Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon – Creamy, Cheesy, and So Irresistible

When you’re craving something cozy, creamy, and downright irresistible, this Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon hits the spot every single time. Imagine plump, sweet corn kernels bathed in a luscious cheddar sauce, kissed with smoky bacon, and cooked low and slow until everything melts together in creamy perfection. It’s the side dish that always steals the show — comforting enough for weeknights, yet special enough for holidays.

I first stumbled across a version of this recipe one fall evening when the air turned crisp and my slow cooker was begging for a comeback. I wanted something hearty, creamy, and comforting — but effortless. A little digging through the fridge uncovered half a block of cheddar, a few strips of bacon, and a bag of frozen corn. The result? A rich, velvety bowl of cheesy goodness that quickly became a family favorite.

The best part? It’s almost completely hands-off. Just toss your ingredients into the slow cooker, stir once halfway through, and get ready to serve a dish that people can’t stop talking about. Whether it’s for a holiday spread, a potluck, or Sunday dinner, this recipe fits right in — creamy, savory, and full of that down-home comfort everyone craves.

Ingredients

• 4 cups frozen corn (no need to thaw)
• 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, cubed
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup whole milk or half-and-half
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, sliced
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky touch)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Chopped chives or green onions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prep the slow cooker: Lightly grease the insert of your slow cooker with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Add ingredients: Add frozen corn, cubed cream cheese, shredded cheddar, milk, butter slices, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir lightly to combine.
3. Cook on low: Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours, stirring once halfway through to ensure the cheese melts evenly.
4. Add bacon: About 20 minutes before serving, stir in most of the crumbled bacon (reserve some for topping). Taste and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve warm: Spoon into bowls, top with reserved bacon and chopped chives. Serve straight from the slow cooker to keep it warm.

Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon

A creamy, cheesy slow cooker corn dish loaded with smoky bacon and cheddar. The ultimate comfort side for holidays, potlucks, or cozy dinners.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 side servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 cups frozen corn no need to thaw
• 8 oz cream cheese cubed
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup whole milk or half-and-half
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter sliced
• 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp smoked paprika optional
• salt and pepper to taste
• chopped chives or green onions for garnish

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Mixing spoon

Method

 

1. Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with butter or spray.
2. Add corn, cream cheese, cheddar, milk, butter, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to the slow cooker.
3. Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours, stirring once halfway through.
4. Stir in most of the bacon 20 minutes before serving and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve warm topped with remaining bacon and chopped chives.

Notes

Perfect for potlucks or holidays — keeps warm in the slow cooker for serving.

Cozy Tips & Variations

• Extra creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes for a richer texture.
• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
• Cheese swap: Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a cheddar blend for new flavors.
• Loaded twist: Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or crispy onions on top for crunch.

What to Serve With It

This cheesy corn pairs beautifully with:

• BBQ ribs or pulled pork
• Grilled chicken or smoked sausage
• Holiday mains like turkey or ham
• Or even just a crusty slice of bread for dipping into that luscious sauce

It’s the kind of side dish that brings the whole meal together — comforting, creamy, and satisfying with every spoonful.

Storing & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Quick Storytime

When I made this dish for Thanksgiving last year, I thought it would simply be another side among many. But to my surprise, it vanished faster than the mashed potatoes. My cousin even took the last spoonful right from the slow cooker — it was that good. Now, it’s become our non-negotiable holiday tradition.

The slow cooker keeps everything silky and piping hot, and the bacon adds that smoky, salty crunch that balances the sweetness of the corn. One spoonful, and you’ll understand why this recipe earns its spot next to the classics every single time.