One of the best parts of summer is the tender corn on the cob that is readily available at roadside stands, farmer’s markets, and even grocery stores. It seems most of us can’t get enough, and hot ears slathered in butter are served at every outdoor gathering. The corn can also be cut from the ears and made into yummy salad, such as my favorite Summer Corn Salad, and dozens of creamed corn recipes. I recently ran across a recipe for a very unique corn dish that is very crunchy, creamy, buttery, and smoky with bacon. This Million Dollar Corn Sauté is now a favorite way to use up fresh corn.

This is a great dish to take to a potluck or outdoor gathering.

8 Servings

6 tablespoons butter, divided
1 cup cheese crackers, (such as Cheez-it) coarsely crushed

8 ounces thick bacon, chopped

6 to 8 ears fresh corn on the cob, shucked, scrubbed, and cut off the cobs
1 medium onion, chopped
1 teaspoon salt

1 8 oz. container whipped cream cheese, chive & onion or similar flavored
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large, heavy skillet ( I use my biggest cast iron skillet). Add the crushed crackers and stir over medium heat until slightly browned and toasted. Transfer the crackers to a bowl.
2. Add the bacon to the same skillet and cook until crisp, stirring often. Remove the bacon to drain, and leave 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet.
3. Add the onion to the bacon fat; stir over medium heat until softened. Add the corn and salt; continue sautéing until the corn is tender.
4. Turn the heat to low, add the cream cheese and whipping cream, and stir until melted and mixed with the corn mixture. Stir in the remaining butter, chives, pepper, and the bacon.
5. Sprinkle with the reserved toasted crackers and serve.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 439 Calories from Fat 271
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 62% Protein 9% Carb. 29%

Nutrient Amount per Serving % Daily
Total Fat 30 g
Saturated Fat 17 g
Cholesterol 80 mg
Sodium 741 mg
Total Carbohydrate 32 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 10 g

Vitamin A 23% Vitamin C 20% Calcium 0% Iron 9%