Easy Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon
Sweet corn, sharp cheddar, and smoky bacon melt together in the slow cooker for a rich, crowd‑pleasing Southern‑style side dish. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or effortless weeknights.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker (4–6 quart)
- Skillet
- Cutting Board & Knife
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Mixing Spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
- fine salt and black pepper to taste
- fresh parsley or chives, chopped for garnish (optional)
Optional Add‑Ins
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened for extra creaminess (optional)
- 2 tbsp sour cream for tang (optional)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar to accent the corn’s sweetness (optional)
Instructions
- Crisp the bacon: Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble. Reserve 1–2 tsp bacon drippings for flavor if desired.
- Load the slow cooker: To a 4–6 qt slow cooker, add frozen corn, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, heavy cream, melted butter, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well.
- Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for about 2 hours, stirring once halfway; or on LOW for about 4 hours, until hot, creamy, and the cheese is fully melted.
- Adjust & finish: Taste and adjust seasoning. If using any optional add‑ins (cream cheese, sour cream, brown sugar), stir them in during the last 15 minutes. Thin with a splash of cream if needed.
- Garnish & serve: Top with chopped parsley or chives and serve warm as a cozy side.
Notes
Timing: Nutrition and total time are based on the HIGH setting (≈2 hours). For make‑ahead or buffet service, use LOW (≈4 hours) and switch to WARM to hold.
Make it your way: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, add diced jalapeños, or fold in a can of drained green chiles. For extra richness, add cream cheese.
Diet swaps: Use turkey bacon or omit bacon for a vegetarian version; replace heavy cream with evaporated milk for a lighter option.
Make it your way: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, add diced jalapeños, or fold in a can of drained green chiles. For extra richness, add cream cheese.
Diet swaps: Use turkey bacon or omit bacon for a vegetarian version; replace heavy cream with evaporated milk for a lighter option.