Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon Recipe for Ultimate Comfort

The aroma of simmering slow cooker cheddar corn with bacon wafts through kitchens, promising comfort and pure delight.

Kernels dance in a creamy bath, infused with smoky bacon bits that whisper tales of savory indulgence.

Cheese melts into golden rivers, coating each vibrant yellow kernel with rich, tangy goodness.

Hearty and simple, this dish speaks to souls craving warmth and satisfying flavors.

Bacon adds a crispy counterpoint, creating texture that makes every spoonful exciting.

Salt and pepper weave their magic, transforming humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

You’ll want seconds before the first bite even touches your lips, so gather your ingredients and let the magic begin.

Why People Love Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon

• Dump all ingredients into the slow cooker without complicated chopping or pre-cooking, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights and lazy weekend cooking.
• Set the slow cooker and walk away, allowing the corn to simmer and develop rich, creamy flavors while you tackle other tasks or relax.
• Bacon and cheddar transform simple corn into an irresistible side dish that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteed to disappear at potlucks and family gatherings.
• Works brilliantly as a side dish for barbecues, holiday meals, or casual weeknight dinners, adding a luxurious touch to any menu without extra kitchen stress.

What Goes in Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon

• Heavy Cream: Provides rich, luxurious texture and creamy background for the corn.
• Milk: Adds smoothness and helps blend flavors together.
• Butter: Creates a silky, indulgent flavor and helps seasonings distribute evenly.

• Corn: Sweet, golden base of the dish; fresh or frozen both work well.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle, savory depth without raw garlic intensity.
• Smoked Paprika: Optional ingredient that brings smoky, complex flavor profile.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing overall taste and balancing other ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Provides mild heat and subtle spiciness.

• Bacon: Adds rich, smoky, and salty dimension to the corn dish; crispy texture and intense flavor.

How to Cook Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon

Step 1: Prepare Corn Base

• Fresh corn kernels
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Unsalted butter
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently mix all ingredients until they’re beautifully blended and evenly distributed.

Step 2: Crisp up Bacon

Dice bacon into small, bite-sized pieces. In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until it becomes golden and crispy. Allow bacon to drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.

Step 3: Enhance with Cheese

Grate sharp cheddar cheese, allowing it to reach room temperature for smoother melting.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Cover slow cooker and set to low heat. Let the corn mixture cook for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Final Touch

Sprinkle crispy bacon pieces and grated cheddar cheese over the corn. Cover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese melts completely.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the creamy, cheesy corn into serving dishes. Garnish with extra bacon bits or chopped chives for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips to Get Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon Just Right

• Customize Corn Texture: Control the corn's consistency by adjusting cooking time- shorter for crisp kernels, longer for softer, creamier results.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Crisp bacon before adding to the slow cooker to enhance its smoky, rich taste and provide a satisfying crunch.
• Prevent Dairy Separation: Stir occasionally during cooking to maintain a smooth, creamy sauce and prevent ingredients from splitting.
• Experiment with Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar for other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or gruyère to create unique flavor profiles.
• Dietary Modification: Use lactose-free milk and plant-based butter for a dairy-sensitive version without compromising the dish's rich, comforting essence.

How to Store and Reheat Cheddar Corn with Bacon

• Store leftover corn in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Place corn in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Transfer corn to a skillet, add a splash of milk or cream to prevent drying, and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.
• Cream-based dishes like this corn don't freeze well, as the dairy can separate and change texture when thawed.

What Pairs Best with Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn

• Complement the rich, creamy corn with a perfectly grilled chicken breast or juicy pork chop. The smoky bacon notes in the corn create a delightful harmony with charred meats.
• Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the corn's heaviness. These wines provide a refreshing contrast that balances the dish's creamy texture.
• Create a light green salad with mixed herbs and a tangy vinaigrette. The salad's brightness will offset the corn's richness and add a fresh element to the meal.
• Offer warm, rustic bread on the side to soak up the creamy corn sauce. Artisan sourdough or a hearty country bread works perfectly for dipping and enjoying every last bit of flavor.

New Takes on Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream and milk with unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk. Swap butter for olive oil to create a lactose-free version.
• Vegetarian Corn Bake: Omit bacon completely and add smoked tofu or roasted vegetable chunks for protein and extra flavor. Sprinkle nutritional yeast for a cheesy undertone.
• Spicy Southwest Corn: Incorporate diced jalapeños, green chiles, and replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese. Add a dash of cumin and chili powder for a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute corn with cauliflower florets. Use full-fat cream and extra sharp cheddar to maintain richness while reducing carbohydrate content.

All About Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon

• Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?

Yes, you can substitute fresh corn with frozen corn. Just thaw the corn completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the slow cooker.

• How do I prevent the corn from becoming mushy in the slow cooker?

Cook on low heat and avoid overcooking. Stir occasionally and check the texture after 2-3 hours to ensure the corn remains tender but not mushy.

• Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can replace heavy cream and milk with dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk. Use a dairy-free butter substitute to keep the recipe creamy and flavorful.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the slow cooker insert in the refrigerator. In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and start cooking.

Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn With Bacon Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty “Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon” brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dining table. Creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and sweet corn mingle in this irresistible side dish that promises pure home-style deliciousness you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Corn Ingredients:

• 4 cups (600 g / 21.16 ounces) frozen corn (or fresh corn kernels)

Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (180 g / 6.35 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4.06 fluid ounces) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2.03 fluid ounces) milk
• ½ cup (115 g / 4.06 ounces) unsalted butter, cubed

Seasoning and Garnish Ingredients:

• 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Combine corn kernels with rich dairy components and aromatic seasonings in the slow cooker, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
2. Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and develop deep, layered flavors for approximately 2-3 hours.
3. Periodically stir the corn mixture to prevent any potential sticking and promote even heat distribution throughout the cooking process.
4. While the corn is cooking, crisp up bacon in a skillet until golden brown and perfectly rendered, then drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
5. Crumble the cooked bacon into rustic, bite-sized pieces, preparing them as a savory garnish for the finished dish.
6. Once the corn reaches a creamy, tender consistency and has absorbed the liquid, sprinkle generously with sharp cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt slowly into the warm mixture.
7. Top the cheesy corn with the crispy bacon fragments, creating a delightful contrast of textures and a smoky, salty finish.
8. Serve immediately while the dish is hot, ensuring the cheese remains melted and the bacon retains its crunch.

Notes

• Enhance the corn’s smoky flavor by using high-quality smoked paprika from specialty stores for a deeper, richer taste profile.
• Crisp bacon separately to maintain its crunch, then sprinkle on top just before serving to prevent sogginess and preserve textural contrast.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use turkey bacon to reduce overall fat content without sacrificing flavor.
• Accommodate vegetarian diets by replacing bacon with smoked almonds or roasted sunflower seeds, which provide a similar crunchy texture and smoky undertone.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 380 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg