Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon Recipe

The Creamiest Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon Recipe

Corn transforms into a creamy, mouthwatering side dish when you mix slow cooker cheddar corn with crispy bacon bits.

Kernels burst with rich flavors that dance across your palate.

Comfort meets convenience in this simple yet impressive recipe.

Cheesy goodness mingles with smoky bacon, creating a delightful combination that feels like a warm hug.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients blend into something extraordinary.

Soft corn kernels absorb the savory notes of melted cheddar and crisp bacon pieces.

Prepare to experience a side dish that will become your new favorite crowd-pleaser.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon

  • Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh corn kernels cut off the cob. Just reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking.

  • Do I need to pre-cook the bacon?

No, you can add raw bacon directly to the slow cooker. It will cook and crisp up during the slow cooking process.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but double-check your bacon and cheese brands to ensure they don’t contain gluten additives.

  • Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace bacon with vegetarian bacon bits or smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor, and use plant-based cheese alternatives.

Why Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon Is So Delicious

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, creating a hands-off cooking experience that saves you time and energy in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with rich cheeses, crispy bacon, and sweet corn, this dish delivers irresistible flavors that appeal to both kids and adults at family gatherings or potlucks.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap bacon for ham, add jalapeños for heat, or sprinkle extra cheese on top to personalize this versatile side dish that adapts to your taste preferences.
  • No-Fuss Entertaining: Perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, this recipe requires minimal effort but produces maximum deliciousness that will impress your guests.

Ingredients Needed for Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon

Base Ingredients:
  • Frozen Corn: A sweet and tender vegetable that serves as the primary component of this creamy side dish.
  • Cream Cheese: A rich and smooth dairy product that adds luxurious creaminess to the corn.
  • Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and flavorful cheese that provides a bold, tangy taste to the dish.
Dairy and Fat Components:
  • Butter: A rich ingredient that enhances the overall flavor and provides a smooth texture.
  • Milk: A liquid that helps create a creamy consistency and blends the ingredients together.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Bacon: A crispy and savory meat that adds a smoky and salty dimension to the corn.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients and balance the dish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker Corn Base

Grab your trusty slow cooker and dump in the frozen corn kernels. This will be the delicious foundation of your cheesy, bacony side dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Step 2: Layer in Creamy Goodness

Toss in these mouthwatering ingredients:
  • Cream cheese
  • Butter
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Crumbled bacon pieces
  • Milk

The combination will create a rich, velvety texture that melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Season and Spice

Sprinkle salt and black pepper across the top. Don’t be shy – these seasonings will wake up all the flavors hiding in your corn.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let everything bubble and blend together for 3-4 hours. Give the mixture a gentle stir every hour to ensure all ingredients get cozy and combine beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Devour

Once the corn is hot, creamy, and looking irresistible, scoop it into a serving bowl. Watch as your family and friends dive in, savoring every cheesy, bacon-packed bite.

Pro Tips for Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon

  • Opt for freshly cooked bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness instead of pre-cooked varieties.
  • Replace milk with half-and-half or heavy cream for a richer, more luxurious texture.
  • Sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits on top right before serving for added crunch and visual appeal.
  • Consider using low-fat cream cheese and milk to create a lighter version of this decadent side dish.
  • For a vegetarian alternative, swap bacon with smoked paprika or caramelized onions to maintain a deep, smoky flavor profile.

Flavor Variations of Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon

  • Spicy Southwest Corn: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and substitute pepper jack cheese for extra kick.
  • Herb Garden Corn: Mix in fresh chopped basil, thyme, and replace bacon with crispy pancetta for an aromatic version.
  • Greek-Inspired Corn: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, diced sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle with oregano for Mediterranean flair.
  • Ranch Corn Fusion: Stir in ranch seasoning mix, green onions, and swap half the cheddar with parmesan for a tangy flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions for Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon

  • Pair with Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork: The rich, creamy corn complements the tender, smoky meat perfectly, creating a classic Southern-style comfort food combination.
  • Match with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: The wine's bright acidity cuts through the corn's richness, while its herbal notes enhance the bacon's smokiness.
  • Serve alongside Grilled Herb Chicken: The light, seasoned chicken balances the corn's decadent cheese and bacon flavors, creating a well-rounded meal.
  • Complement with Amber Craft Beer: The malty, slightly sweet beer echoes the corn's sweetness and provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy, cheesy texture.

Storage Tips for Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer corn mixture to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Place corn in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through. Add splash of milk if needed to restore creamy texture.
  • Warm corn in skillet over medium-low heat. Stir frequently and add small amount of milk to prevent sticking. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warm.
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Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon Recipe

Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty slow cooker cheddar corn with bacon delivers comfort straight from Midwestern kitchens, blending creamy cheese and smoky bacon into a soul-warming side dish. Savory, rich kernels promise delicious moments you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups (907 grams) frozen corn
  • 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, cubed

Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk

Garnish and Seasoning:

  • 1/2 cup (57 grams) cooked bacon, crumbled
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Deposit frozen corn kernels into the slow cooker, creating an even layer across the bottom.
  2. Cube cream cheese and slice butter into smaller pieces for more uniform melting, then scatter across the corn.
  3. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumble crispy bacon over the corn mixture, ensuring even distribution.
  4. Pour milk carefully around the ingredients to help them blend smoothly during cooking.
  5. Season the entire mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper, gently stirring to combine all ingredients.
  6. Cover the slow cooker and set to low temperature, allowing the ingredients to meld together for 3-4 hours.
  7. Stir the corn mixture every hour to prevent sticking and ensure consistent texture and flavor integration.
  8. Once the cheese is completely melted and corn is heated through, the dish is ready to serve.
  9. Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with additional crispy bacon bits if desired, and present while piping hot.

Notes

  • Customize the corn’s consistency by adjusting milk quantity for thicker or creamier texture.
  • Swap bacon with turkey bacon or omit for vegetarian version, maintaining rich cheese flavor.
  • Use fresh corn kernels instead of frozen for a farm-fresh summer twist during peak corn season.
  • Enhance flavor profile by adding minced garlic or chopped green onions before slow cooking for extra depth.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3-4 hours
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 377 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 410 mg
  • Fat: 31 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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