Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *slow cooker cheddar corn* dish! It’s one of those recipes that just screams comfort food. Imagine coming home after a long day, and the delicious aroma of creamy corn greets you at the door. This dish has been a staple at our family gatherings for years, and I can still picture my grandma stirring it up in her kitchen. It’s so creamy, cheesy, and downright irresistible! Every time I make it, I’m reminded of those cozy evenings spent with loved ones, gathered around the table, laughing and enjoying this delightful side dish. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to add it to your own family traditions!
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen corn (no need to thaw, just grab it straight from the freezer!)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (I love using sharp cheddar for that extra flavor punch!)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened, so it blends in beautifully)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted for that rich creaminess)
- 1/4 cup milk (whole milk works best, but use what you have)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (this balances out the savory flavors)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to your taste, of course!)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for a little kick)
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Alright, let’s get that slow cooker ready! Start by grabbing your 4 cups of frozen corn and dump it straight into the slow cooker—no need to thaw, just trust me on this one! It’s all about convenience, right? Next, we’re going to add the cream cheese, unsalted butter, and milk. I like to cut the cream cheese into chunks to make it easier to mix later. Just toss everything in there, and you’re already on your way to a creamy masterpiece!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Now, it’s time to combine those ingredients! Give everything a gentle mix with a spatula. You want to make sure the cream cheese and butter start to blend in with the corn and milk for that dreamy creamy texture. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but you want it all to be somewhat evenly distributed so every bite is as delicious as the last!
Step 3: Season and Cook
Once everything’s mixed up nicely, it’s time to add some flavor! Sprinkle the tablespoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper right over the top. This is where the magic happens! Now, cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 4 hours. Just let it do its thing while you go about your day—trust me, the aroma will be irresistible!
Step 4: Add Cheese
With about 30 minutes left on the clock, it’s time to bring in the star of the show: the cheddar cheese! Stir in that shredded cheddar until it melts beautifully into the mixture. I usually give it a good mix to make sure every kernel is coated in cheesy goodness. Let it cook for those last 30 minutes, and then you’re all set for a creamy, cheesy delight that’s going to wow everyone at the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super creamy texture that’s totally comforting and satisfying.
- Effortless preparation—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work!
- Perfect for family gatherings, barbecues, or cozy nights in.
- Versatile dish that can be served as a side or transformed into a main course with added proteins.
- Great for meal prep; leftovers are just as delicious the next day!
- Customizable—add in your favorite extras like cooked bacon or green onions for a flavor boost.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to whip up this amazing *slow cooker cheddar corn*, here are some of my top tips to ensure it turns out perfect every time!
- Taste and Adjust: Don’t be shy about tasting the mixture before cooking! You can adjust the seasoning to fit your palate—maybe a little more salt or a pinch of cayenne for some heat if that’s your jam!
- Get Creative: Feel free to add extra ingredients for a flavor twist. Cooked bacon bits are a fantastic addition for that savory kick, while some chopped green onions can add a fresh pop of color and flavor!
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar is my go-to, mixing in some Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add a fun kick. Just keep it shredded so it melts evenly!
- Watch the Timing: Keep an eye on the last 30 minutes when you add the cheddar. If you’re cooking on high instead of low, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Just make sure the cheese melts and blends well.
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers (which I doubt, but just in case!), this dish reheats beautifully. Just add a splash of milk when warming to keep that creamy texture intact!
With these tips, you’ll be a slow cooker cheddar corn pro in no time. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying this delicious *slow cooker cheddar corn*, knowing the nutritional info can help you enjoy it even more! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 6g
These creamy, cheesy bites of goodness are not only comforting but also pack a decent amount of nutrients! Just remember, everything in moderation—enjoy every last bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you’ve got fresh corn, feel free to cut it off the cob and use it. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly since fresh corn may need less time to cook and soften compared to frozen.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just toss it in the slow cooker when you’re ready to enjoy that creamy goodness!
What if I want to make it spicier?
If you’re a fan of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the mix. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra kick!
Can I double this recipe?
Definitely! Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough to accommodate the extra ingredients. Doubling the recipe works beautifully for gatherings or meal prep!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat on low in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to store those delicious leftovers of *slow cooker cheddar corn*! First things first, make sure it’s cooled down a bit before transferring it to an airtight container. This way, you’re keeping that creamy goodness intact! You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days—trust me, it’ll still be just as tasty!
When it comes to reheating, you’ve got a couple of options. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave is your best friend! Just pop it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, and heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. Don’t forget to add a splash of milk to keep it extra creamy!
If you have a little more time, reheating it on the stovetop is my favorite method. Just throw it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently until it’s hot. Again, a splash of milk will help bring back that lovely texture. No one likes dry corn, right?
So there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy that creamy, cheesy goodness even days after you first made it. Happy feasting!
Print
Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn: 5 Comforting Family Favorites
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and delicious slow cooker cheddar corn dish.
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen corn
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place frozen corn in the slow cooker.
- Add cream cheese, butter, and milk.
- Sprinkle sugar, salt, and pepper over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Stir in cheddar cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- For extra flavor, add cooked bacon bits.
- Can be served as a side dish or a main course.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: slow cooker cheddar corn
