Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon is a creamy, savory side dish that’s perfect for gatherings, holiday meals, or any time you want a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare. The combination of sweet corn, rich cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon makes for a mouthwatering side that will disappear quickly!
Here’s how to make Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups frozen corn kernels (or 2 cans of drained and rinsed corn)
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (you can use pre-cooked bacon for convenience)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, cubed (softened)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream for a richer dish)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter, optional (for added richness)
- Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bacon:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain it on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble it into small pieces and set it aside.
2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker:
- In your slow cooker, add the frozen corn, crumbled bacon, cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Stir everything together to combine.
3. Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 1.5-2 hours. The cream cheese should be melted, and the mixture should be hot and bubbly.
4. Add the Cheddar Cheese:
- About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue cooking until the cheese has fully melted and the dish is creamy and smooth.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
5. Serve and Garnish:
- Serve the cheesy corn hot, garnished with additional shredded cheddar cheese and fresh chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- For Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat and depth.
- Lighter Version: For a lighter version, you can substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with Greek yogurt or a lighter sour cream alternative, and use reduced-fat cheese.
- Add Veggies: Stir in some chopped bell peppers, onions, or even some diced green chilies for added flavor and color.
- Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to spice things up!
This Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon is a simple but incredibly flavorful dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has the perfect amount of savory bacon, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal. Enjoy!
