There's something comforting about the sweet, velvety texture of creamed corn, especially when it’s made effortlessly in a slow cooker. This Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe combines simple ingredients to create a rich, buttery side dish that's perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts.

A black bowl filled with a creamy yellow corn layer topped with white sauce, crispy small brown bacon pieces, and sprinkled bright green chopped chives, all sitting on a white marbled surface 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 remember the first time I made this slow cooker creamed corn—it was hands-down the easiest way to get that creamy, homemade taste without babysitting the stove. This recipe truly lets the slow cooker do the work, while filling your kitchen with the most comforting aroma.

Effortless Cooking: Just dump everything into the slow cooker and walk away; no stirring or constant attention needed.
Rich, Creamy Texture: The combination of cream cheese and butter melts into the corn for that perfect velvety finish.
Flavorful Toppings: Crispy bacon and fresh chives add that irresistible salty crunch and bright finish.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday meal or a casual weeknight side, this creamed corn shines every time.

The dish is a single layer of yellow corn mixed with small white bits that look creamy, all inside a dark slow cooker pot. On top, there are pieces of crispy, golden brown bacon scattered unevenly, and bright green chopped chives sprinkled over the whole surface. A large silver spoon is scooping into the mixture from the left side, showing the texture of the corn and toppings clearly. The photo background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe plays a role in building the creamy, slightly sweet, and savory goodness. You don't need fancy stuff—just quality basics that come together beautifully over slow heat.

Flat lay of fresh yellow corn kernels loose and bright, a small white bowl of white granulated sugar, a small white bowl of fine salt crystals, a small white bowl filled with whole milk, several small cubes of pale yellow butter neatly arranged, cream cheese cut into white cubes, whole black peppercorns scattered carefully, crispy cooked bacon slices crumbled into small pieces, a small white bowl holding thinly sliced vibrant green chives, all ingredients 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 makes this recipe super convenient—no need to thaw or worry about freshness. It cooks beautifully and maintains that sweet flavor.
Sugar: Just a touch to enhance the natural sweetness of the corn without making it overly sweet.
Salt: Brings balance to the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create the sauce without heaviness.
Butter: Cubed and melted slowly, it lends richness and a silky mouthfeel.
Cream cheese: The secret to that luscious, creamy texture—it melts into the corn and thickens the sauce perfectly.
Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the dish.
Bacon: Crispy, smoky, and salty pieces that elevate the flavor and add texture contrast.
Chives: A fresh, mild onion flavor to brighten the whole dish right before serving.

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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 customizing this Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my pantry. Feel free to tweak it to your taste—you can easily make it richer, lighter, or more savory based on what you crave.

Variation: One time, I swapped half the milk for heavy cream for an extra indulgent version—totally decadent if you want to splurge! Alternatively, for a lighter twist, you can use low-fat milk and reduce the butter slightly.
Dairy-free option: Try coconut milk and a dairy-free cream cheese substitute to make it vegan-friendly without sacrificing creaminess.
Herb upgrades: Fresh thyme or parsley can replace chives if you want a different herbal note.
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle smoky heat that pairs wonderfully with the sweet corn.

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

Step 1: Gather and Combine Your Ingredients

This is the easiest step! Just toss the frozen corn, sugar, and salt right into your slow cooker. No need to thaw the corn first—that’s a win when you’re busy. Pour in the milk, and then arrange cubed butter and cream cheese on top. I like to space them out so they melt evenly.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Creamy Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic. On HIGH, it takes about 2-3 hours; on LOW, 4-5 hours. Keep the lid closed during cooking to trap steam, which helps the cream cheese soften and the sauce thicken. Don’t worry if the cheese looks a bit curdled when you open the lid—that’s totally normal.

Step 3: Stir and Finish

Once cooking time is up, remove the lid and stir the mixture vigorously. This is where the magic happens—the cheese, butter, and milk blend into a luscious, creamy sauce. Stir until smooth. Then, season with pepper and fold in your crispy bacon and fresh chives for the final burst of flavor.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make this recipe shine. Paying attention to these will help you avoid common pitfalls and get perfectly creamy creamed corn every time.

Don’t over-stir during cooking: Resist the urge to lift the lid and stir early on; keeping the lid closed traps moisture, essential for that creamy finish.
Cube the cream cheese well: Cutting it into small cubes helps it melt evenly without clumping.
Use quality bacon: Crisping your bacon separately and crumbling it adds a wonderful texture contrast, don’t skip this step!
Keep the heat gentle: Cooking on LOW is ideal for tender, smooth creamed corn, but HIGH works if you’re short on time.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe

Garnishes

I always toss on crispy bacon crumbles and a handful of thinly sliced chives right before serving. The bacon adds a smoky saltiness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sweetness, and the chives offer a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor.

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a simple pork chop. It’s a classic for holiday dinners alongside mashed potatoes and green beans, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this creamed corn in rustic ramekins topped with the bacon and chives, making each portion feel a little more thoughtful. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a few shreds of sharp cheddar on top, then pop them under the broiler for a minute.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the meal, I transfer any leftover creamed corn to an airtight container and refrigerate it. It keeps well for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, but a quick stir before reheating brings back the creaminess beautifully.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this creamed corn a couple of times with good results. Just cool it completely, then freeze in portion-sized containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent curdling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned corn instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you use canned corn, be sure to drain it well before adding to the slow cooker to avoid excess liquid which can make the dish soupy.

What if my creamed corn looks curdled after cooking?

This is normal because the cream cheese sometimes separates when heated. Simply stir vigorously to combine everything into a smooth, creamy sauce.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the ingredients ahead and keep them ready in the slow cooker insert, refrigerated overnight. Just add butter and cream cheese fresh before cooking to ensure the best texture.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

You can make a dairy-free version using plant-based milk like coconut or almond milk and substitute cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen heart—it’s simple, comforting, and so delicious. I love how lazy it lets me be while still impressing guests or delighting my family. Give it a try next time you want that perfect creamy side dish, and I promise, it’ll become one of your go-tos, too.