There’s nothing better than a side dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky bacon flavor. That’s exactly what you get with this Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast, a potluck, or just a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is a guaranteed hit.
I love how easy this recipe is—you toss everything in the slow cooker, let it do its thing, and come back to a rich, velvety side dish that tastes like pure comfort. Plus, it pairs perfectly with everything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables. Let’s dive into why this dish works and how you can make it yourself.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, so you can focus on the main dish (or just relax).
- A perfect balance of flavors: Sweet corn, sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and a hint of creaminess make every bite irresistible.
- Great for feeding a crowd: This dish is a hit at family gatherings, BBQs, and holiday dinners.
- Easily customizable: Adjust the cheese, bacon, or add a little spice to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves: 6-8 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3-4 hours)
- 4 cups frozen corn (no need to thaw)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but adds great depth)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon
1. Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, combine the frozen corn, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, heavy cream, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a quick stir to distribute the seasonings.
2. Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally to help the cheese and cream cheese blend smoothly.
3. Add the Bacon
Once the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is creamy, stir in the crumbled bacon. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
4. Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle with smoked paprika (if using) and fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy!
My Best Tips for This Recipe
- Use high-quality cheese: A sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds rich flavor. Avoid pre-shredded cheese since it contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Crisp the bacon well: Cooking the bacon until it’s crispy ensures it stays crunchy when mixed in.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Double the recipe for a crowd: This dish scales up easily if you’re feeding a large group.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn
This dish is the perfect side for so many meals! Here are a few of my favorite pairings:
- Grilled or smoked meats: Ribs, BBQ chicken, pulled pork, or brisket go perfectly with the creamy, cheesy corn.
- Holiday feasts: Serve it alongside turkey, ham, or roasted beef for a rich, comforting addition.
- Tex-Mex night: Try it with tacos, fajitas, or enchiladas for a cheesy side dish that fits right in.
- Simple weeknight dinners: It pairs well with roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, or even a green salad for balance.
FAQs
Can I use canned or fresh corn instead of frozen?
Yes! Drain canned corn before using, and if using fresh, cut it off the cob and adjust cooking time slightly (it may cook a little faster).
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream to keep it creamy.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook it as directed, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat it in the slow cooker on low for about an hour before serving, stirring occasionally.
This Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon is the kind of side dish that disappears fast at any gathering. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of smoky, savory flavors that complement just about any meal. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!
Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon: The Ultimate Comfort Side Dish
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen corn
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine the frozen corn, cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until the cream cheese is well combined with the other ingredients.
- Add in the crumbled bacon and half of the cheddar cheese, mixing gently.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the corn is heated through and the mixture is creamy.
- Once cooked, stir in the remaining cheddar cheese until melted.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
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