As I flipped through an old recipe book recently, a page marked with a splash of splattered goodness caught my eye – the beloved Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon. The magical combination of sweet corn, savory bacon, and rich cheddar cheese isn’t just delicious; it’s pure comfort in a bowl. This dish is not only a breeze to prepare but also offers a warm hug of flavor perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. And let’s be honest, who can resist the allure of throwing everything into the slow cooker and letting it work its magic? Trust me, this dish has the power to turn any meal into a cherished memory. Are you ready to savor the joys of homemade goodness?
Why is this cheddar corn a must-try?
Comforting Flavor: The rich blend of creamy cheddar, crispy bacon, and sweet corn creates an irresistible dish that everyone will love.
Effortless Preparation: With minimal effort, you can let your slow cooker do all the work—just chop, mix, and wait!
Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for any occasion, from holiday feasts to casual dinners, this dish complements a variety of mains.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: It's a guaranteed winner at potlucks or family gatherings; nobody can resist a bowl of warm, cheesy corn!
Consider pairing with dishes like Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken or serving alongside a fresh Crack Corn Salad for a delightful spread.
Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon Ingredients
Discover the delightful ingredients that make this dish a true comfort food classic!
For the Base
• Bacon – 6 slices, cooked until crispy for that irresistible smoky flavor.
• Corn Kernels – 4 cups, fresh or frozen; both options work wonderfully for sweetness.
• Chopped Onion – ½ cup, to add a savory depth to the dish.
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced for an aromatic kick.
For the Creamy Mixture
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – 1 cup, the star ingredient that brings the creamy richness of Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon.
• Heavy Cream – ½ cup, elevates the dish to a decedent level.
• Unsalted Butter – 2 tablespoons, for a rich and velvety texture.
For Seasoning
• Garlic Powder – 1 teaspoon, to deepen the garlic flavor effortlessly.
• Onion Powder – ½ teaspoon, enhancing the savory notes without the bite of raw onion.
• Salt – ½ teaspoon, essential for balancing the flavors.
• Black Pepper – ¼ teaspoon, adds just the right hint of spice.
For Garnish
• Chopped Fresh Parsley – 1 tablespoon, for a pop of color and freshness on top.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Begin by placing 6 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Sizzle the bacon until it's crispy and golden, about 5–7 minutes. Once done, transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, leaving the delicious bacon fat in the skillet for added flavor in your Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
Let the cooked bacon cool for a few minutes before chopping it into small pieces. While the bacon cools, gather your other ingredients: measure 4 cups of corn kernels, chop ½ cup of onion, and mince 2 cloves of garlic. This preparation will ensure a smooth cooking process in your slow cooker and enhance the savory goodness of this dish.
Step 3: Combine in the Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, combine the chopped bacon, reserved bacon fat, corn, chopped onion, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and spices (1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper). Pour in ½ cup of heavy cream and stir thoroughly to blend all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 4: Set to Cook
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the cooking temperature to low. Allow the mixture to cook for 2 to 3 hours, stirring once about halfway through. This gentle cooking will melt all the ingredients together, creating the creamy goodness that defines your Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon.
Step 5: Add the Cheddar Cheese
Approximately 30 minutes before you plan to serve, lift the lid and sprinkle in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well to ensure that the cheese melts and evenly coats the corn mixture. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is fully melted and beautifully incorporated, making the dish irresistibly creamy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the cheddar has melted to creamy perfection, it’s time to serve! Spoon the Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon into bowls and garnish each serving with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley. This adds a vibrant pop of color and freshness, elevating your dish just in time for enjoyment!
How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon
Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the creamy texture and flavor of your Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon.
Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Use freezer-safe bags or containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to regain creaminess if needed.
Make Ahead Options
These Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the bacon, onions, and garlic and combine them with the corn and spices up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. When you're ready to enjoy, just transfer everything to the slow cooker, adding the butter and heavy cream, and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. This pre-prepping will save you valuable time on busy weeknights, allowing you to savor delicious, homemade flavors without the last-minute rush!
Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon Variations
Feel free to add your unique twist to this delightful dish, making it truly yours!
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Vegetarian: Omit bacon and replace it with 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms for rich, earthy flavors.
For a different texture and taste, consider adding black beans to bring a hearty element to your dish while keeping it meat-free. -
Spicy: Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
This fiery addition will warm up your bowl of goodness, making it an exciting choice for heat lovers! -
Creamy Vegan: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and cheese with a vegan cheddar variant.
This wonderful spin allows everyone to enjoy the comforting taste while adhering to dietary preferences. -
Smoky Flavor: Mix in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for that wonderful smoky depth.
