There’s something satisfying about the cozy, rich comfort of this Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe. It’s that perfect balance of creamy, buttery corn with a hint of savory bacon—making it a side dish that you’ll want to reach for again and again, no matter the season.

A close-up image of a dish in a black slow cooker, filled with creamy yellow corn kernels mixed with a white creamy sauce forming the base layer. On top, there is a layer of crispy, bite-sized pieces of browned bacon scattered evenly across the center. Bright green chopped chives are sprinkled generously over the bacon and throughout the dish, adding a pop of color and texture contrast. The food is lightly glossy, showing its creamy and crispy elements in a well-balanced arrangement. The surface beneath the cooker is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t stress enough how wonderfully easy this slow cooker creamed corn is to pull together. The slow cooker does all the work, freeing you up to focus on whatever else you have going on—while filling your kitchen with the most irresistible buttery corn aroma.

Hands-off cooking: Simply add ingredients and let the slow cooker work its magic without constant stirring or watching.
Rich, creamy texture: The combination of cream cheese and butter gives the corn a luscious, velvety mouthfeel.
Bacon adds smoky crunch: Those crispy bits on top take this simple side from good to unforgettable.
Perfect for gatherings: Make it for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday spreads—people always ask for seconds!

The dish shows a close-up view of creamy corn in a black slow cooker with a silver spoon scooping a portion. The corn kernels form the bright yellow base layer with a smooth creamy texture. On top, crispy small brown bacon pieces are scattered evenly, adding a crunchy look. Finally, finely chopped green onions are sprinkled over the bacon, creating a fresh green color contrast. The shiny black slow cooker edges hold the food, and the background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient plays a key role in getting the perfect creamy corn. Choosing frozen corn makes life easier and it still tastes fresh and sweet. The dairy ingredients bring richness, while bacon and chives add great finishing flavors and textures.

Flat lay of a mound of bright yellow fresh corn kernels, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of coarse salt, a small white bowl filled with creamy whole milk, several cubes of pale yellow butter, a block of smooth cream cheese cut into cubes, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, crisp crumbled bacon pieces, and a small bunch of thinly sliced fresh chives arranged in a simple white ceramic bowl, all perfectly balanced and symmetrical, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Frozen corn: Using frozen saves you the hassle of fresh corn prep, and you don’t need to thaw it first—just pour it in!
Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the corn without overpowering it.
Salt: Balances flavors, ensuring the sweetness isn’t cloying.
Milk: Provides a light base liquid to help everything blend together into that creamy sauce.
Butter: Adds richness and depth of flavor; cutting it into cubes means it melts evenly over the corn.
Cream cheese: The real star for creating that luscious, creamy texture—cutting it into pieces helps it melt smoothly.
Pepper: A touch of heat to round out the sweetness and richness.
Bacon: Crispy cooked bacon crumbled adds smoky saltiness which complements the creamy corn perfectly.
Chives: Finely sliced for a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color on top.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to add a bit of heat, swap dairy for dairy-free options, or toss in extra veggies, you can easily adapt it to your taste or dietary needs.

Variation: I’ve tried stirring in a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a subtle spicy kick, which adds a wonderful depth without stealing the spotlight from the corn.
Dairy-free: Use coconut milk and vegan butter instead of regular milk and butter—just expect a slight coconut undertone but still creamy and delicious.
Extra texture: For a bit more bite, toss in some diced bell peppers or sautéed onions before slow cooking.
Cheese twist: Feel free to sprinkle in some shredded sharp cheddar near the end of cooking for an extra cheesy punch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe

Step 1: Combine Corn, Sugar, and Salt

I start by dumping the frozen corn straight into the slow cooker—no need to thaw it first, which is a huge time saver. Then, sprinkle in the sugar and salt, giving everything a good stir so the flavors are evenly distributed. This simple step is key for a balanced sweet-savory taste.

Step 2: Add Milk, Butter, and Cream Cheese

Next, pour the milk evenly over the corn mixture. I like to cut the butter and cream cheese into small cubes and arrange them on top—it lets everything melt slowly and blend smoothly during cooking. No need to stir here; just trust the slow cooker’s heat to work its magic.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and set your slow cooker to HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-5 hours. I usually go with low and slow—it makes the creamed corn tender and rich without rushing it. When the time’s up, remove the lid and prepare for the most important part: stirring!

Step 4: Stir Until Creamy Perfection

This is where your patience pays off. The cream cheese might look a little curdled at first, but just keep stirring the corn mixture until it comes together into a smooth, creamy sauce. It’ll take a couple minutes but trust me, keep at it and the texture will be perfect.

Step 5: Add Pepper and Top It Off

Finish by stirring in freshly ground pepper to taste. Then sprinkle your crispy cooked bacon and thinly sliced chives over the top. The bacon’s smoky crunch and fresh chives add the ideal contrast to the creamy corn base—your guests will love it.

Top Tip

I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and these tips have saved me from common pitfalls and made every batch creamier and richer. Trust me, these little insights will help you nail the texture and flavor without any fuss.

Don’t skip stirring: It can be tempting to think the slow cooker has done all the work, but that last stirring step is what truly brings the sauce together.
Butter and cream cheese cubed: Cutting them into smaller pieces helps everything melt uniformly rather than creating lumps.
Bacon crispiness: Cook your bacon crispy before adding on top. It holds texture better and won’t get soggy quickly when served.
Use fresh pepper: Grinding pepper fresh just before serving brightens the flavor and adds that subtle bite that balances the creamy richness.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishes, I keep it simple: crispy crumbled bacon and fresh chives are my go-tos. Sometimes, I’ll add a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar or a pinch of smoked paprika for extra flavor and color. These touches make the dish look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This creamed corn pairs beautifully with roast chicken, glazed ham, or grilled steak. I also love serving it alongside mashed potatoes or a fresh, crisp green salad for a balanced meal. It’s a perfect comfort-food side that suits almost anything.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve this creamed corn in individual ramekins topped with garnishes for a fancy touch. Another fun idea is to spoon it onto toasted baguette slices for a rich, savory appetizer that guests adore. It’s versatile like that!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover creamed corn keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always cool it completely before storing to keep it fresh and avoid condensation making it watery.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a few times with decent results. Use a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture might be slightly softer but still delicious and comforting.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and bring back that creamy consistency. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can you use fresh corn instead of frozen in this Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe?

Absolutely! If you can get fresh corn, it’ll be delicious—just cut the kernels off the cob and add them directly to the slow cooker. Since fresh corn has more moisture than frozen, you might want to reduce the milk slightly to keep the creamed corn from becoming too watery.

Can I make this recipe without bacon?

Yes, the slow cooker creamed corn recipe is delicious on its own without bacon. For a vegetarian option, you can skip the bacon altogether or substitute it with smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to add a smoky flavor.

Why does my creamed corn look curdled when I remove the lid?

That curdled look is totally normal and just means the cream cheese hasn’t fully blended in yet. When you give it a good stir, it will come together into a smooth, creamy sauce. Don’t skip this important step!

Can I prepare this Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead and keep it warm in the slow cooker on the 'keep warm' setting. Just give it a stir before serving, and add any garnishes like bacon or chives right before you dish it out for best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those dishes that’s effortlessly comforting yet impressive—whether for a holiday table or a casual dinner at home. I know you’ll appreciate how simple it is to prepare and how delicious it tastes fresh from the slow cooker. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a go-to favorite you’ll want to share with everyone you love.