The Ultimate Creamy Slow Cooker Creamed Corn: Your Go-To Holiday Side Dish
Prepare to fall in love with the easiest and most deliciously creamy slow cooker creamed corn you’ve ever tasted! This recipe features simple ingredients like rich cream cheese, savory butter, and fresh, sweet corn, all effortlessly cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s the ultimate hassle-free side dish, perfect for holiday feasts, special family gatherings, or any occasion when you crave comforting, flavorful corn without the fuss.
Creamed corn is a beloved classic for a reason – its sweet, creamy goodness makes it a staple on many dinner tables. This time, we’re embracing the convenience of the slow cooker, transforming a traditional favorite into an incredibly simple, hands-off dish. Say goodbye to constant stirring and stovetop monitoring; your slow cooker handles all the work, leaving you more time to focus on other aspects of your meal or simply relax. The result is a consistently warm, rich, and flavorful side dish that will impress everyone.
Why This Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Will Become Your Favorite Side Dish
- Unbelievably Rich, Decadent, and Creamy: This recipe delivers a luxurious texture and deep flavor thanks to the perfect blend of cream cheese, butter, heavy cream, and whole milk. Each bite is a velvety smooth experience that beautifully complements the natural sweetness of the corn. It’s truly a standout, especially when served alongside classics like juicy roast turkey and creamy mashed potatoes.
- Effortless “Set It and Forget It” Convenience: The beauty of the slow cooker means minimal active cooking time. Simply combine your ingredients, set the timer, and let the appliance do its magic. This hands-off approach is a lifesaver, particularly during busy holidays or when entertaining guests.
- Stays Warm for Hours: One of the greatest advantages of using a slow cooker for side dishes is its ability to keep food perfectly warm for extended periods. This is ideal for potlucks, buffet-style meals, or simply enjoying second helpings without needing to reheat. Your creamed corn will maintain its creamy consistency and delicious flavor from the first scoop to the last.
- Flexible Cooking Schedule: Whether you need it ready in a hurry or prefer a longer, slower cook, this recipe adapts to your timeline. You can cook it on the HIGH setting for 2 hours for a quicker preparation or on the LOW setting for 4 hours for a more gradual cook. This flexibility ensures it fits seamlessly into any busy schedule.
- Endlessly Customizable to Your Liking: While it’s absolutely perfect as is, this creamed corn recipe is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to enhance it with savory toppings like crispy bacon or pancetta, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or even a touch of heat. It’s easy to modify and make truly your own!
Key Ingredients You’ll Need (and Notes on Substitutions)
Crafting the perfect slow cooker creamed corn starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and some tips for making the best choices:
Corn – The star of the show! I highly recommend using sweet fresh corn on the cobb when it’s in season for the brightest flavor and best texture. To prepare, simply remove the husks and silks, then carefully cut the kernels from the cob. If fresh corn isn’t available or you’re short on time, this recipe works wonderfully with high-quality frozen corn (no need to thaw!) or even canned corn (drained well). Just be sure to choose unsweetened varieties for frozen and low-sodium for canned to control the overall flavor.
Dairy Trio: Cream Cheese, Butter, Heavy Cream, and Whole Milk – This combination is what creates the unbelievably rich and creamy texture. The cream cheese adds a delightful tang and contributes significantly to the dish’s decadent mouthfeel. Unsalted butter provides essential richness and flavor. Heavy cream ensures a luxurious, smooth consistency, while whole milk helps to thin it slightly and create the perfect balance without making it too heavy. Using full-fat dairy products is key for the best results in terms of creaminess and flavor.
Cheddar Cheese (Optional, but Highly Recommended) – A fantastic addition to thicken the creamed corn even further and add another layer of savory, cheesy goodness. I love adding some at the end; it melts beautifully and integrates seamlessly into the creamy base. The sweet and salty combination, especially if you’re using sweet corn, is absolutely fantastic and irresistible. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a smoked gouda for different flavor profiles.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning to taste. Don’t underestimate the power of these simple seasonings to elevate all the other flavors in the dish. Start with a moderate amount and adjust at the end for your perfect balance.
Fresh Chives (for Garnish) – A sprinkle of fresh chives adds a pop of color and a mild, oniony freshness that beautifully cuts through the richness of the creamed corn. This optional garnish is highly recommended for both presentation and flavor.
Crafting Your Perfect Slow Cooker Creamed Corn: Step-by-Step Guide
Making this creamy side dish is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these simple steps for delicious results:
- Prepare the Corn: If using fresh corn on the cob, carefully remove the husks and any silk. Using a sharp knife, stand the corn upright in a large bowl (to catch the kernels) and cut the kernels from the cob. Add these fresh kernels directly to your slow cooker. If using frozen or canned corn, add it directly to the slow cooker (no need to thaw frozen corn). Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring gently to combine.
- Add Dairy and Cook: Place the softened cream cheese and butter directly on top of the corn mixture in the slow cooker. It’s important not to stir at this stage; letting the dairy melt slowly on top helps to create a richer, more cohesive sauce as it cooks down. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the HIGH setting for two hours.
