Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn Recipe

The Best Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a delightful slow cooker cheddar corn promises pure comfort on chilly evenings.

Kernels swimming in creamy cheese create instant kitchen magic.

Minimal ingredients blend into something unexpectedly spectacular.

Summer’s sweetest produce meets winter’s most satisfying warmth.

Hearty side dishes rarely come this simple and delicious.

Weeknight meals demand quick solutions that taste incredible.

You’ll want seconds before finishing your first serving.

Reasons To Make Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn Again

  • Simplify Cooking Process: Minimal prep work and basic ingredients make this corn recipe a breeze for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Create Creamy Comfort: Slow cooker method transforms simple corn into a luxurious, velvety side dish with rich cheese and cream.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday meals where everyone craves a delicious, hearty vegetable side.
  • Versatile Dinner Companion: Pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, barbecue dishes, and classic American comfort food for a complete meal experience.

What’s Inside Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn

For the Corn:
  • Fresh or Frozen Corn Kernels: The primary base of the dish, providing sweetness and texture.
For the Flavor Enhancers:
  • Minced Garlic, Green Onions: Garlic adds depth and aroma, while green onions provide a fresh, sharp contrast.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that highlight the corn's natural flavor.
For the Creamy Components:
  • Butter, Heavy Cream, Cheddar Cheese: Butter helps create a rich base, heavy cream adds velvety smoothness, and cheddar cheese provides a golden, melty topping that adds depth and richness to the dish.

Simple Steps For Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker

Grab your trusty slow cooker and give the inside a quick spray with cooking oil or a light butter coating. This prevents any stubborn corn from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Toss in the Corn and Garlic

Drop your corn kernels into the slow cooker, mixing in some finely chopped garlic for an extra flavor punch. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen corn, this is where the magic begins.

Step 3: Add Creamy Butter

Chop your butter into small cubes and scatter them across the corn. These little butter nuggets will melt beautifully and coat every single kernel with rich, silky goodness.

Step 4: Pour in the Cream

Drizzle heavy cream over the corn mixture. This is your secret weapon for creating an ultra-smooth, luxurious texture that’ll make everyone at the table swoon.

Step 5: Season with Love

Sprinkle salt and black pepper across the top. Give everything a gentle stir to make sure those seasonings dance through every bite.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to low. Let the corn simmer and develop those deep, comforting flavors for about 2-3 hours. This is where patience pays off big time.

Step 7: Cheese Blanket Time

In the final 30 minutes, shower the corn with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Watch as it melts into a golden, irresistible blanket of cheesy goodness.

Step 8: Final Touch

Once the cheese is completely melted and the corn is tender, switch off the slow cooker. The anticipation is real!

Step 9: Garnish and Elevate

Sprinkle some freshly chopped green onions on top. These bright, zippy little herbs will add a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy corn.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Dive in while it’s hot! Scoop out that cheesy, creamy corn and listen for the appreciative moans from your dinner companions.

Tricks That Help With Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn

  • Grease for Ease: Lightly coat the slow cooker with cooking spray or butter to prevent corn from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
  • Melt Butter Strategically: Cut butter into small cubes so it distributes evenly and melts smoothly throughout the corn mixture.
  • Cheese Melting Mastery: Add shredded cheddar during the last 30 minutes of cooking to create a perfectly golden, gooey cheese layer without overcooking.
  • Fresh Finish: Sprinkle chopped green onions just before serving to introduce a crisp, bright flavor that cuts through the rich, creamy corn.
  • Low and Slow Magic: Cook on low heat for 2-3 hours to allow flavors to develop deeply and corn to become perfectly tender without burning.

Fun Flavors For Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free butter alternative. Swap cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version that maintains creamy texture.
  • Spicy Southwest Corn: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and sprinkle chili powder for a zesty kick. Top with crispy bacon bits or chorizo crumbles to enhance flavor profile.
  • Herb-Infused Classic: Mix in fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley during cooking. Incorporate roasted garlic instead of minced for deeper, more complex taste. Finish with crumbled goat cheese for extra richness.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute corn with cauliflower florets for a lighter alternative. Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to maintain creaminess while reducing calorie content.

What Tastes Great With Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn

  • Pair with Savory Barbecue Meats: Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the creamy corn's rich texture, creating a mouthwatering combination that balances sweet and smoky flavors.
  • Complement with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon blanc or chardonnay cuts through the corn's richness, providing a refreshing counterpoint that enhances the dish's creamy profile.
  • Match with Fresh Summer Salad: Light green salad with cucumber and vinaigrette offers a crisp, tangy contrast to the heavy, cheesy corn, balancing the overall meal experience.
  • Serve with Grilled Chicken: Herb-seasoned grilled chicken brings a lean protein option that perfectly matches the corn's decadent and comforting nature, creating a satisfying plate.

Best Way To Store Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn

  • Transfer leftover creamy corn to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the lid is tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
  • Carefully pour cooled corn into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months without compromising the texture.
  • Place corn in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Gently reheat corn in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore moisture and prevent scorching, stirring continuously until heated through.

Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn Questions Answered

  • What type of corn works best for this recipe?

Fresh or frozen corn kernels are ideal. If using fresh, cut kernels directly off the cob. Frozen corn is convenient and works perfectly without thawing.

  • Can I use a different type of cheese?

Cheddar cheese provides the best flavor, but you can substitute with monterey jack or pepper jack for a slightly different taste profile. Avoid using soft cheeses that might separate.

  • How do I prevent the corn from sticking to the slow cooker?

Lightly grease the interior with cooking spray or butter before adding ingredients. This creates a non-stick surface and makes cleanup easier.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use dairy-free butter alternative and omit cheese for a vegan version of the dish.

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Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn Recipe

Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn Recipe


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4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes – 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty slow cooker cheddar corn brings warmth and comfort to family gatherings, blending creamy cheese with sweet kernels. Comfort meets simplicity in this foolproof side dish that delights everyone at the table and leaves you craving another spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Corn and Dairy:

  • 4 cups corn kernels
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Seasonings:

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 clove minced garlic

Instructions

  1. Prepare the slow cooker by lightly greasing the interior with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Combine fresh or frozen corn kernels with minced garlic in the slow cooker, creating a uniform base for the dish.
  3. Add butter, cut into small cubes to help it melt evenly throughout the corn mixture.
  4. Pour heavy cream over the corn, which will create a rich, velvety texture during the cooking process.
  5. Sprinkle salt and black pepper across the surface, gently stirring to distribute the seasonings thoroughly.
  6. Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, allowing the corn to simmer and develop deep flavors for approximately 2-3 hours.
  7. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese over the top, letting it slowly melt and create a golden, creamy layer.
  8. Once the cheese is completely melted and the corn is tender, turn off the slow cooker.
  9. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, which will add a bright, sharp contrast to the rich, creamy corn.
  10. Serve immediately while hot, ensuring the cheese remains smooth and the corn is steaming.

Notes

  • Prevent corn from becoming mushy by selecting fresh or high-quality frozen corn kernels that hold their structure during slow cooking.
  • Experiment with cheese varieties like pepper jack or gouda for different flavor profiles while maintaining the creamy texture.
  • Reduce fat content by substituting heavy cream with lower-fat alternatives like half-and-half or milk, keeping the dish lighter without sacrificing richness.
  • Enhance dietary flexibility by making this recipe vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free, perfect for diverse meal requirements.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2-3 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 295
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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