Print

Crack Corn Salad: The Addictive Cold Corn Side Dish

A creamy, heaped bowl of crack corn salad topped generously with shredded cheese and crispy bacon bits.

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this easy corn salad recipe, often called Million Dollar Corn Salad, for your next potluck. It features bacon, cheese, and a creamy dressing for a savory side dish perfect for grilling season.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing mix (dry packet)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced

Instructions

  1. If using frozen corn, thaw it completely. If using canned corn, drain it well. Pat the corn dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the corn, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped red onion. If you are using jalapeño, add it now.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, dry ranch dressing mix, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth.
  4. Pour the creamy dressing over the corn mixture. Gently fold all ingredients together until the corn is evenly coated.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the crack corn salad for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to blend.
  6. Taste before serving and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Serve cold as a savory side salad for grilling or as a cold corn salad appetizer.

Notes

  • For a make ahead picnic side, prepare the salad up to one day in advance. Keep it well chilled.
  • You can substitute the cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile.
  • If you prefer a sweeter salad, increase the sugar in the dressing by one extra teaspoon.
  • To make air fryer bacon corn salad friendly, cook your bacon in the air fryer until crisp before crumbling.

Nutrition