Slow Cooker Corn with Bacon

This slow cooker cheddar corn with bacon transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, indulgent side dish that's perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or alongside your favorite grilled meats. The combination of sweet corn, sharp cheddar, and savory bacon creates an irresistible flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults.

I first made this cheesy corn for a summer barbecue when I needed something that would stay warm during an outdoor party. It was the first dish to be completely devoured, and now it's requested at every family gathering regardless of season.

• Frozen corn kernels: sweet and convenient with no prep required, choose a quality brand for best flavor
• Sharp cheddar cheese: provides rich flavor and perfect meltability, freshly shredded melts more smoothly than pre packaged
• Bacon: adds smoky depth and savory contrast to the sweet corn, thick cut works best
• Heavy cream: creates the luxurious creamy texture, full fat delivers the best consistency
• Unsalted butter: adds richness and allows you to control the salt level
• Garlic powder: infuses subtle savory notes without overwhelming the dish
• Paprika: brings gentle warmth and beautiful color
• Fresh parsley: optional but adds brightness and visual appeal to the finished dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the components:

Cook bacon until perfectly crispy either in a skillet or oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes. Once cooled, crumble into small pieces. Meanwhile, shred the cheddar cheese from a block rather than using pre shredded which contains anti caking agents that can affect the texture.

Combine ingredients:

Add the frozen corn directly to your slow cooker without thawing. Mix in the freshly shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon bits, heavy cream, and melted butter. Sprinkle the garlic powder and paprika evenly over the mixture, then stir thoroughly to ensure every kernel of corn gets coated with the creamy mixture.

Season and cook:

Add salt and pepper according to your preference, remembering that the bacon and cheese already contain salt. Cover the slow cooker and set to cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours. The longer cooking time on low develops a more mellow flavor profile.

Stir occasionally:

Every 30 minutes or so, gently stir the mixture to prevent the cheese from sticking to the sides and to help everything melt together evenly. This also helps distribute the flavors throughout the dish.

Final touches:

Once cooking is complete, give everything one final stir and taste to adjust seasonings if needed. If using fresh parsley, sprinkle it over the top just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

The first time I served this at a neighborhood potluck, three people asked for the recipe before dinner was even over. The secret is really in the quality of the cheese you use. I splurge on a good aged cheddar that brings the perfect balance of sharpness to complement the sweet corn.

Customization Options

This cheddar corn is wonderfully adaptable to your preferences. For a spicy kick, add a diced jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce. If you prefer a southwestern flair, mix in a teaspoon of cumin and some diced bell peppers. For a more herbaceous version, fresh thyme or rosemary make wonderful additions that complement the savory elements beautifully.

Make It Healthier

While this dish is definitely an indulgence, you can make some adjustments for a lighter version. Substitute half and half for the heavy cream, reduce the cheese by about a third, and use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. The dish will still be creamy and delicious but with fewer calories. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding diced red bell peppers or even some small broccoli florets.

Storage and Reheating

This cheesy corn reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to maintain the creamy texture and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally. The flavors actually develop further after a day in the refrigerator, making this dish possibly even better as leftovers.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile side dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like steak, chicken, or pork chops. It also makes a perfect accompaniment to holiday meals alongside turkey or ham. For a complete comfort food experience, serve it with barbecue ribs and coleslaw. The creamy texture and rich flavor also work well alongside spicy dishes, providing a cooling counterpoint to the heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh corn kernels can be used. Simply remove them from the cob and follow the same instructions.

→ Can bacon be substituted or omitted?

Yes, you can substitute bacon with turkey bacon or leave it out for a vegetarian version, although it may alter the flavor slightly.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the mixture.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead and reheat it before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a mix of cheeses can be used to suit your taste preferences.

→ How do I prevent the cheese from sticking in the slow cooker?

Stir the mixture occasionally during cooking, and consider spraying the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray before adding the ingredients.