Imagine coming home to the comforting aroma of cheesy corn with crispy bacon! This Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon is the ultimate side dish that practically cooks itself. With creamy, cheesy goodness and the smoky flavor of bacon, this dish is perfect for holiday dinners, BBQs, or any time you want a warm, satisfying accompaniment to your meal. The best part? Your slow cooker does all the work!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon
Easy and Convenient: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Perfect for busy days!
Crowd-Pleaser: With gooey cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, this dish is bound to be a hit at any gathering.
Versatile Side: Pairs well with everything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables, and it’s great for potlucks.
Rich and Flavorful: The combination of melted cheese, cream, butter, and spices takes corn to the next level.
Let’s get started with the recipe so you can enjoy this deliciously creamy and savory dish!
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Ingredient Tips
Frozen Corn: No need to thaw! Just pour the frozen kernels straight into the slow cooker. You can also use fresh corn if it’s in season—simply cut it off the cob.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a rich, tangy flavor. Feel free to use mild or medium cheddar if you prefer a less intense taste.
Bacon: Cook the bacon until it’s crispy for the best texture. You can use turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon substitute for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the dish. For a lighter version, substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but note that the texture may be less creamy.
Garlic Powder and Paprika: These spices add a nice depth of flavor without overpowering the dish. Feel free to adjust to your taste or add a little cayenne for heat.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness, but it’s entirely optional.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Cook the Bacon: Start by cooking the bacon until it is crispy. You can do this in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
Shred the Cheese: Use a grater to shred the sharp cheddar cheese if it isn’t pre-shredded. Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes fresher.
2. Assemble the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Combine the Main Ingredients: In your slow cooker, add the frozen corn, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, heavy cream, and melted butter.
Season and Mix: Add the garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed and coated with the seasoning.
3. Cook in the Slow Cooker
Cover and Cook: Place the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to low and cook for 4 hours, or choose the high setting for a quicker cooking time of 2 hours.
Stir Occasionally: To prevent the cheese from sticking to the sides of the slow cooker and to ensure even cooking, stir the mixture occasionally.
4. Finish and Serve
Final Stir and Adjust Seasoning: Once the cooking time is complete, give the corn mixture a good stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and extra flavor before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheddar Corn with Bacon is incredibly versatile and pairs well with various main dishes. Here are some ideas:
Grilled Chicken or Steak: The creamy corn makes a perfect side for grilled or roasted meats.
BBQ Ribs: Add this dish to your barbecue spread for a cheesy, comforting side.
Holiday Dinners: Serve it alongside turkey, ham, or roast beef for a holiday meal everyone will love.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and serve with roasted vegetables or a hearty salad for a vegetarian-friendly side.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Freeze: This dish is also freezer-friendly! Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as mentioned above.
Variations
Spicy Cheddar Corn: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Cream Cheese Addition: For an extra creamy texture, add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese to the mixture before cooking.
Mexican-Inspired Corn: Replace the cheddar with Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese, add a squeeze of lime juice, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a Mexican twist.
Vegetarian Version: Leave out the bacon and use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Add more vegetables like red bell peppers or jalapeños for added texture and taste.
Final Note
Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that brings comfort to any meal. It’s a fantastic choice for those who love creamy, cheesy goodness with a hint of smoky bacon flavor. Plus, with so many variations, you can easily make it your own!
Enjoy this delicious side dish and make it a staple at your family dinners and gatherings. Happy cooking! 🌽🥓
Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon
Ingredients Â
- 4 cups frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (optional)
InstructionsÂ
- Prepare Ingredients:
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble. Shred the cheddar cheese and set aside.
- Combine in Slow Cooker:
- In a slow cooker, combine the frozen corn, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, heavy cream, melted butter, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Season and Stir:
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir again to incorporate the seasonings thoroughly.
- Cook:
- 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.
- Finish and Serve:
- Once cooked, stir the corn mixture one last time. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.