Ever thought of turning simple corn into a rich comfort food? Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon does just that. It mixes corn’s sweetness, cheddar’s richness, and bacon’s smokiness for a side dish that wows.
This recipe comes from Southern-style cooking, known for its creamy, cheesy, and comforting dishes. Using a slow cooker brings out the best in these ingredients. It’s ideal for weeknights, holidays, or any time you crave homemade flavors.
Key Takeaways
- Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon is a decadent, comfort food side dish that combines the sweetness of corn, the richness of cheddar, and the smokiness of bacon.
- This recipe is inspired by the traditions of Southern-style cooking, where creamy, cheesy, and comforting dishes are highly prized.
- The slow cooking process in a crock pot helps to enhance the flavors and textures of the ingredients, creating a dish that’s perfect for weekday meals, holiday gatherings, and special occasions.
- This recipe is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs.
- Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses, making it a great addition to your culinary repertoire.
Introduction to Southern-Style Comfort Cooking
The South is famous for its rich food traditions. Creamed corn is a favorite comfort food there. It has deep roots in the South’s history, dating back to the Great Depression.
Back then, home cooks used limited ingredients to make meals. Today, Southern creamed corn is enjoyed at many gatherings and dinners.
Origins of Creamed Corn Dishes
Creamed corn dishes, like Texas-style, mix heavy cream, cream cheese, butter, and sweetened condensed milk. This dish became popular during the Great Depression. It was a nourishing and affordable way to use summer corn.
Why Slow Cooking Enhances Flavor
Slow cooking makes creamed corn even better. It lets the flavors mix and the corn’s sweetness shine. The corn becomes tender and the dish smooth and creamy.
Perfect Occasions for This Dish
Creamed corn is great for many occasions. It’s perfect for holidays and casual barbecues. It goes well with grilled meats and roasted poultry.
It’s also a favorite for weeknight dinners. It makes a simple meal feel special.
Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon
Creating a comforting Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon starts with quality ingredients. This dish combines frozen corn kernels, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon in a creamy sauce. It’s a mix of flavors that makes it indulgent and satisfying.
You’ll need 4 cups of frozen corn kernels for the base. Add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a cheesy touch. And don’t forget 6 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon for smoky flavor.
To mix the flavors, use 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/4 cup of unsalted melted butter. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Top it off with fresh parsley for color and freshness.
Some recipes add cream cheese, JIFFY Corn Muffin Mix, sour cream, or brown sugar for extra richness. But corn, cheddar, and bacon are the main stars.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Frozen corn kernels | 4 cups |
| Shredded sharp cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Cooked bacon, crumbled | 6 slices |
| Heavy cream | 1/2 cup |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley (optional) | For garnish |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon. It’s sure to impress your loved ones.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making this tasty Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon recipe is easy. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.
Preparation Phase
Begin by cooking the bacon until it’s crispy. This adds a smoky, savory flavor to the dish. Then, shred the cheddar cheese so it’s ready to mix into the slow cooker.
In the slow cooker, mix the frozen corn, shredded cheese, bacon, heavy cream, melted butter, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
Slow Cooking Process
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, stirring now and then. This slow cooking blends the flavors and makes the corn tender and creamy.
Check the corn’s consistency after 3-4 hours. If needed, add salt or pepper to taste.
Final Touches and Garnishing
When the Cheddar Corn is done, it’s time to serve. For extra flavor and looks, garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving.
This recipe has been shared 23 times and makes 12 servings. It takes 1 hour and 45 minutes to cook. Enjoy this crock pot corn recipe as a side or main dish. The cooking process and garnishing tips will impress your guests and please your taste buds.
Tips for Perfect Results and Variations
To get perfect slow cooker cheddar corn with bacon, follow these tips. First, stir well if the cream cheese looks curdled. This will mix it smoothly. If it’s too thick, cook it uncovered or add a bit of milk to thin it.
For different flavors, try using turkey bacon or adding diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. Bell peppers or green onions add a nice crunch. Mix different cheeses, like cheddar and smoked Gouda, for unique tastes.
For a sweeter dish, add brown sugar or corn muffin mix. This turns it into a creamy corn spoon bread that’s perfect for comfort food cravings.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Frozen corn | 32 oz (2lb) |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz |
| Heavy cream | 1/2 cup |
| Unsalted butter | 1/4 cup |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Precooked bacon | 2 strips |
With these creamed corn tips and recipe variations, you can adjust the texture and flavor of your dish. Feel free to experiment and try new things. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon recipe is a delightful and versatile side dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for various occasions. The creamy texture, smoky bacon, and sweet corn make it a comforting dish.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a tasty side dish, this recipe is perfect. Its crowd-pleasing flavors and versatility make it a must-try. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the slow cooker, and enjoy the delicious and comforting goodness of Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon.
FAQ
What are the key ingredients in Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon?
The main ingredients are 4 cups of frozen corn kernels, 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and 6 slices of cooked bacon (crumbled). You’ll also need 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, and some garlic powder and paprika. Don’t forget salt, pepper, and optional fresh parsley.
How long does it take to prepare this dish in the slow cooker?
It cooks on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours. Stir it a few times. Some recipes say 3-4 hours on high is best.
What are some variations of this dish?
You can add cream cheese, JIFFY Corn Muffin Mix, or sour cream for extra flavor. Brown sugar can also be used. Try turkey bacon, jalapeños, or cayenne for spice. Add diced bell peppers or green onions for texture. Mix different cheeses like cheddar and smoked Gouda.
What are the benefits of slow cooking for this dish?
Slow cooking blends flavors over time. It turns simple ingredients into a delicious side or main dish.
What occasions is this dish suitable for?
It’s great for holidays, potlucks, and everyday meals. It goes well with grilled chicken, pulled pork, or steak.
How can I achieve the perfect texture and consistency for this dish?
Stir well if the cream cheese looks curdled. If it’s too thick, cook it uncovered or add milk. Thin it out with milk or cream if needed.
