cold, topped with extra bacon and cheese if desired. Stir before serving and enjoy! Variation: Spicy Version: Add diced pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Tex-Mex Style: Stir in black beans, chopped tomatoes, and a pinch of cumin. Healthier Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and light mayo. Sweet and Spicy: Add a little honey and chili flakes for a sweet heat balance. Grilled Corn Salad: Grill the corn on the cob for a smoky twist before slicing. COOKING Note: If using fresh summer corn, grilling or sautéing it first adds depth and enhances the natural sweetness. Just let it cool before mixing with the dressing. Serving Suggestions: With grilled meats: Perfect alongside burgers, ribs, hot dogs, or BBQ chicken. As a potluck favorite: Easy to transport and make ahead for parties. As a dip: Serve with tortilla chips or Fritos as a chunky dip. In wraps: Spoon it into tortillas or lettuce leaves for a fun lunch idea. With tacos: Use as a topping or side with fish or chicken tacos. Tips: Make it ahead! The flavor improves after a few hours in the fridge. Keep it cold. This salad is best served chilled—perfect for hot summer days. Add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice to brighten up the flavors. Use sharp cheddar for bold cheese flavor, or mix with Monterey Jack. ⏱️ Time Overview: Prep Time: 15 minutes Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended) Total Time: ~45 minutes 🍽️ Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 6 servings): Calories: ~310 Protein: ~8g Carbohydrates: ~14g Fat: ~26g Fiber: ~2g Sugar: ~3g Sodium: ~520mg Nutrition may vary depending on specific ingredients used. ❓FAQs Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge. Just stir before serving. Can I make it without bacon? Sure—leave it out or substitute with veggie bacon, smoked almonds, or sunflower seeds. Can I freeze Crack Corn Salad? No, it’s not recommended. The creamy base doesn’t freeze well and the texture changes. Can I use ranch dressing instead of seasoning? You can, but it will be thinner. Use less mayo/sour cream and taste as you go. Is this dish spicy? Not unless you add jalapeños or hot sauce—it’s naturally mild and kid-friendly. 📝 Conclusion: Crack Corn Salad is everything a great side dish should be—easy, flavorful, creamy, and totally irresistible. Whether you're hosting a summer BBQ, prepping for a potluck, or just want a quick and satisfying cold salad, this recipe brings big flavor with minimal effort. With only a few ingredients and no cooking required, it’s a guaranteed hit that will earn a permanent spot on your warm-weather recipe list.

Looking for a crowd-pleasing summer side dish that disappears fast? Meet Crack Corn Salad—a creamy, cheesy, and utterly addictive salad that’s perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. Made with sweet corn, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and ranch dressing, this chilled salad is loaded with flavor and texture.

It’s called “crack” for a reason—it’s impossible to stop eating once you start. Best of all, it’s easy to make ahead and even easier to customize. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want something quick and satisfying, this corn salad never disappoints.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups corn (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • ½ cup chopped green onions or chives
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: ½ cup diced jalapeños or red bell pepper for kick or crunch

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

  • If using canned corn, drain well. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry. If using fresh, cook and cut kernels from the cob. Place corn in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

  • In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and ranch seasoning until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

  • Add the shredded cheddar, cooked bacon, green onions, and dressing to the bowl with the corn. Stir everything together until evenly coated.

Step 4: Season and Chill

  • Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Serve

  • Serve cold, topped with extra bacon and cheese if desired. Stir before serving and enjoy!

Variation:

  • Spicy Version: Add diced pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Tex-Mex Style: Stir in black beans, chopped tomatoes, and a pinch of cumin.
  • Healthier Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and light mayo.
  • Sweet and Spicy: Add a little honey and chili flakes for a sweet heat balance.
  • Grilled Corn Salad: Grill the corn on the cob for a smoky twist before slicing.

COOKING Note:

If using fresh summer corn, grilling or sautéing it first adds depth and enhances the natural sweetness. Just let it cool before mixing with the dressing.

Serving Suggestions:

  • With grilled meats: Perfect alongside burgers, ribs, hot dogs, or BBQ chicken.
  • As a potluck favorite: Easy to transport and make ahead for parties.
  • As a dip: Serve with tortilla chips or Fritos as a chunky dip.
  • In wraps: Spoon it into tortillas or lettuce leaves for a fun lunch idea.
  • With tacos: Use as a topping or side with fish or chicken tacos.

Tips:

  • Make it ahead! The flavor improves after a few hours in the fridge.
  • Keep it cold. This salad is best served chilled—perfect for hot summer days.
  • Add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
  • Use sharp cheddar for bold cheese flavor, or mix with Monterey Jack.

⏱️ Time Overview:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
  • Total Time: ~45 minutes

🍽️ Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 6 servings):

  • Calories: ~310
  • Protein: ~8g
  • Carbohydrates: ~14g
  • Fat: ~26g
  • Fiber: ~2g
  • Sugar: ~3g
  • Sodium: ~520mg

Nutrition may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

❓FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

  • Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge. Just stir before serving.

Can I make it without bacon?

  • Sure—leave it out or substitute with veggie bacon, smoked almonds, or sunflower seeds.

Can I freeze Crack Corn Salad?

  • No, it’s not recommended. The creamy base doesn’t freeze well and the texture changes.

Can I use ranch dressing instead of seasoning?

  • You can, but it will be thinner. Use less mayo/sour cream and taste as you go.

Is this dish spicy?

  • Not unless you add jalapeños or hot sauce—it’s naturally mild and kid-friendly.

Conclusion:

Crack Corn Salad is everything a great side dish should be—easy, flavorful, creamy, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, prepping for a potluck, or just want a quick and satisfying cold salad, this recipe brings big flavor with minimal effort.

With only a few ingredients and no cooking required, it’s a guaranteed hit that will earn a permanent spot on your warm-weather recipe list.

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