There’s something magical about a side dish that’s both effortless to make and guaranteed to impress. Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon is exactly that kind of recipe — creamy, cheesy, smoky, and oh-so-comforting. With every spoonful, you get tender, sweet corn enveloped in melty cheddar cheese, all tied together by the savory crunch of crispy bacon.

 

This is comfort food at its finest, but without the hassle. Thanks to the slow cooker, you can toss in the ingredients, walk away, and let the magic happen. The low-and-slow cooking process ensures every kernel of corn is perfectly coated in rich, cheesy goodness, making it a foolproof side dish for family-friendly dinners or special occasions.

Whether you’re serving it alongside roast chicken, bringing it to a potluck, or adding it to your easy dinner recipe rotation, this dish will quickly become a household favorite. It’s the kind of recipe that gets people asking for seconds — and the recipe card.

 

 

Ingredients

• 4 cups Frozen corn kernels
• 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 6 slices Cooked bacon, crumbled
• ½ cup Heavy cream
• ¼ cup Unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ tsp Paprika
• ¼ tsp Garlic powder
• To taste Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

 

 

Instructions

1. Prep the ingredients – Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble. Shred cheddar cheese and set aside.
2. Combine in slow cooker – Add frozen corn, cheddar cheese, bacon, heavy cream, melted butter, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir to mix evenly.
3. Season – Add salt and pepper to taste, then stir again to fully incorporate seasonings.
4. Cook – Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Serve – Give the corn one final stir, adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with parsley for a fresh pop of color.

 

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Prep – Minimal chopping and no stove babysitting required.
• Family-Friendly – A hit with kids and adults alike.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for holidays, potlucks, and casual dinners.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes just as good reheated the next day.

 

 

Tips for Success

• Use sharp cheddar for the most flavorful cheesy base.
• For extra smoky depth, try applewood-smoked bacon.
• If using fresh corn, reduce cooking time slightly.
• Stir halfway through cooking to keep the cheese from clumping.

 

 

Variations

• Spicy Southwest – Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Tex-Mex Twist – Stir in black beans and chopped cilantro before serving.
• Creamier Texture – Swap heavy cream for cream cheese for an extra-rich finish.

 

 

FAQs

1. Can I use canned corn instead of frozen?
Yes! Just drain well and reduce cooking time by about 30 minutes.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely — reheat in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting before serving.

3. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, as dairy-based sauces can separate when frozen.

4. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes — simply omit the bacon or replace it with a smoky plant-based alternative.

 

 

Storage

• Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat – Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring to maintain creaminess.

 

 

Final Bite

If you’re craving a side dish that’s rich, comforting, and downright irresistible, Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon is the answer. With minimal prep and a flavor payoff that’s off the charts, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your slow cooker meals collection.