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This Ultimate Corn Pudding recipe incorporates all the things you love with the addition of three “secret” ingredients to it a flavor boost that will make your taste buds sing! Perfect for your backyard BBQ, potluck, tailgate party, or family dinner!

corn pudding recipe best skillet old fashioned classic bacon

Who doesn’t enjoy a good corn pudding? As American as apple pie, corn pudding goes back many generations as classic down-home comfort food. I’m a little picky when it comes to corn pudding, especially where texture is concerned. A good corn pudding needs to be moist but not soggy, tender but not mushy. And of course it needs to be flavorful. This corn pudding recipe meets all the requirements.

Best Corn Pudding “Secret” Ingredients

Besides the bacon, which does wonders for most any dish, there are two ingredients in this corn pudding that really work some flavor magic: masa harina and mesquite powder. The masa harina enhances the corn flavor (because really, the corn flavor is the best part about corn pudding, right?) while the mesquite powder adds a flavor dimension that will simply knock your socks off! In a matter of speaking.

What is Mesquite Powder?

I first heard about mesquite powder from one of our readers, Susan, several years ago. She told me how she makes her own mesquite powder from the pods that grow near her home and praised this curious substance for its amazing flavor. I was really intrigued and naturally had to look into it. The moment I tried some I was sold.

Mesquite powder (aka mesquite flour) comes from mesquite pods that allowed to fully ripen and are the gently dried at low temperatures and then milled into a fine powder. Much of the mesquite powder on the market comes from Peru. I haven’t found it in local grocery stores but you can buy it online. Mesquite powder is great added to smoothies, raw desserts and energy bars and is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, fiber, protein and amino acids. While we’re not capitalizing on its raw qualities in this cooked recipe, we’re using it for its amazing flavor. And I’ll tell you, a little goes a long way!

The mesquite powder, masa harina and bacon all contribute a great flavor and aroma to this corn pudding. Our corn-loving son (5 years old at the time I first made this) was drawn to the aroma, took a big whiff, and was left with a big silly grin :) Both of our kids enjoyed this and paired with a salad made for some great comfort family eating.

What to Serve with Corn Pudding

Corn pudding is a delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here just are just a few ideas:

Fried or Roasted Chicken
Grilled Steak
Barbecue Ribs
Roasted Turkey: Yep, this makes a terrific side dish for your Thanksgiving turkey!
Grilled Salmon or Shrimp
Vegetarian Option: This corn pudding can be enjoyed as a main vegetarian dish as well (use vegetarian bacon). Pair it with some stir-fried, steamed, or roasted veggies and a salad.
Southern-style Dishes: Corn pudding is a classic southern dish so it naturally complements other southern-inspired dishes like collard greens, hoppin’ john, and black-eyed peas.

Corn Pudding Recipe

Let’s get started!

Fry the bacon in a 10-inch cast iron skillet until done. Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent, 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

In a mixing bowl combine all the dry ingredients.

Add the remaining ingredients except for the corn and stir to combine.

combining dry and wet ingredients in bowl

Stir in the corn and the onion/bacon mixture.

Melt the butter in the skillet to coat the bottom and sides.

combining ingredients in bowl and melting butter in skillet

Pour the mixture into the skillet.

Bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F for 45-50 minutes or until it’s slightly firm to the touch and nicely golden brown.

Let it sit for 5 minutes and then serve by scooping it out with a spoon.

Serve it with your choice of main dishes (see above for some recommendations) along with some stir-fried, steamed, or grilled veggies and a leafy green salad.

Enjoy!

For more delicious Southern recipes be sure to try my:

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