Crockpot Creamed Corn Recipe

There are certain dishes that just scream “comfort food,” and for me, creamed corn is right up there at the top. But let’s be honest, standing over a stovetop, stirring and stirring to get that perfect creamy consistency can sometimes feel like a chore. That’s where the magic of the slow cooker comes in! The first time I tried making Crockpot Creamed Corn, I was a bit skeptical – could it really achieve that same rich, velvety texture without all the stovetop fuss? Well, let me tell you, the results were absolutely phenomenal. The slow cooker transformed simple ingredients into a symphony of sweet corn goodness, with a creaminess that was simply divine. My family devoured it, and it has since become a regular request, especially during holidays and potlucks. This Crockpot Creamed Corn recipe is not only incredibly easy to make, but it’s also undeniably delicious and frees up valuable stovetop space – a win-win in my book! Prepare to fall in love with the effortless perfection of slow cooker creamed corn.

Ingredients

This Crockpot Creamed Corn recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and creamy goodness. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this comforting side dish to life:

• 6 cups Fresh or Frozen Corn Kernels (about 8-10 ears of corn or a 32-ounce bag of frozen corn): Fresh corn on the cob, when in season, provides the absolute best flavor for creamed corn. If using fresh corn, you’ll need to shuck it and cut the kernels off the cob. Frozen corn kernels are a convenient and readily available alternative that works beautifully and is perfect for year-round enjoyment. No need to thaw frozen corn before adding it to the crockpot.
• 1 cup Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is the key to achieving that rich, decadent creaminess that defines creamed corn. It adds body, flavor, and a luxurious texture. For the best results, use heavy cream. You can substitute with half-and-half for a slightly lighter version, but the texture will be less rich and creamy. Avoid using milk as it will be too thin and won’t provide the desired creaminess.
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness, flavor, and a velvety texture to the creamed corn. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish, especially since we’ll be adding salt later. You can use salted butter, but be sure to adjust the added salt accordingly. For a richer flavor, consider using European-style butter.
• 1/2 cup Whole Milk: Whole milk contributes to the overall creaminess and moisture of the dish, balancing the richness of the heavy cream. Whole milk is recommended for its higher fat content, which helps create a smoother and more flavorful creamed corn. You can use 2% milk, but the texture might be slightly less rich.
• 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar: Sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the corn and balances the savory flavors. The amount of sugar can be adjusted to your preference and the sweetness of your corn. If using very sweet fresh corn, you may want to reduce the sugar slightly.
• 1 teaspoon Salt: Salt is essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste at the end of cooking. Kosher salt or sea salt are preferred for their cleaner flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and spice that complements the sweetness of the corn and the richness of the cream. Freshly ground pepper is always best for flavor, but pre-ground pepper can be used in a pinch.

Optional Ingredients for Enhancements and Variations:

• 2 tablespoons Cream Cheese (softened): Adding softened cream cheese at the end of cooking will create an even richer and tangier creamed corn. It melts beautifully into the mixture and adds a delightful depth of flavor.
• 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Stirring in grated Parmesan cheese towards the end of cooking adds a savory, nutty, and slightly salty dimension to the creamed corn. It complements the sweetness of the corn and adds a pleasant umami note.
• 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg: A pinch of ground nutmeg enhances the warmth and comforting flavors of creamed corn. It adds a subtle spice that complements the sweetness and richness of the dish.
• 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Herbs (chives, parsley, thyme): Fresh herbs like chopped chives, parsley, or thyme add a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish. They provide a bright, herbaceous counterpoint to the richness of the creamed corn. Add herbs as a garnish just before serving.
• Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes: For a subtle kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the crockpot. This will add a gentle warmth without making the creamed corn spicy.
• Bacon Bits (cooked and crumbled): Sprinkling cooked and crumbled bacon bits over the finished creamed corn adds a smoky, savory crunch and a delightful textural contrast.

