If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for that perfect side dish that’s easy to throw together, full of flavor, and totally indulgent. This Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon hits every one of those marks. It’s creamy, cheesy, smoky, and just sweet enough from the corn — all brought together effortlessly in your slow cooker.
Whether I’m serving this at a holiday feast, a backyard BBQ, or even just alongside a simple weeknight dinner, it’s always a hit. The combination of crispy bacon, gooey cheddar cheese, and tender sweet corn is pure comfort food. Plus, I love that I can set it and forget it while I focus on the rest of the meal.
Here’s exactly how I make this irresistible, cheesy side dish that’s guaranteed to steal the show.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon
- Only a handful of simple ingredients
- Cheesy, creamy, and full of smoky bacon flavor
- Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or weeknight dinners
- The slow cooker does all the work
- Pairs well with everything from roasted turkey to grilled burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 cups frozen sweet corn (or canned, drained)
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- ¼ cup butter, cubed
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley, for garnish (optional)
How I Make Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon
1. Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
In my slow cooker, I toss in the corn, cubed cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon (reserve some for topping), butter, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Slow Cook
I cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring once or twice to make sure the cream cheese and cheddar are melting into that luscious sauce.
3. Stir and Finish
Right before serving, I give everything a good stir until it’s smooth, creamy, and evenly combined. I like to taste and adjust the seasoning with a little extra salt or pepper if needed.
4. Garnish and Serve
I sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon on top and add a handful of chopped chives or parsley for a fresh finish. Then, I scoop it into a serving dish and watch it disappear.
My Favorite Tips for Success
- Use sharp cheddar for the most intense cheesy flavor.
- Add a dash of hot sauce if you like a little kick.
- Swap in pepper jack cheese for a spicier version.
- Use fresh corn off the cob in the summer for extra sweetness.
- Double the recipe for large gatherings — trust me, people will ask for seconds.
What to Serve with Cheddar Corn and Bacon
- Grilled steaks or burgers
- BBQ chicken or pulled pork
- Holiday mains like turkey or ham
- Roast pork or baked salmon
- A crisp green salad to balance the richness
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned corn instead of frozen?
A: Yes! Just drain the canned corn well before adding it to the slow cooker.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. You can make it a day ahead and reheat on low in the slow cooker or on the stove with a splash of milk.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: I wouldn’t recommend freezing — dairy-based sides like this can separate when thawed.
Q: Can I make this without bacon?
A: You can skip the bacon if you prefer, but the smoky flavor really brings the dish together. For a vegetarian version, try adding smoked paprika instead.
Creamy, Cheesy, and Loaded with Flavor
This Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon is the definition of comfort food — rich, cheesy, and full of that irresistible smoky bacon flavor. It’s one of those side dishes that everyone raves about and asks for the recipe after the first bite. Plus, it’s so easy to make, you’ll want to add it to every holiday and family dinner menu.
If you give it a try, let me know how it turns out! Add your own twist with spicy cheeses, fresh herbs, or a little jalapeño heat — and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite.
Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon: The Ultimate Creamy Side Dish
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen corn
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine frozen corn, cream cheese, sour cream, milk, and butter.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Once the corn is heated through and the cheeses are melted, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Cook for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and creamy.
- Serve warm as a delicious side dish.
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