Description
This Easy Scalloped Corn recipe is a creamy, comforting side dish featuring fresh corn kernels coated in a rich sauce made from plant-based cheese, smoky turkey bacon, and a smooth plant-based roux. Perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts, it delivers a savory, luscious texture with a subtle smoky flavor and is both simple to prepare and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
Scale
Corn and Bacon
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (or frozen)
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups plant-based milk
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1 cup shredded plant-based cheese
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Onion: Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Remove and chop into bite-sized pieces. In the same pan, sauté the finely chopped onions until soft and translucent, releasing a sweet aroma.
- Make the Roux: In a saucepan, melt the plant-based butter. Whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly to eliminate the raw flour taste without browning.
- Add Milk and Natural Gelling Agent: Slowly pour in the plant-based milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in the natural gelling agent and keep stirring until the sauce thickens to a rich and creamy consistency.
- Combine Cheese and Seasonings: Lower the heat and add the shredded plant-based cheese. Stir until melted and fully incorporated. Add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Mix Corn, Bacon, and Sauce: In a large bowl, gently combine the fresh corn kernels, crispy smoked turkey bacon pieces, sautéed onions, and the creamy cheese sauce. Fold carefully to keep the corn kernels intact and evenly coated.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the sauce set.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen corn kernels for the best flavor and texture.
- Gently fold ingredients to avoid crushing the corn.
- Select a plant-based cheese that melts well for a creamy texture.
- Monitor baking time closely to achieve a golden top without burning.
- Rest the dish after baking to thicken the sauce for easier serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: scalloped corn, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy side dish, holiday side, vegan scalloped corn