Instructions

Making Crockpot Creamed Corn is incredibly simple and requires minimal effort. Just follow these easy steps for a creamy, flavorful side dish that practically cooks itself:

1. Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: In a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, combine the fresh or frozen corn kernels, heavy cream, unsalted butter (cut into pieces), whole milk, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper. Make sure the butter is distributed somewhat evenly throughout the corn mixture for even melting.
2. Stir and Cook: Stir all the ingredients together in the crockpot to ensure they are well combined. Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW heat for 3-4 hours, or on HIGH heat for 1.5-2 hours. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model. The creamed corn is ready when the corn is tender and the mixture has thickened to your desired consistency.
3. Stir Occasionally (Optional but Recommended): While the slow cooker does most of the work, stirring the creamed corn occasionally (every hour or so) will help to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. If you are using frozen corn, stirring will also help to break up any clumps of frozen kernels and ensure they cook evenly.
4. Check for Doneness and Adjust Seasoning: After the cooking time is complete, check the creamed corn for doneness. The corn should be tender, and the sauce should have thickened to a creamy consistency. Taste the creamed corn and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or sugar to your preference. If you prefer a thicker creamed corn, you can continue to cook it on LOW for another 30-60 minutes with the lid slightly ajar to allow some of the liquid to evaporate, or you can use the thickening method described in the next step.
5. Optional Thickening (if desired): If you prefer a thicker creamed corn, you have a couple of options:
   • Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold milk or water until smooth and no lumps remain. Stir this cornstarch slurry into the hot creamed corn in the crockpot. Stir well to combine and cook on HIGH for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
   • Mashed Corn: Remove about 1 cup of the cooked creamed corn from the crockpot and place it in a blender or food processor. Pulse a few times until the corn is partially mashed but still has some texture. Return the mashed corn to the crockpot and stir it into the rest of the creamed corn. The starch released from the mashed corn will help to thicken the sauce naturally.
6. Stir in Optional Add-ins (if using): If you are using any optional add-ins like softened cream cheese or grated Parmesan cheese, stir them in during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking or after the creamed corn is cooked. Stir until they are melted and fully incorporated into the creamed corn.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once the creamed corn is cooked to your liking, remove it from the crockpot. Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley, a pinch of nutmeg, or bacon bits, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

(Estimated, per serving – based on 6 servings)

• Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
• Calories: 250-300 kcal (This can vary depending on the exact amounts of cream, butter, sugar, and corn used)
• Fat: 15-20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10-13g
• Cholesterol: 60-80mg
• Sodium: 300-400mg (Can vary based on salt added)
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g
  • Fiber: 3-4g
  • Sugar: 10-15g (Includes added sugar and naturally occurring sugars in corn)
• Protein: 4-5g

Important Notes:

• These are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands, portion sizes, and cooking methods.
• This recipe is moderately high in fat and calories due to the cream and butter. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
• For more accurate nutritional information, you can use online nutritional calculators and input the exact brands and quantities of ingredients you use.
• You can reduce the fat content slightly by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reducing the amount of butter, but this will affect the richness and creaminess of the dish.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes (This includes shucking fresh corn if using, measuring ingredients, and combining them in the crockpot)
• Cook Time: 3-4 hours on LOW or 1.5-2 hours on HIGH
• Total Time: Approximately 3 hours 10 minutes – 4 hours 15 minutes (on LOW) or 1 hour 40 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes (on HIGH)

Crockpot Creamed Corn is incredibly hands-off. The active preparation time is minimal, mainly involving measuring and combining ingredients. The slow cooker does the rest of the work, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of your meal or simply relax while this delicious side dish simmers to perfection.

