Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon
There’s something undeniably comforting about a side dish that practically makes itself while filling your home with irresistible aromas. This Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon is exactly that kind of recipe—a creamy, cheesy, bacon-loaded masterpiece that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast, hosting a potluck, or simply looking for an easy weeknight side, this dish checks all the boxes.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. Sweet corn kernels are slow-cooked in a rich, creamy blend of sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and heavy cream, then studded with crispy bacon pieces that add a savory, smoky depth. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into a velvety, indulgent side dish that pairs beautifully with everything from grilled chicken to holiday ham.
Why This Recipe Works
Slow cooker recipes have earned their place in modern kitchens for good reason. They’re convenient, forgiving, and produce consistently delicious results with minimal hands-on time. This cheddar corn with bacon recipe is no exception. The gentle, even heat of the slow cooker allows the cream cheese and cheddar to melt smoothly into the corn, creating a luscious sauce without any risk of scorching or curdling.
The addition of bacon elevates this dish from simple to spectacular. Crispy, salty bacon crumbles provide textural contrast to the creamy corn while adding a smoky, savory note that balances the richness of the cheese. The combination is nothing short of addictive—sweet corn, tangy cheddar, smoky bacon, and aromatic thyme come together in perfect harmony.
Another reason this recipe shines is its make-ahead friendliness. You can prep everything the night before, refrigerate it, and simply turn on the slow cooker a few hours before serving. This makes it ideal for busy holidays when oven space is at a premium and you need dishes that can cook independently without constant attention.
The Perfect Side for Any Occasion
This slow cooker cheddar corn with bacon is remarkably versatile. It’s elegant enough for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, yet casual enough for a backyard barbecue or game day gathering. The creamy, cheesy texture makes it especially popular with kids, while adults appreciate the sophisticated flavor profile enhanced by fresh thyme and quality sharp cheddar.
Serve it alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, grilled steaks, or barbecue ribs. It pairs wonderfully with other classic sides like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or dinner rolls. For casual gatherings, set the slow cooker to “warm” and let guests serve themselves throughout the event—the dish stays perfectly creamy and delicious for hours.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 32 oz frozen corn kernels (about 4 cups)
- 8 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme (for topping)
- Extra bacon crumbles (for topping)
Instructions
- Cook bacon in skillet until crispy. Remove, drain on paper towels, and crumble into small pieces. Set aside.
- In slow cooker, combine frozen corn kernels, softened cream cheese cut into cubes, butter, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir ingredients together until evenly combined. Cover slow cooker with lid.
- Cook on LOW for 3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- After 3 hours, stir in shredded cheddar cheese and half of the crumbled bacon until cheese is fully melted and mixture is creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, adding more salt or pepper to preference.
- Transfer to serving dish and top with remaining bacon crumbles and fresh thyme sprigs.
- Serve hot directly from slow cooker or transfer to serving bowl. Can be kept warm on LOW setting for up to 2 hours.
Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook bacon in skillet until crispy. Remove, drain on paper towels, and crumble into small pieces. Set aside.
- In slow cooker, combine frozen corn kernels, softened cream cheese cut into cubes, butter, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir ingredients together until evenly combined. Cover slow cooker with lid.
- Cook on LOW for 3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- After 3 hours, stir in shredded cheddar cheese and half of the crumbled bacon until cheese is fully melted and mixture is creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, adding more salt or pepper to preference.
- Transfer to serving dish and top with remaining bacon crumbles and fresh thyme sprigs.
- Serve hot directly from slow cooker or transfer to serving bowl. Can be kept warm on LOW setting for up to 2 hours.
Notes
Tips for Success
The key to perfectly creamy cheddar corn is using room-temperature cream cheese. Cold cream cheese takes longer to melt and can result in lumps. Take it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you start cooking, or microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften.
While frozen corn is the most convenient option and works beautifully in this recipe, you can substitute fresh corn cut from the cob for a more vibrant flavor during peak summer months. If using canned corn, be sure to drain it thoroughly and reduce the salt in the recipe since canned vegetables tend to be saltier.
For the bacon, cook it until it’s genuinely crispy—slightly undercooked bacon will become soggy when mixed into the creamy corn. You want those bacon pieces to maintain some crunch even after being stirred into the dish. Save a handful of the crispiest pieces for garnishing the top just before serving.
Cheese quality matters in this recipe. Use block cheddar that you shred yourself rather than pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting and create a grainy texture. Sharp or extra-sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but mild cheddar works if you prefer a less pronounced cheese taste.
Customization Ideas
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your taste preferences and dietary needs. For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other seasonings. The heat pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese and sweet corn.
Want to amp up the vegetable content? Stir in some diced red bell peppers, poblano peppers, or even some spinach during the last hour of cooking. These additions add color, nutrition, and complementary flavors without overwhelming the dish.
For a smokier flavor profile, use smoked cheddar instead of regular sharp cheddar, or add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the seasoning mix. You could even use smoked bacon or add a dash of liquid smoke for an intensified smoky character.
If you’re looking to lighten the recipe slightly, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use reduced-fat cream cheese. The result won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be deliciously creamy and satisfying.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers of this slow cooker cheddar corn can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The dish reheats beautifully, though you may need to add a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy consistency.
To reheat, you can use the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a bit of cream or milk if the mixture seems too thick.
This dish also freezes reasonably well, though the texture may change slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, do so before adding the final garnish of bacon and fresh thyme. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
While this cheddar corn with bacon is phenomenal as a side dish, it’s versatile enough to serve in other ways too. Scoop it into small appetizer cups and serve with tortilla chips as a warm dip at parties. The thick, creamy consistency is perfect for scooping.
You can also use it as a topping for baked potatoes or as a filling for quesadillas. It makes an excellent breakfast side dish alongside eggs and toast, or stir it into scrambled eggs for an indulgent brunch option.
For a complete meal, serve this corn alongside simple grilled proteins and a fresh green salad. The richness of the corn balances beautifully with lighter, fresher components, creating a well-rounded plate that’s satisfying without being overwhelming.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon is the ultimate comfort food side dish—creamy, cheesy, bacon-studded perfection that requires minimal effort but delivers restaurant-quality results. The slow cooker does all the work while you focus on other tasks, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks and holiday entertaining alike.
With its irresistible combination of sweet corn, sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and aromatic herbs, this dish has become a staple at our family gatherings. It disappears quickly every time, with guests inevitably asking for the recipe. The best part? You can feel confident sharing it, knowing how simple it truly is to make.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply want an easy, delicious side dish for weeknight dinners, this slow cooker cheddar corn with bacon deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Make it once, and it’ll become your go-to contribution for potlucks, your secret weapon for holiday meals, and a family favorite that everyone requests again and again.
