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 irresistibly cozy about corn cooked low and slow until it’s silky, sweet, and utterly comforting. This Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe is one of those easy dishes that feels like a warm hug on your dinner table—perfectly creamy with the right touch of buttery goodness and just enough tang from cream cheese. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become a staple side.

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 get over how effortless it is to make this creamed corn in the slow cooker. It frees up stove space, waits patiently while you handle other things, and comes out ridiculously creamy every single time. Plus, adding bacon and chives at the end just sends the flavor into overdrive!

No stirring required (until the end!): Toss the ingredients in your slow cooker, walk away, and forget about it. That’s convenience at its best.
Rich and creamy without heaviness: The cream cheese and butter blend perfectly to create a luscious texture that’s not overly heavy.
Perfect balance of flavors: Sweet corn with a subtle hint of pepper, plus savory bacon bits and fresh chives make this a side everyone will fight over.
Make it any time of year: Using frozen corn means you can enjoy this recipe even when fresh corn isn’t in season.

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

This Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe is all about simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays a role, whether it’s building the creamy base, enhancing flavor, or adding texture. Here are the essentials and why I love them:

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: Convenient, sweet, and reliable—no need to thaw; it cooks perfectly when combined with the other ingredients.
Sugar: Just a touch to balance the natural sweetness and bring out flavor depth.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every bite.
Milk: Helps create that creamy sauce; I prefer whole milk for richness, but 2% works fine too.
Butter: Cubed and layered on top, it melts slowly, imparting a luscious buttery flavor.
Cream cheese: The magic ingredient that makes this creamed corn extra velvety and dreamy.
Pepper: Just a pinch adds a subtle kick to balance the sweetness.
Bacon: Cooked and crumbled for a smoky crunch that elevates the whole dish.
Chives: Fresh and bright, they provide a mild oniony flavor and a pop of color at the end.

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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 best things about this creamed corn is how flexible it is. I often tweak the toppings or mix-ins depending on what I have on hand. Feel free to put your own spin on it!

Variation: When I’m in the mood for a little heat, I sprinkle in some smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne before cooking. It adds a subtle smoky warmth without overpowering the sweetness.
Dairy-free option: Use coconut milk and vegan butter, then skip the cream cheese or try a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a similar creamy texture.
Loaded creamed corn: Try stirring in some shredded cheddar cheese near the end—it gives a sharp, melty finish that’s irresistible.

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

Step 1: Get everything into the slow cooker

Start by placing your frozen corn directly into the slow cooker—no need to thaw! Add the sugar and salt, then stir everything gently to mix those dry ingredients evenly with the corn.

Step 2: Pour in the milk and add the butter and cream cheese

Pour the milk over the corn mixture. Then arrange the butter cubes and cream cheese cubes on top—these will slowly melt and infuse the corn with richness as it cooks. This layering method helps build that silky texture we’re after.

Step 3: Cook low and slow

Cover and set your slow cooker on HIGH for about 2-3 hours, or LOW for 4-5 hours if you’re not in a rush. This is the perfect hands-off phase where the magic happens—the cheeses melt, the corn softens, and flavors get cozy together.

Step 4: Stir until creamy

Once cooked, remove the lid. You might notice the cream cheese looks a little curdled—that’s totally normal. Stir vigorously until the sauce smooths out and everything comes together beautifully. This step is key to getting that classic creamed texture.

Step 5: Season and serve

Stir in the black pepper. Then top your Slow Cooker Creamed Corn with crispy crumbled bacon and thinly sliced fresh chives for that hit of smokiness and freshness. Now you’re ready to enjoy!

Top Tip

From my experience making this Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe countless times, a few little tricks really make it stand out. It’s not just about throwing ingredients together—it’s these small details that take it from good to unforgettable.

Butter and cream cheese on top: Place these in cubes on top rather than mixing at the start. They melt slowly, creating layers of luscious creaminess rather than separating.
Don’t rush the stirring: When you first remove the lid, the sauce might look odd—stir patiently until it smooths out; this won’t happen if you give up too soon.
Quality bacon matters: Crisp up your bacon well beforehand—it adds contrast that lifts the entire dish.
Season last: Salt and pepper go a long way here, but add them as you finish rather than up front to keep flavors balanced.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this creamed corn with crispy bacon bits and fresh chives. The bacon adds that irresistible crunch and smoky flavor while the chives bring a fresh, mild oniony note and a burst of green color—such a great contrast to all that creamy yellow.

Side Dishes

This is my go-to side dish for BBQs or holiday dinners. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, glazed ham, or grilled steaks. Sometimes, I serve it alongside mashed potatoes and green beans for an all-American, comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the creamed corn in small ramekins topped with a sprinkle of paprika and a sprig of fresh thyme. It makes the presentation feel more elegant and festive—and everyone always asks for seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover creamed corn stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually pour it into a glass container so it cools evenly and tastes fresh the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this creamed corn with success—just be aware the texture can soften slightly upon thawing. Freeze in a freezer-safe container and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and bring back that smooth creaminess. You can add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh corn will work wonderfully in this recipe. Just cut the kernels off the cob and follow the recipe the same way. Fresh corn will impart a slightly sweeter, more vibrant flavor, though you may want to reduce the sugar slightly if your corn is very sweet.

What if I don’t like cream cheese?

If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you can substitute it with sour cream or mascarpone for a different kind of creaminess. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will change slightly but it will still be delicious.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the milk for a plant-based milk like oat or almond, use vegan butter instead of regular butter, and replace cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Just be sure to check the ingredients on substitutes for best results.

Is it okay to leave the slow cooker on LOW overnight?

I wouldn't recommend cooking this creamed corn overnight. While the slow cooker can be left unattended, too long on LOW can overcook the corn and break down the texture, making it mushy instead of creamy. Stick to the 4-5 hour cook time for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation—it’s simple, satisfying, and makes every meal feel a little more indulgent without any stress. I hope you’ll enjoy it just as much as I do, and maybe it even becomes your new favorite side dish to bring along to dinner parties or family get-togethers. Give it a go, and let me know how you customize it!