It’s a fantastic way to elevate your Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon without changing the basic recipe! -
Sweet Corn Salsa: Stir in 1 cup of corn salsa before serving for a zesty twist.
This brightens the flavor profile, lending an extra layer of excitement to the creamy goodness! -
Dairy-Free: Use unsweetened almond or oat milk instead of heavy cream and skip the cheese.
Achieving creaminess without dairy can be accomplished with a bit of creativity and experimentation! -
Cheddar Variants: Try different cheese combinations like pepper jack or gouda for a flavor upgrade.
Each cheese brings a delightful taste, transforming this dish into an entirely new experience! -
Nutty Addition: Throw in ½ cup of toasted pecans for extra crunch and richness.
Not only do they add texture, but they also provide a delightful nutty flavor that rounds out the dish perfectly.
Looking for more delectable side dishes? Consider pairing this with a fresh Mexican Street Corn for an enthusiastic flavor combination! Or serve alongside a comforting Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs for a truly satisfying meal!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon
Imagine the delightful depth of flavor and creamy texture that the cheddar corn brings to your dining table, creating the perfect starting point for a cozy meal.
- Grilled Chicken Breasts: The smoky taste of grilled chicken harmonizes beautifully with the creamy corn, making for a well-rounded plate.
- Pulled Pork Sliders: Juicy pulled pork and cheddar corn create a party on your palate with contrasting flavors and textures that satisfy.
- Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted vegetables add freshness and crunch, creating a vibrant balance to the richness of the corn dish.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: These hearty, savory peppers filled with rice and ground meat pair perfectly with the cheesy corn, adding an extra element of comfort.
- Cornbread Muffins: Soft and slightly sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful accompaniment, perfect for scooping up cheesy goodness.
- Caesar Salad: The crisp and refreshing Caesar salad helps cut through the richness, offering a nice contrast to the creamy cheddar corn.
- Sparkling Apple Cider: A glass of sparkling apple cider’s sweetness and effervescence enhances the meal, adding a festive touch to this comforting dish.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: End your meal on a sweet note with warm chocolate chip cookies, creating a nostalgic and comforting finish that everyone loves.
Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon
• Choose Quality Bacon: Select a high-quality bacon for a rich flavor; avoid overly processed varieties to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Fresh Corn is Best: If possible, use fresh corn kernels for a sweeter taste, but frozen corn is a convenient and acceptable alternative.
• Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the cooking time; cooking for more than 3 hours can result in mushy corn, which detracts from the texture.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and feel free to adjust the salt and pepper; everyone’s palate is different, and fresh seasonings make all the difference!
• Mix and Melt: Stir well when adding the cheddar cheese; this ensures a smooth, velvety texture in your Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon.
Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon Recipe FAQs
What type of corn should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh corn kernels provide the sweetest flavor, but frozen corn works perfectly well too. If using frozen, ensure they're thawed beforehand for even cooking and best results.
How should I store leftover Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon?
Keep your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its creamy texture and delicious flavor. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat gently.
Can I freeze the Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon?
Yes! To freeze, divide the dish into individual portions and place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Be sure to press out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 2 months.
What is the best way to reheat frozen cheddar corn?
To reheat, thaw the corn overnight in the fridge. When ready to enjoy, warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore its creaminess. Stir occasionally for even heating.
Why is my Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon watery?
If your dish turns out watery, it could be due to excess moisture from the corn or not cooking it long enough. Make sure to use the correct cooking time and, if needed, cook with the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape. This will help concentrate the flavors and thicken the texture.
Is this dish suitable for people with allergies?
If you're cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, feel free to modify the recipe! You can use dairy-free cheese and cream alternatives for lactose intolerance or skip the bacon to make it vegetarian. Always check packaging for allergen information!
Creamy Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by placing 6 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Sizzle the bacon until it's crispy and golden, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Let the cooked bacon cool for a few minutes before chopping it into small pieces. Gather the other ingredients: measure 4 cups of corn kernels, chop ½ cup of onion, and mince 2 cloves of garlic.
- In your slow cooker, combine the chopped bacon, reserved bacon fat, corn, chopped onion, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and spices (1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper). Pour in ½ cup of heavy cream and stir thoroughly.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the cooking temperature to low. Allow to cook for 2 to 3 hours, stirring once halfway through.
- Approximately 30 minutes before serving, lift the lid and sprinkle in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir to ensure the cheese melts and coats the corn mixture evenly.
- Once the cheddar has melted, serve the Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon in bowls and garnish with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley.
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