There’s something truly comforting about the sweetness of corn, mingled with creamy richness and smoky bacon, all slowly melding together. That’s exactly what makes this Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe a standout—super easy, incredibly tasty, and perfect for a weekend dinner or holiday feast.

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 was hooked the first time I made this slow cooker creamed corn—it’s the kind of side dish that disappears fast, and everyone asks for seconds. It’s creamy, sweet, and so effortless since the slow cooker does all the work.

Hands-off cooking: You can toss everything in and forget it while it slowly transforms into deliciousness.
Flavorful depth: Cream cheese and butter add that luscious creamy texture you’d want from any creamed corn recipe.
Perfectly balanced sweetness: The sugar enhances the corn’s natural sweetness without being overpowering.
Yummy crunch and color: Bacon and fresh chives on top add a smoky, savory crunch and a pop of freshness.

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

Choosing the right ingredients really makes this Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe sing. Each element plays a role, from creamy richness to that hint of smoky savoriness.

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 corn is a game changer—it’s easy, affordable, and keeps its sweet flavor without needing to be thawed first.
Sugar: Just a little bit helps highlight the natural sweetness of the corn without making it overly sweet.
Salt: Essential for balancing flavors, don’t skip it!
Milk: Adds moisture and helps develop that creamy texture as it cooks.
Butter: Cubed butter melts into the corn, enriching it beautifully.
Cream cheese: This ingredient is the secret to that insanely creamy texture—it melts slowly, making the dish luscious.
Black pepper: Just a pinch to bring subtle warmth and balance.
Bacon: Adds smokiness and crunch—totally optional, but trust me, it’s delicious.
Chives: Fresh herbs on top bring brightness and a mild onion flavor that lifts the whole dish.

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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

I love tweaking this recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. It’s super flexible, and honestly, every variation I’ve tried has been a winner. I encourage you to personalize it to suit your taste!

Variation: Sometimes I swap out the milk for half-and-half or add a splash of heavy cream for extra indulgence—trust me, it’s decadently good.
Dairy-free option: Using coconut milk and vegan butter works beautifully if you want to avoid dairy.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika if you like a little heat and smoky punch.
Make it vegetarian: Leave out the bacon and sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top for some crunchy texture instead.

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

Step 1: Dump and Stir

Start by placing the frozen corn, sugar, and salt into your slow cooker. Give it a quick stir so those flavors get evenly distributed. No need to thaw the corn first—toss it in straight from the freezer!

Step 2: Add the Creamy Goodness

Pour the milk over the corn mixture, then scatter the cubed butter and cream cheese on top. This layering helps the fats melt slowly and coat the corn evenly as it cooks.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Magic

Cover your slow cooker and set it to HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-5 hours. The longer cook time lets everything meld together and transforms it into that heavenly creamy creamed corn we all love. When you take the lid off, the cream cheese might look a little curdled right away—don’t freak out! Stir it well and it’ll smooth right out.

Step 4: Final Touches

Once it’s creamy and smooth, stir in the black pepper for a subtle kick. Then, top your creamed corn with crispy bacon bits and fresh chives just before serving. The contrast in texture and flavor brings the dish to life!

Top Tip

I’ve messed this up a few times by rushing the stirring or overcooking on high, so here are my go-to tips to get this Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe just right every single time.

Use frozen corn straight from the freezer: Thawing can make it watery and mushy, so save yourself the trouble by just adding it frozen.
Stir well after cooking: The cream cheese may separate initially, but vigorous stirring makes the sauce silky smooth.
Don’t skip the bacon topping: It adds the perfect salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy corn.
Slow cook on low if you have more time: It really helps those flavors meld together better and prevents the sauce from curdling.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle on freshly chopped chives because they add a mild oniony brightness, but sometimes I switch it up with finely chopped parsley or a little grated sharp cheddar. And crispy bacon? Absolutely non-negotiable in my book. It adds that smoky saltiness that takes this dish over the top.

Side Dishes

This creamed corn is ridiculously versatile. I love pairing it with grilled chicken or pork chops, and it also shines alongside a Thanksgiving turkey dinner. For a vegetarian meal, it pairs beautifully with roasted veggies or a hearty mushroom dish.

Creative Ways to Present

One time, I served it in little ramekins topped with a sprig of fresh thyme and a few crispy bacon crumbles—made for a lovely, rustic presentation at a dinner party. It also looks stunning spooned over baked potatoes or even inside sweet corn cups for a special touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover creamed corn keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness and quality.

Freezing

Freezing works, but I recommend freezing without the bacon and chives topping. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Reheating

I find reheating slowly over low heat on the stove works best—the corn stays creamy without curdling. A quick stir every so often helps bring back that fresh-from-the-crockpot feel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! If you have fresh corn on the cob, just cut the kernels off and add them in. Keep in mind fresh corn might release a bit more liquid, so you may want to reduce the milk slightly. Cooking times remain about the same.

How do I avoid curdling when making this creamed corn recipe?

The key is to cook it low and slow, and stir well after cooking. Using full-fat dairy (cream cheese and butter) helps keep the texture smooth. If you notice any curdling when you remove the lid, just stir vigorously—it usually smooths out perfectly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Yes! Swap the milk for coconut milk or any plant-based milk, use vegan butter, and replace cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative. The texture will be creamy but a little different in flavor—but still delicious and comforting.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe?

It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken or pork, grilled vegetables, or even as a decadent side for holiday dinners. It’s also fantastic with cornbread and salads for a lighter meal.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe has become a cozy staple in my kitchen that I reach for again and again. It’s genuinely easy, fuss-free, and always delights everyone at the table. I’m betting you’ll soon find it becoming one of your go-to sides too—give it a try, and enjoy every creamy, comforting bite!