- Stir and Season: After two hours, carefully remove the lid. The cream cheese and butter should be mostly melted. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined and the corn is fully incorporated into the creamy sauce. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Cover again and continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to reach optimal creaminess.
- Thicken and Garnish (Optional): For an extra thick and cheesy consistency, uncover the slow cooker and stir in 3/4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth. This step will make your creamed corn incredibly decadent and flavorful. Once you’ve reached your desired consistency, garnish with fresh chopped chives if desired for a burst of fresh flavor and color, then serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips for the Best Creamed Corn Every Time
Elevate your slow cooker creamed corn with these tried-and-true tips and creative variations:
- Adjusting Sweetness: While I prefer sweet corn for this recipe, if your corn isn’t naturally sweet or if you prefer a sweeter profile, simply add 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar (or even brown sugar for a richer molasses note) to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Adding a Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding some fresh diced jalapeños (remove seeds for less heat), a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. This adds a fantastic contrast to the creamy sweetness.
- Cheese, Please! Don’t limit yourself to just cheddar. While cheddar is delicious, feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. Gouda cheese adds a nutty, buttery flavor, while mascarpone cheese offers an even silkier, richer texture. A blend of cheeses can also be wonderful.
- Perfecting the Thickness: To achieve a wonderfully thick and gooey consistency, add 3/4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese at the end of the cooking process and stir it in until completely melted. The cheese acts as a natural thickener and infuses incredible flavor. If you find it’s still not thick enough for your liking, you can create a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold milk or water, stir it into the hot creamed corn, and cook for another 15-30 minutes on high until thickened.
- For a Lighter Consistency: If you prefer a looser, more fluid creamed corn, simply omit the cheddar cheese altogether. The cream cheese, butter, and milk combination will still yield a delicious, creamy result. You can also add a splash more milk or cream if it becomes too thick for your preference.
- Make-Ahead and Storage: This dish is fantastic for making ahead! Prepare it up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the slow cooker on low or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore its creamy texture. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Serving Suggestions Beyond the Holidays: While it’s a holiday star, this creamed corn pairs beautifully with a variety of meals. Serve it alongside grilled steak, roasted chicken, pulled pork, or your favorite BBQ dishes. It can even be used as a filling for savory pot pies or a topping for baked potatoes.
No Slow Cooker? No Problem! Stovetop Instructions
Absolutely! You don’t need a crockpot to enjoy this delightful creamed corn. The stovetop method is just as delicious and only takes a little more active attention:
To prepare on the stovetop, simply add all of the ingredients (corn, whole milk, heavy cream, cream cheese, butter, salt, and pepper) to a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure the dairy melts evenly. Continue cooking for about 20-25 minutes, or until the corn is tender, the cream cheese and butter have completely melted, and the mixture is thick and creamy. If adding cheddar cheese, stir it in during the last 5 minutes until fully melted. Garnish with fresh chives and serve immediately. This method is quicker if you’re pressed for time but requires more hands-on stirring.
Explore More Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes
The slow cooker is a versatile kitchen appliance that can handle a wide array of dishes, from comforting mains to savory sides. If you love the ease and convenience of slow cooker cooking, be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes:
- Slow Cooker Whole Chicken – Achieve perfectly tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort, ideal for a hearty family dinner.
- Crockpot Cheesy Beef Goulash – A rich, creamy, and incredibly comforting dish that’s super easy to prepare and perfect for a chilly evening.
- Slow Cooker Orange Chicken – Forget takeout! This homemade version is packed with flavor, simpler to make, and so much better.
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Slow Cooker Creamed Corn
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Equipment
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Slow Cooker (6-quart or larger recommended)
Ingredients
- 5 ears fresh sweet corn, kernels cut from cob (or 4-5 cups frozen/canned)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter , cut into cubes
- 3/4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded, optional for extra thickness and flavor
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh chives , chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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If using fresh corn, remove the husks and silks, then carefully cut the kernels from the cob into your slow cooker. If using frozen or canned corn, add it directly to the slow cooker. Stir in the heavy cream and whole milk to combine.
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Place the cubed cream cheese and butter on top of the corn mixture in the slow cooker; do not stir them in yet. Cover with the lid and cook on the HIGH setting for two hours.
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After two hours, uncover the slow cooker. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all the cream cheese and butter are fully melted and combined into a creamy sauce. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Cover again and cook for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen.
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For an extra thick and cheesy result, stir in the 3/4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and smooth. Garnish with fresh chopped chives if desired, and enjoy your rich and creamy slow cooker creamed corn!
Notes
- You can cook this on the LOW setting for 4 hours instead of HIGH for 2 hours, depending on your schedule.
- If your corn isn’t sweet enough, feel free to add 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar to the mixture before cooking.
- Want to add some heat? Stir in fresh diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the seasonings.
- Experiment with other cheeses like gouda, mascarpone, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
- If you prefer a very loose consistency, you can omit the cheddar cheese. The dish will still be creamy and delicious.
- This recipe is excellent for making ahead! Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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