Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon

Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon offers a delectable blend of classic comfort food elements, elevating your dining experience with a hint of gourmet sophistication. Rooted in the heartwarming traditions of American Southern cooking, this recipe marries the natural sweetness of corn with the bold taste of cheddar and the smoky zest of crispy bacon.

It’s an ideal choice for both bustling weekday meals and relaxing weekend dinners, providing a simple yet satisfying culinary delight. The slow cooker does wonders, effortlessly turning basic ingredients into a rich side or main course that’s sure to be a hit with the family, exuding warmth and luxurious taste.

This dish complements a variety of main courses beautifully. Pair it with grilled chicken, pulled pork, or a succulent steak to enhance its deep flavors. It’s also a superb addition to holiday tables or potluck events. For a balanced meal, consider serving it with a crisp green salad dressed in a sharp vinaigrette to offset the creamy, indulgent nature of the corn and bacon.

This slow cooker creamed corn is exceptionally tasty, crowned with crunchy bacon and fresh chives for added flair. The perfect effortless side dish! It’s slow-cooked in a luscious, creamy sauce, making it a perennial favorite for festive gatherings.

I elevate this crock pot dish by incorporating smoky bacon and a sprinkle of fresh chives, creating a side dish that’s sure to garner rave reviews! When craving a corn-based dish, I might opt for fried corn, a corn souffle, or a scalloped corn casserole, but my go-to is this irresistible creamed corn.

Often, when people think of creamed corn, the canned variety comes to mind. However, this slow cooker version is infinitely better—like comparing diamonds to dust. It features corn bathed in a creamy sauce that’s delightful on its own. But adding bacon and chives transforms it into an extraordinary treat. This southern creamed corn becomes a holiday essential, and it’s remarkably simple to prepare.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

• 4 cups frozen corn kernels: Sweet and tender, these frozen corn kernels provide the perfect base for a rich, creamy dish.
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a bold, tangy flavor with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled: Smoky, crispy bacon bits bring a satisfying crunch and depth of flavor to balance the creaminess.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: The heavy cream ensures a luscious, velvety texture for a rich, indulgent bite.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds a subtle richness and helps bind the flavors together without overpowering them.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Just a hint of garlic to enhance the savory flavors without being overwhelming.
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Adds a touch of mild warmth and color, complementing the sweetness of the corn.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Season to your preference to bring out the natural flavors of the dish.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of fresh, herbal brightness and color.

How to Make Slow Cooker Creamed Corn?

• Cook the bacon until crispy, crumble it, and shred the cheddar cheese. Set both aside.
• Mix the ingredients: In a slow cooker, combine frozen corn, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, heavy cream, melted butter, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir thoroughly to distribute everything evenly.
• Season it: Add salt and pepper to taste, then stir again to ensure the seasoning is fully incorporated.
• Cook the mixture: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Final touches: Once done, stir the corn mixture, adjust seasoning as needed, and optionally top with chopped fresh parsley before serving for added flavor and presentation.

Tips for Perfect Creamed Corn

• Initially, the cream cheese in the slow cooker might appear slightly curdled when you remove the lid. Don’t worry—just stir the mixture until it smooths out.
• To use canned corn, drain it well before adding it to the slow cooker.
• If your creamed corn is too thick, a little milk can be stirred in to achieve a lighter consistency.
• Conversely, if it’s too runny, let it cook uncovered on high for about 15 minutes, or until it thickens to your liking.

Variations & Enhancements

• Opt for turkey bacon for a lighter version, or add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for some heat.
• Introduce extra textures with cooked, diced red bell peppers or green onions added just before serving.
• For a decadent touch, mix in cheddar and smoked Gouda, or include an extra dollop of cream cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between creamed corn and regular corn? Creamed corn is prepared in a creamy, savory sauce with a touch of sweetness, ideal for slow cooker preparation.

Can I use fresh or frozen corn instead of canned? Yes, both fresh and frozen corn work well. Just ensure any excess liquid is drained from fresh corn before using.

How can I thicken creamed corn without using cornstarch? Simply allow the creamed corn to cook uncovered in the slow cooker for a few minutes. The natural ingredients like milk and cream cheese will thicken as moisture evaporates.

SAVE THIS RECIPE TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD!

Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

4.0 Stars (1 Review)

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Ingredients

• 4 cups of frozen corn kernels
• 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the ingredients by cooking the bacon until crispy and then crumbling it. Shred the cheddar cheese and set aside.

In a slow cooker, combine the frozen corn, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, heavy cream, melted butter, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to ensure even distribution of all ingredients.

Season the mixture with salt and pepper, then stir again to incorporate the seasonings thoroughly.

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent the cheese from sticking and to ensure even cooking.

Once cooked, stir the corn mixture one last time. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving to enhance flavor and presentation.