If you’re hunting for that crowd-pleaser side dish that turns a regular dinner into a celebration, look no further than the Easy Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon Recipe. This creamy, cheesy, smoky, and incredibly irresistible corn dish has all the makings of ultimate comfort food—perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or those nights when you just want something special with minimal effort. Every spoonful bursts with rich cheddar flavor, the sweetness of corn, and the unmistakable crunch and savoriness of bacon. Throw it together in the morning and come home to a pot of pure happiness!

Easy Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity never tasted so good! Each ingredient in this Easy Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon Recipe brings something vital to the table, from creamy texture to bold color and mouthwatering aroma. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish so addictive and how each component transforms humble corn into a dinner highlight.

Frozen corn kernels: Packs plenty of natural sweetness and holds up beautifully during slow cooking.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Bold, tangy, and perfectly melted throughout—sharp cheddar is the flavor star.
Cooked bacon, crumbled: Adds a smoky crunch and satisfying saltiness in every bite.
Heavy cream: Brings lush, creamy goodness that ties all the other flavors together.
Unsalted butter, melted: Deepens the dish’s richness and provides a silky-smooth mouthfeel.
Garlic powder: Brings a subtle, savory warmth; a little goes a long way.
Paprika: A gentle pop of color and a hint of earthy spice rounds out the flavors.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—adjust to your personal taste just before serving.
Fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkled over the top for a touch of freshness and a lovely pop of green.

How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Bacon and Cheese

Start by cooking your bacon until it’s perfectly crispy—either in a skillet or in the oven. Once cooled, crumble it into small pieces. Meanwhile, shred your cheddar cheese (freshly shredded melts more beautifully than pre-shredded) and set both aside. Prepping these first means they’ll be ready to infuse the dish with maximum flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Mix Everything in the Slow Cooker

Grab your slow cooker and add the frozen corn, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon (save a little for garnishing if you like), heavy cream, melted butter, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir everything together until the corn is coated in all that creamy, cheesy goodness. This quick mix truly couldn’t be easier, but it sets the stage for all the magic to happen as it cooks.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Creamy Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 4 hours, or high for about 2 hours. Give it a gentle stir, if possible, halfway through to help the cheese melt evenly and flavors marry. As it cooks, the cheddar melts into the cream, coating every kernel with savory sauce, while the bacon infuses a deep smokiness.

Step 4: Taste and Finish

When the timer goes off, lift the lid and check for creaminess. If the corn looks a tad dry, you can always stir in a splash more cream. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. This step really customizes your Easy Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon Recipe, elevating it from “delicious” to “absolutely perfect.”

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Spoon the Cheddar Corn into your favorite serving dish or right from the slow cooker. Sprinkle with extra crumbled bacon and a generous handful of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives. The final flourish not only boosts the flavor but makes the dish as beautiful as it is delicious!

How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon Recipe

Garnishes

Your finishing touch can really make the Easy Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon Recipe shine. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives brings gorgeous color and a pop of freshness, while a bit more crispy bacon gives extra crunch and “wow” factor in every bite. Sometimes just a dusting of extra cheddar on top as it comes out of the slow cooker is all you need for that ooey-gooey appeal.

Side Dishes

This dish plays well with so many classic entrées! Serve it alongside roasted or grilled chicken, a juicy pork tenderloin, or even as part of your holiday spread with turkey or ham. The creamy-cheesy corn and smoky bacon flavors pair up perfectly with green salads, steamed vegetables, or a soft dinner roll to soak up all the cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

You can really have fun with this one! Try serving the Easy Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon Recipe in individual ramekins for a dinner party, spooning it over a baked potato for a cozy twist, or hollowing out small bread rolls for edible, hand-held bowls—great for potlucks or kids’ parties. It’s even delicious as a dip for crunchy tortilla chips or crackers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, let the corn cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days, and you’ll love how the flavors deepen with a little extra time to meld together.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can easily freeze the Easy Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon Recipe. Portion the cooled corn into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the corn gently in the microwave, stirring occasionally, or heat over low on the stovetop. If the mixture thickens up a bit, just add a tiny splash of milk or cream and stir until creamy again. Finish with a new sprinkle of fresh herbs or bacon to revive all those bright flavors!

FAQs

Can I use fresh or canned corn instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh corn cut off the cob or well-drained canned corn will both work beautifully in the Easy Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon Recipe. Just keep an eye on moisture—fresh corn may release extra liquid, so you might need to adjust cooking time slightly.

What’s the best way to make this vegetarian?

Swap out the bacon for your favorite vegetarian bacon or smoked tempeh to keep that lovely smoky note. You can also amp up the flavor with a pinch of smoked paprika.

Can I add other cheeses?

Yes, you can! Feel free to mix in Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a bit of cream cheese for a different flavor. Just keep sharp cheddar as the main base for that classic taste.

How far ahead can I make this for a party?

You can fully cook the Easy Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon Recipe up to a day in advance! Store it in the refrigerator, then gently reheat and garnish just before serving. It holds up and tastes fantastic as a make-ahead side.

Is this dish gluten free?

Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten free since it contains no wheat or flour-based ingredients—just check your bacon and seasonings to be sure they’re safe.

Final Thoughts

If you try just one new side dish this season, make it the Easy Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon Recipe. It’s guaranteed to earn rave reviews, warm up every table, and add a touch of gourmet to even your simplest weekday meal. Grab your slow cooker and jump in—the hardest part is waiting until it’s ready!

Easy Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the creamy and flavorful delight of Easy Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon. This recipe combines the sweetness of corn with the richness of cheddar cheese and the savory crunch of bacon for a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

Ingredient

Frozen corn kernels – 4 cups
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese – 1 cup
Cooked bacon, crumbled – 6 slices
Heavy cream – 1/2 cup
Unsalted butter, melted – 1/4 cup
Garlic powder – 1/4 teaspoon
Paprika – 1/4 teaspoon
Salt and pepper – To taste
Fresh parsley (optional) – For garnish

Instructions

Preparation Phase: Begin by cooking the bacon until it’s crispy. Shred the cheddar cheese. In the slow cooker, combine frozen corn, cheese, bacon, heavy cream, butter, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir well.
Slow Cooking Process: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Final Touches and Garnishing: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.