If you have a soft spot for creamy, comforting sides that warm the soul, you are going to adore this Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe. This dish transforms humble canned corn into a luscious, velvety delight that practically melts in your mouth. Using a slow cooker not only makes the preparation effortless but also allows the flavors to mingle gently over time, creating a rich, comforting taste that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, this creamed corn will soon become your go-to side dish you can count on for crowd-pleasing smiles and requests for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe calls for ingredients that are surprisingly simple yet each one plays a starring role in delivering on taste, texture, and that irresistible creamy finish. From the sweetness of whole kernel corn to the indulgent richness of cream cheese and butter, every element contributes to this dish’s signature velvety consistency and balanced flavor.
- Whole kernel corn (3 cans, 15.25-ounce each): chosen for its perfect sweet crunch, giving the dish texture and freshness even from a can.
- Whole milk (1 cup): adds a smooth base and ensures the creamed corn stays luscious and rich.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): a touch of sweetness that enhances the natural taste of corn without overpowering it.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): for just a hint of spice that keeps the flavor balanced and interesting.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, cubed): infuses the creamed corn with luxurious creaminess and a subtle tang.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, sliced thin): melts throughout the dish to add decadent richness and a silky mouthfeel.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Corn and Milk Mixture
Start by placing all of the drained whole kernel corn directly into your 6-quart slow cooker. Pour in the whole milk, sprinkle the sugar, and add the black pepper. Gently stir these ingredients together to ensure the corn is evenly coated, setting the stage for that sweet, creamy flavor base that will develop over cooking time.
Step 2: Add the Butter and Cream Cheese
Now it’s time to top the corn mixture with the sliced unsalted butter and cubed cream cheese. The key here is to place these rich ingredients on top without stirring them in. This technique allows the butter and cream cheese to melt slowly and infuse the dish with wonderfully smooth textures and decadent flavor over the next couple of hours.
Step 3: Cook on High
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it on high heat. Let the magic happen while everything melds together for about 2 to 3 hours. During this time, the corn softens just right, and the dairy ingredients melt and combine into a silky, creamy mixture that will make you crave more.
Step 4: Stir and Finish Cooking
After the initial cooking time, uncover your slow cooker and give everything a good stir, combining the melted butter and cream cheese throughout the corn evenly. Cover it back up and cook for an extra 15 minutes on high to finish it off, ensuring every bite is perfectly creamy and warm.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your creamed corn is a fun way to add an extra layer of flavor and eye appeal. Chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions on top adds a hint of freshness and texture contrast that complements the creamy softness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This creamed corn is a sensational companion to hearty main dishes like roasted chicken, grilled steaks, or baked ham. Its rich, sweet creaminess cuts through savory flavors, making every bite a balanced delight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets or ramekins at your next dinner party. You can also spoon it into hollowed-out bread bowls for a comforting, rustic feel that doubles as an edible element.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days, making it a great side you can easily reheat throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the creamed corn, spoon it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen creamed corn maintains its texture best when consumed within 2 months. Remember to leave some room for expansion as it freezes!
Reheating
Reheat your creamed corn gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Stir occasionally and add a splash of milk if needed to restore its creamy consistency. This dish bounces back beautifully with a bit of patience and love.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned corn?
Absolutely! Fresh corn can bring an extra pop of sweetness and freshness. You’ll want to cut the kernels from about 4 to 5 ears of corn and use them in place of the canned variety. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as fresh corn might need a bit longer to soften fully.
Is it possible to make this recipe without cream cheese?
You can substitute the cream cheese with an equal amount of sour cream or mascarpone for a slightly different flavor profile, but cream cheese does provide that signature silky texture and subtle tang that makes this creamed corn so special.
Can I prepare this recipe on low heat instead of high?
Yes, cooking on low is an option but expect it to take 4 to 5 hours. The slow, gentle heat will still create a deliciously creamy result, so it’s really about whichever timing suits your schedule best.
What can I do if my creamed corn seems too thick?
If after cooking you find the creamed corn a bit too thick, simply stir in a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up to your desired consistency. Warm liquids mix best and keep the dish creamy.
Is this Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as you use vegetarian butter. It contains no meat or meat-based ingredients, making it a fantastic addition to plant-based or vegetarian meals.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without its comforting creaminess and effortless preparation. It’s one of those dishes that manages to feel indulgent without fuss, perfect for sharing with loved ones around the dinner table. So grab your slow cooker, gather your simple ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a side dish that’s rich with love and flavor in every spoonful.
PrintSlow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe
A creamy, comforting slow cooker creamed corn recipe that combines sweet corn, cream cheese, butter, and subtle seasoning, perfect as a hearty side dish for any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 (15.25-ounce) cans whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into thin slices
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the drained corn into a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir in the whole milk, sugar, and black pepper until everything is well combined, ensuring the flavors start to meld.
- Add Cream Cheese and Butter: Without stirring, layer the thin slices of butter and the cubed cream cheese on top of the corn mixture. Cover the slow cooker with its lid to trap the heat and moisture.
- Cook on High: Set the slow cooker on high heat and cook for 2 to 3 hours. This allows the cream cheese and butter to melt gradually, blending into a creamy sauce with the corn.
- Stir and Finish Cooking: After the initial cooking time, uncover and stir the mixture thoroughly until the butter and cream cheese are completely incorporated and the dish is smooth and creamy.
- Final Cook Time: Cover again and continue cooking on high for an additional 15 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and perfectly creamy.
- Serve: Serve the creamed corn immediately as a delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Notes
- For a thicker texture, cook a little longer uncovered while stirring frequently.
- You can substitute half-and-half for whole milk for an even richer creamed corn.
- Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can give a flavorful kick.
- Make sure to drain the canned corn well to avoid excess liquid that could thin out the dish.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
