Name: Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs frozen corn; 2 teaspoons sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk; 4 tablespoons butter cut into cubes; 8 ounces cream cheese cut into cubes; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled; 1/4 cup thinly sliced chives

There's something magically cozy about comforting sides that simmer all day, developing flavors together. This Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe turns humble frozen corn into rich, velvety goodness with barely any fuss — perfect for busy days or holiday spreads alike.

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

This Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe is one of those dishes that feels fancy but couldn't be easier. I adore how it lets the slow cooker do all the work while giving me creamy, lusciously buttery corn that’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory.

Effortless Prep: Toss everything into the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to a decadent side dish without hovering.
Rich Creaminess: Cream cheese and butter melt into the corn, giving it a velvety texture that’s better than any canned version.
Taste That Reminds You of Home: The bacon and chives on top add just the right salty crunch and fresh brightness that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Super Versatile: Works beautifully alongside everything from weeknight dinners to festive holiday spreads.

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 here plays a part in making this creamed corn shine. I love using frozen corn because it’s sweet and sturdy, plus it’s so easy to keep on hand. The cream cheese and butter provide that luxurious creaminess without being overpowering.

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: Perfect for off-season and holds up well during slow cooking without turning mushy.
Sugar: Balances the natural sweetness of the corn and enhances flavor.
Salt: Elevates all the ingredients and brings out the savory notes.
Milk: Adds moisture and richness, helping to create that smooth sauce.
Butter: Cubed butter melts evenly, introducing depth and silkiness.
Cream Cheese: The secret weapon for creamy texture and tangy undertones.
Pepper: A tiny punch of warming spice to round out the flavor.
Bacon: Adds smoky, crispy contrast that makes the dish irresistible.
Chives: Fresh herbal note and a pop of color for garnish.

📝

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 enjoy making this creamed corn my own by experimenting with toppings or swapping ingredients depending on the season and what I have on hand. You should feel free to do the same—it’s easy to tweak!

Variation: Once I tried mixing in some sharp cheddar cheese during the final stir—total game-changer if you want more cheesy goodness.
Dietary Swap: For a dairy-free version, I've swapped milk with unsweetened almond milk and used vegan butter. It still turns out tasty and creamy, just a little lighter.
Seasonal Twist: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the corn feels like an autumn harvest treat.

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. Then, sprinkle in the sugar and salt. Give everything a quick stir to evenly distribute those seasonings, which helps to coax out the corn’s natural sweetness.

Step 2: Add Milk, Butter, and Cream Cheese

Next, pour the milk over the corn. I slice the butter and cream cheese into chunks so they melt evenly and lump-free. Place the cubes on top instead of stirring them in; this gives the slow cooker time to soften and blend them gently during cooking.

Step 3: Set and Forget—Cook Low & Slow

Put the lid on and choose your setting: either HIGH for 2–3 hours if you’re short on time or LOW for about 4–5 hours when you're busy doing other things. Either way, patience pays off here—the flavors develop beautifully with slow heat.

Step 4: Stir Until Creamy

When the cooking time’s up, remove the lid and stir! At first, the cream cheese might look a bit curdled or separated—that’s totally normal. Keep stirring steadily; the curds will melt into a smooth, rich sauce that clings perfectly to the corn.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Toppings

Add freshly cracked black pepper and stir to combine. Then sprinkle crispy crumbled bacon and fresh chives on top for that extra pop of smoky crunch and gentle oniony freshness. Serve it warm and watch it disappear fast!

Top Tip

Having made this slow cooker creamed corn recipe countless times, I've gathered some tips that really make a difference for the creamiest, tastiest result.

Use Frozen Corn Straight From the Bag: No need to thaw—just toss it in. This saves time and the corn cooks to perfection.
Don’t Skip the Stir at the End: The magic is in stirring the cream cheese in thoroughly so the sauce smooths out beautifully; don’t be alarmed if it looks curdled at first.
Butter and Cream Cheese in Chunks: Adding them in pieces rather than melted or whipped allows gentle melting, preventing separation.
Cook Low and Slow if You Can: The longer cook on low extraction method enhances the sweetness and creaminess without any scorching.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my creamed corn with crispy, crumbled bacon and freshly sliced chives. The bacon adds that salty crunch, while the chives bring a bright, mild onion flavor and a splash of color. Sometimes, a little sprinkle of smoked paprika on top adds a subtle smoky warmth that's divine!

Side Dishes

This creamed corn is a dream side with roasted chicken or glazed ham. I often serve it alongside mashed potatoes and green beans for an all-American comfort meal. It also pairs wonderfully with barbecue ribs or a simple steak and salad combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or dinner parties, I sometimes serve this creamed corn in mini cast iron skillets or pretty ramekins topped with those crispy bacon bits and chives, making for a gorgeous single-serving presentation. It’s a definite crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully either in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, just stir occasionally to restore the creamy consistency.

Freezing

I've frozen creamed corn before, though the texture softens a bit. If you choose to freeze it, cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and use within 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it slowly on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream, stirring often to bring back its creamy charm. The microwave is fine too—just cover, heat in short bursts, and stir well each time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh corn will work wonderfully if it’s in season and you want to prep a bit more. Just cut the kernels off a few ears and replace the frozen corn with about the same amount. The cooking time stays the same.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can make this creamed corn on the stovetop in a heavy saucepan. Cook the corn with sugar and salt over medium heat, then add milk, butter, and cream cheese and simmer until creamy, stirring often to prevent burning.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter and cream cheese for plant-based alternatives, and use your favorite dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk. Keep in mind it will change the flavor slightly, but it’s still delicious.

How do I prevent the creamed corn from getting watery?

Make sure not to add extra liquid beyond the milk specified. Also, cooking low and slow helps prevent excess water from forming, as does stirring thoroughly to emulsify the ingredients into a thick, creamy sauce.

Final Thoughts

This slow cooker creamed corn recipe has seriously become one of my go-to sides for nearly every occasion. I love how simple it is and how it always delivers that warm, comforting vibe that makes a meal feel special. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be telling all your friends about this creamy, buttery corn magic! Give it a whirl—you won’t regret it.