Our summery spin on the classic grilled cheese-and-soup combo! Ripe tomatoes and crisp bacon amp up the open-face sandwich, and fresh sweet corn shines in the cold soup.
Ingredients
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4 slices bacon (about 6 ounces)
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1 small yellow onion, chopped (1 cup)
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1 clove garlic, minced (1 teaspoon)
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Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
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4 ½ cups fresh corn kernels (from 5 to 6 ears)
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½ cup sour cream
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4 slices rustic country bread
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4 ounces hard, sharp cheese, such as manchego, thinly sliced
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2 medium tomatoes, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
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Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Directions
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In a large straight-sided skillet, cook bacon over medium heat, turning once, until crisp, 10 minutes. Transfer to paper towels. Add onion, garlic, and a pinch of salt to skillet; cook, stirring, 8 minutes. Stir in 4 cups corn, then 2 cups water; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer; cook, stirring occasionally, until corn is tender and most of liquid has evaporated, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl; stir in 1 1/2 cups ice water and sour cream. Blend corn mixture (in two batches, if necessary) until smooth. Refrigerate, stirring occasionally, until cold, 45 minutes.
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Toast bread. Top with cheese, tomatoes, and bacon; season with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with remaining 1/2 cup corn, more pepper, and drizzles of oil; serve.
Cook's Notes
When shucking corn, use a dry vegetable brush to clear off stubborn silk threads. After cutting off the kernels, use the back of your knife to scrape any residual "corn milk" into the bowl.