Loaded Corn Casserole

Ingredients:

• 8 strips bacon, diced
• 2 shallots, chopped
• 2/3 cup cornmeal
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
• 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
• 4 tablespoons (2 oz) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 1 large ear of corn)
• 1 can (14 oz) creamed corn
• 2 jalapeños, seeded and diced
• 2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar, divided
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh chives
• 3/4 cup Cheez-Its crumbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 or 2-quart oval ceramic baking dish with softened butter.

2. Cook Bacon and Shallots:

• Heat a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a small bowl.
• Increase the heat to medium and add the chopped shallots. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the shallots are soft and starting to brown. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt. Set aside.

4. Mix Wet Ingredients:

• In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, eggs, milk, and butter until smooth.
• Stir in the creamed corn and then pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a rubber spatula until just combined.
• Gently mix in the corn kernels, shallots, jalapeños, chives, half of the crispy bacon, and 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese.

6. Bake:

• Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and transfer to the oven. Bake for 30 minutes.

7. Prepare Cheez-Its:

• While the casserole is baking, place the Cheez-Its in a small ziplock bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into small pieces.

8. Top and Finish Baking:

• After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and top with the remaining cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and Cheez-Its crumbs.
• Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the casserole is set and golden brown on top.

9. Rest and Serve:

• Let the casserole rest for 20 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your savory, cheesy Bacon, Corn, and Cheddar Casserole!