Slow Cooker Cream Style Corn

Introduction

Slow Cooker Cream Style Corn is a rich, creamy, and buttery side dish that’s both effortless to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Sweet corn kernels are slow-cooked in a decadent mixture of cream, butter, and seasonings until tender and infused with flavor. It’s a comforting classic that pairs perfectly with holiday meals, barbecue spreads, or any family dinner.

I first made Slow Cooker Cream Style Corn for a holiday gathering when I wanted a crowd-pleasing side dish that I could prepare ahead of time. The slow cooker did all the work, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The result was a silky, indulgent corn dish that quickly disappeared from the table.

What I love about this recipe is its simplicity and adaptability. You can enhance the flavor with a touch of garlic powder, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or even some crispy bacon bits for added texture and richness. For a lighter version, substitute some of the cream with milk or add a splash of chicken broth. Serve it alongside roasted turkey, baked ham, or grilled meats, and you’ll have a delicious side dish that’s always a hit. Slow Cooker Cream Style Corn is a comforting, no-fuss addition to any meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Perfect for:

Thanksgiving and holiday feasts
BBQs and potlucks
Weeknight dinners
Corn lovers of all ages

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Slow Cooker Cream Style Corn will become a family favorite:

Effortless Cooking: Let the slow cooker do all the work—minimal effort, maximum flavor.
Classic Comfort Food: Creamy, rich, and hearty, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Sweet and Savory Flavor: A perfect balance of sweetness from the corn and savory richness from cream and butter.
Great for Gatherings: Perfect for feeding a crowd without extra stress in the kitchen.
Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with added seasonings or toppings like bacon or cheese.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and kept warm until serving.
Kid-Friendly: The creamy texture and mild sweetness are a hit with children.
Minimal Cleanup: One-pot cooking means less time spent washing dishes.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Versatile Side Dish: Complements a wide range of main dishes, from roast turkey to grilled ribs.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 4 hours (low setting)
Servings: 6-8 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 22g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

4 cups frozen or fresh sweet corn kernels
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup whole milk
¼ cup unsalted butter, cubed
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

Ingredient Highlights

Sweet Corn: The star of the dish, providing natural sweetness and texture.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a velvety finish.
Butter: Enhances the creamy texture and savory flavor.
Cornstarch Slurry: Optional for achieving a thicker consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray.
Combine Ingredients: Add the corn, heavy cream, milk, butter, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Thicken (Optional): If a thicker consistency is desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Cover and cook until thickened.
Serve: Transfer to a serving dish or serve directly from the slow cooker. Enjoy warm.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Slow Cooker Cream Style Corn:

With Roast Turkey: A classic pairing for Thanksgiving or holiday meals.
As a BBQ Side: Complements smoky grilled meats like ribs or chicken.
With Mashed Potatoes: Serve alongside for a creamy, comforting combo.
Topped with beef Bacon Bits: Sprinkle crispy beef bacon on top for added flavor.
With Biscuits: Perfect for sopping up the creamy sauce.
As a Topping for Casseroles: Use as a creamy base layer in savory casseroles.
With Fried Chicken: A soul-food favorite.
Over Rice: Spoon over cooked rice for a hearty side.
With Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar for a cheesy variation.
For Potlucks: Keep warm in the slow cooker for easy serving.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh or Frozen Corn: Fresh corn kernels (cut from the cob) or frozen corn provide better flavor and texture than canned corn. If using frozen corn, thaw and drain it first.
Add a Hint of Sweetness: A teaspoon of sugar or honey can enhance the natural sweetness of the corn, especially if the corn isn’t particularly sweet.
Incorporate Cheese: Add shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or cream cheese for extra creaminess and a savory kick. Mix it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Use Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Swap some of the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer consistency.
Season Generously: Don’t forget salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic or onion powder to balance the sweetness. Paprika or cayenne pepper can add a touch of spice.
Butter is Key: High-quality butter makes a big difference. Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish.
Stir in Crumbled Bacon: For added texture and flavor, mix in crumbled cooked bacon just before serving or sprinkle it on top.
Use a Corn Starch Slurry: If the mixture is too thin, thicken it with a slurry of 1 tablespoon of corn starch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir it in during the last 20 minutes.
Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or thyme for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Prepare Ahead: Cream-style corn is a great make-ahead dish. Prepare it in advance, let it cool, and reheat gently in the slow cooker or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen it up.

Recipe Variations

Cheesy Cream Corn: Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Spicy Corn: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
Mexican-Style Corn: Stir in lime juice, cilantro, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese.
Beef Bacon-Infused Corn: Cook with diced beef bacon for a smoky flavor.
Garlic Butter Corn: Add minced garlic for a savory depth.
Herb-Infused Corn: Stir in fresh thyme or parsley before serving.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Smoky Paprika Corn: Sprinkle smoked paprika for an earthy, smoky taste.
Corn and Peppers: Add diced bell peppers for color and crunch.
Creamy Cajun Corn: Season with Cajun spices for a Southern-inspired flavor.

Special Equipment

Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot) – The main appliance for cooking the cream-style corn evenly over a long period.
Cutting Board – For chopping ingredients like onions, garlic, or any additional items you want to include.
Chef’s Knife – For precise chopping and dicing of vegetables or herbs.
Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate measurements of ingredients like butter, sugar, and spices.
Mixing Spoon or Silicone Spatula – For stirring ingredients and ensuring even mixing.
Can Opener – If you’re using canned corn or other canned ingredients.
Whisk – For mixing milk or cream and ensuring a smooth consistency.
Ladle – For serving the cream-style corn easily from the slow cooker.
Silicone Brush – Optional, if you want to brush butter or add seasonings onto ingredients before cooking.
Aluminum Foil Lid Liners – For easy cleanup after cooking, especially with messy slow cooker recipes.

FAQ Section

Can I use canned corn instead of frozen or fresh?
Yes, drain and rinse canned corn before using.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
Use half-and-half or low-fat milk instead of heavy cream.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just ensure your slow cooker has enough capacity.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
What can I substitute for cornstarch?
Use flour or arrowroot powder for thickening.
Can I make this on high heat?
Yes, cook on high for 2 hours, stirring halfway through.
What’s the best way to serve this dish warm at a party?
Use the slow cooker’s “warm” setting.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
How can I add more flavor?
Add garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika.
Can I make this vegan?
Substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Cream Style Corn is a rich, creamy, and indulgent side dish that’s perfect for holiday meals, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. Sweet corn is slow-cooked to perfection in a luscious mixture of cream, butter, and seasonings, creating a comforting and flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with almost any main course.

This effortless recipe requires minimal prep and lets the slow cooker do all the work, resulting in tender corn kernels infused with a velvety sauce. You can enhance the flavor by adding a touch of sugar for sweetness, a sprinkle of black pepper, or even a dash of smoked paprika for a hint of warmth.

I’d love to see your Slow Cooker Cream Style Corn creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your creamy, comforting masterpiece. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any creative twists or personal touches you added to make this dish uniquely yours!