Creamy Rice with Bacon, Corn and Bell Pepper is an easy and delicious side dish. Red bell pepper and shallots are rendered down with center cut bacon and combined with rice, corn, ranch seasoning and reduced fat cream cheese. This recipe turns simple ingredients into the perfect side dish for dinner. You could also make a great breakfast or brunch by simply adding a fried egg on top or pair with your protein of choice for an easy meal prep. This dish is so versatile to have in your repertoire.
What you’ll need to make Creamy Rice with Bacon, Corn and Bell Pepper
The ingredient list for this recipe is simple using staples you most likely have on hand.
- center cut bacon
- I like to use Oscar Mayer brand. Center cut bacon is great to use, because it’s naturally lower in fat without sacrificing real bacon flavor.
- shallots
- red bell pepper
- white rice
- This Birds Eye frozen microwaveable rice is a great shortcut for recipes.
- corn
- I use Birds Eye frozen corn. If you use canned corn, make sure it’s drained well. Otherwise the dish will become soggy.
- scallions
- ranch seasoning
- reduced fat cream cheese
- This adds a touch of creaminess to this dish without a lot of fat.
- olive oil spray
All about this one pan dish
This Creamy Rice with Bacon, Corn and Bell Pepper is a great one pot dish. The corn, peppers and scallions combined with rice gives this dish a bit of Southwest flavor. It is great as a side dish, but it can easily be turned into a meal. Serve it with a fried egg on top for the perfect breakfast or brunch, or add your favorite protein to turn this into a quick and easy meal prep. This is truly a versatile dish because there are so many options for serving.
To keep the points/macros good, I use center cut bacon and reduced fat cream cheese. Both of these ingredients add great flavor and richness to this recipe without adding a ton of fat.
How to make this recipe
This dish comes together quickly in one pan. I use frozen microwavable rice to speed up my prep time.
To start, chop the bacon, dice the shallots and bell pepper.
Add the bacon, shallots and bell pepper to the frying pan with olive oil spray. Cook the vegetables until the bacon is crispy, and all fat has rendered off, and the vegetables are cooked down.
Next, add the cooked rice, corn, ranch seasoning and cream cheese. Stir to combine.
Finally, chop the scallions and garnish.
Check out these other side dishes
- Summer Grilled Corn Salad
- Grilled corn is cut off the cob, tossed with sweet grilled red onions, fresh tomato, avocado, fresh herbs, bright lime juice and delicious seasonings. Put this on your summer meal rotation for a quick and easy side dish.
- Creamy Corn and Asparagus Farro Salad
- This farro salad features grilled asparagus, corn on the cob and shallots, tossed together with cooked farro, herbs, and a creamy dressing. This farro salad is a must-make for the summer!
- Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
- These twice-baked sweet potatoes are flavored with maple syrup, butter, cream cheese, and spices to kick the flavor profile up a notch. This flavorful mixture is then stuffed back into the sweet potato halves and baked again for the most delicious and healthy side dish.
- Healthy Vegetable Fried Rice
- Leftover brown rice is combined with carrots, peas and corn plus the flavors of garlic and ginger to create a tasty and healthy side dish. This recipe comes together in minutes, and is a great way to use up leftover rice and veggies. Sub in your own veggies or add a protein for a complete meal.

Creamy Rice with Bacon, Corn and Bell Pepper
Equipment
- frying pan
Ingredients
- 6 slices center cut bacon
- 2 shallots
- 1 red bell pepper
- olive oil spray
- 1½ c cooked white rice
- 1 c corn kernels
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning
- 2 tbsp reduced fat cream cheese
Instructions
- Chop the bacon; dice the shallots and bell pepper.
- Add the bacon, shallots and bell pepper to the frying pan with olive oil spray. Cook the vegetables until the bacon is crispy, and all fat has rendered off, and the vegetables are cooked down.
- Stir in the cooked rice, the corn, the ranch seasoning, and cream cheese and stir to combine.
- Chop the scallions and garnish.
OMG I have made tons of Steph’s recipes but this is the best yet! It felt like restaurant style and was so delicious. I used brown rice for increased fiber and added 2.5 cups rice. It was perfect!
Did it reheat well?! In the microwave?