This Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon is a creamy, cheesy, and savory side dish that’s perfect for any gathering. With the sweetness of corn combined with sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and rich cream, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s for a holiday dinner or a comforting weeknight meal, this dish requires minimal effort thanks to your trusty slow cooker.
Jump to Recipe🍴 Servings: 6-8
🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🕖 Cooking Time: 2-4 hours
🕖 Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 cups frozen corn kernels: Sweet and tender, providing the base for this creamy dish.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a rich, tangy flavor that melts beautifully into the dish.
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled: Smoky and crispy, adding depth and texture.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: For a luscious, creamy consistency.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps meld all the flavors together.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle hint of garlic enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Adds a gentle warmth and color to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season and balance the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, herby finish for both color and taste.
Instructions:
1️⃣ Prepare the Ingredients:
- Cook the Bacon: Start by cooking 6 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then crumble the bacon into small pieces. Set aside.
- Shred the Cheese: While the bacon cooks, shred 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese and set it aside for later use.
2️⃣ Assemble the Slow Cooker:
- In a slow cooker, add 4 cups of frozen corn kernels. No need to thaw them; the slow cooking process will take care of that.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the corn.
- Add the crumbled bacon on top for that irresistible smoky flavor.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and the 1/4 cup of melted butter, which will create the creamy sauce that ties everything together.
- Season with 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. These spices will add depth without overpowering the dish.
3️⃣ Stir and Cook:
- Mix everything together in the slow cooker, ensuring that the ingredients are evenly distributed and the corn is well-coated with the cheese and cream mixture.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours. Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent the cheese from sticking to the sides and to ensure that everything cooks evenly.
4️⃣ Final Touches:
- Once the cooking time is up, give the corn mixture a final stir. The cheese should be melted and creamy, enveloping the corn and bacon in a rich, savory sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt and pepper as needed.
- For an optional touch of freshness and color, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving.
5️⃣ Serve and Enjoy:
- Transfer the cheesy corn mixture to a serving dish while it’s still warm and bubbly. This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even as a hearty side for a holiday feast.
- Serve with a spoonful of love, and watch as your guests go back for seconds!
Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon
This flavorful pasta dish is packed with ground beef, bacon, cheese, and a tangy sauce. The perfect combination of flavors and textures will leave you craving more. Enjoy this satisfying meal for a family dinner or a casual weeknight meal.
Ingredients
4 cups of frozen corn kernels
1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
1/2 cup of heavy cream
1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon of paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the ingredients by cooking the bacon until crispy and then crumbling it. Shred the cheddar cheese and set aside.
- In a slow cooker, combine the frozen corn, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, heavy cream, melted butter, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to ensure even distribution of all ingredients.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper, then stir again to incorporate the seasonings thoroughly.
- 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.
- Once cooked, stir the corn mixture one last time. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes 💡:
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate. Simply place the insert in the slow cooker in the morning and cook as directed.
- Customizable: Feel free to add other veggies like diced bell peppers or jalapeños for a bit of extra flavor and texture. You can also swap out the sharp cheddar for a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different twist.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
This Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon is the ultimate comfort food side dish that brings together sweet, creamy, smoky, and savory flavors in every bite. Perfect for those who love a good mix of cheese and bacon! 🧀🥓