Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn is a creamy, comforting side dish that combines the sweetness of corn with the rich, melty goodness of cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy days, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a deliciously cheesy accompaniment to your main course. Cooking the corn in a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a side dish that’s sure to be a hit with both adults and kids alike. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as part of a festive holiday spread, Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn is a versatile and satisfying option that adds a touch of warmth to any meal.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn
- Effortless Preparation: Simply combine the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
- Comforting and Cheesy: The combination of sweet corn and cheddar cheese creates a comforting side dish everyone will love.
- Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to include your favorite seasonings or add-ins like bacon, jalapeños, or green onions.
Ingredients Notes
- Corn: You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn for this recipe, making it a convenient year-round dish.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds a rich, creamy texture and flavor. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for variation.
- Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and helps to thicken the sauce as it cooks.
- Butter: Enhances the flavor and contributes to the velvety texture of the dish.
- Milk: Use whole milk for the creamiest result, but you can substitute with 2% milk if preferred.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and optional additions like garlic powder or smoked paprika can be used to tailor the dish to your taste.
Recipe Steps
- Prepare the Corn: If using fresh corn, husk and cut the kernels off the cob. For frozen corn, no need to thaw. Drain canned corn before use.
- Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, combine the corn, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, butter, milk, and your chosen seasonings.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally until the cheese is melted and the corn is tender.
- Stir and Serve: Once cooked, give the corn a good stir to ensure everything is well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until warm. Add a splash of milk if the mixture is too thick.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn
Ingredients
- Frozen corn: 4 cups (about 24 oz or 680g)
- Cream cheese: 8 oz (225g), cubed
- Butter: 1/4 cup (60g), cubed
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 1 cup (100g), shredded
- Milk: 1/2 cup (120ml)
- Sugar: 1-2 tablespoons (optional, adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Place the frozen corn in the slow cooker. No need to thaw it first as it will cook perfectly from frozen.
- Add the cubed cream cheese and butter on top of the corn.
- Season:
- Sprinkle the sugar (if using), salt, pepper, and garlic powder over the corn. The sugar can help balance the flavors, especially if your corn is not very sweet.
- Add Dairy:
- Pour the milk over all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Then, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2 hours. This range allows the corn to become tender and the cheeses to melt into a creamy sauce.
- Stir:
- About halfway through the cooking time, give everything a good stir to evenly distribute the melting cheeses and incorporate them with the corn. If you’re not available to stir halfway, don’t worry; just stir well once the cooking time is up.
- Serve:
- Once the corn is tender and the mixture is hot and creamy, give it a final stir and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm as a delicious side dish to complement your main course.
