Of course, I never like to go to an event empty-handed, so I Googled “game night snacks” and I found this delicious-looking Pinterest favorite, bacon corn dip. It was easy to throw together and very tasty! I made a few changes based on what I had on hand, but it turned out well and was well-received by my fellow card sharps. I recommend this dish for your next informal gathering.
Bacon Corn Dip
(Source: Adapted from Damn Delicious)
12 slices bacon
6 cups corn kernels, frozen, canned or roasted
1 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper (I used jarred roasted red peppers)
1-2 jalapeños, seeded and diced (I used 5-6 pickled jalapeno slices)
8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
4 tablespoons milk, or more, to taste
*I added one cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
4 green onions, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons sugar, or more, to taste
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. When cool, chop into pieces. Drain excess fat from the pan, reserving one tablespoon.
Add corn, onion, bell pepper and jalapeño(s) to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in cream cheese and milk until well combined, about two to three minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add more milk as needed until desired consistency is reached. Stir in sugar; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Serve immediately, sprinkled with green onions and bacon.
*To reheat, bake for 15-20 minutes at 325 degrees F, or until completely heated through.