How to Serve Crockpot Creamed Corn

Crockpot Creamed Corn is a versatile and comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with a wide variety of main courses and is perfect for many occasions. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Classic Main Course Pairings:
  • Roasted Chicken or Turkey: Creamed corn is a quintessential side dish for roasted poultry, especially during Thanksgiving or holiday meals.
  • Grilled or Baked Ham: The sweetness of the creamed corn complements the salty richness of ham perfectly.
  • Pork Chops or Tenderloin: Creamed corn adds a creamy and comforting element to pork dishes.
  • Beef Brisket or Pot Roast: The rich and savory flavors of beef are balanced beautifully by the sweetness and creaminess of the corn.
  • Meatloaf: A classic comfort food pairing! Creamed corn is a delightful side for meatloaf.
• Holiday and Special Occasions:
  • Thanksgiving and Christmas: Creamed corn is a beloved holiday side dish that adds warmth and comfort to festive meals.
  • Easter and Family Gatherings: Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings where a crowd-pleasing side dish is needed.
  • Summer BBQs: While traditionally a fall/winter dish, creamed corn can also be a delicious addition to summer barbecues, especially when made with fresh summer corn.
• Serving Styles and Garnishes:
  • Warm and Cozy: Serve hot straight from the crockpot for a comforting and home-style presentation. You can keep it warm in the crockpot on the “Warm” setting for serving.
  • Elevated Presentation: Spoon creamed corn into serving bowls or ramekins for a more elegant presentation. Garnish each serving with fresh herbs, a sprinkle of nutmeg, or bacon bits.
  • Potluck Ready: Crockpot Creamed Corn is ideal for potlucks as it travels well and stays warm in the slow cooker. Simply transport the crockpot and serve directly from it.
• Creative Serving Ideas:
  • Cornbread Topping: Spoon creamed corn over warm cornbread for a delicious and hearty combination.
  • Loaded Baked Potato Topping: Use creamed corn as a topping for baked potatoes instead of traditional chili or cheese sauce.
  • Shepherd’s Pie Base: Use creamed corn as a creamy base layer in shepherd’s pie, topped with mashed potatoes and ground meat.
  • Creamed Corn Fritters: Let leftover creamed corn cool, then form into small patties, dredge in flour or breadcrumbs, and fry for delicious creamed corn fritters.

Additional Tips for the Best Crockpot Creamed Corn

To ensure your Crockpot Creamed Corn is absolutely perfect every time, here are five helpful tips:

1. Use Fresh Corn When Possible (in Season): While frozen corn works wonderfully, fresh corn on the cob, when in season, will elevate the flavor of your creamed corn to another level. The sweetness and freshness of summer corn are unmatched. If using fresh corn, choose ears that are plump and heavy for their size, with silks that are moist and golden brown.
2. Don’t Overcook: Overcooking creamed corn in the slow cooker can result in a mushy texture. Cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 1.5-2 hours, and check for doneness. The corn should be tender, and the sauce should be creamy but not overly thick. If you cook it for too long, the corn may become too soft and lose its texture.
3. Adjust Sweetness to Your Preference: The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of sugar, but you can adjust this amount to your liking and the sweetness of your corn. Taste the creamed corn after it’s cooked and add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter dish. If using very sweet fresh corn, you may want to reduce or even omit the added sugar.
4. For a Smoother Creamed Corn, Blend a Portion: If you prefer an ultra-smooth creamed corn, you can blend a portion of it after cooking. Carefully transfer about 1-2 cups of the cooked creamed corn to a blender or immersion blender and blend until smooth. Return the blended portion to the crockpot and stir it into the rest of the creamed corn. This will create a silky-smooth texture throughout the dish.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment with Flavors: While this classic recipe is delicious as is, feel free to experiment with different flavors and add-ins to customize your Crockpot Creamed Corn. Consider adding sautéed onions or shallots, roasted red peppers, different cheeses, spices like chili powder or smoked paprika, or even a touch of hot sauce for a kick. Get creative and make it your own!

FAQ: Your Crockpot Creamed Corn Questions Answered

Q1: Can I make Crockpot Creamed Corn ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make Crockpot Creamed Corn ahead of time. It can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the slow cooker on the “Warm” setting. The texture may become slightly thicker upon refrigeration, so you may need to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore its creamy consistency.

Q2: Can I freeze Crockpot Creamed Corn?

A: While technically you can freeze creamed corn, it’s not highly recommended as the texture may change upon thawing. Dairy-based sauces can sometimes become grainy or separate after freezing and thawing. If you do freeze it, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently as described above. Be aware that the texture might be slightly less smooth than freshly made creamed corn.

Q3: Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be dairy-free or vegan, but it will alter the flavor and texture. Here are some substitutions:
* Dairy-Free Cream: Use full-fat coconut cream (the solid part from a refrigerated can) or a good quality plant-based heavy cream alternative (like oat cream or cashew cream). Coconut cream will impart a slight coconut flavor, while other plant-based creams may be more neutral.
* Vegan Butter: Substitute vegan butter sticks for unsalted butter.
* Plant-Based Milk: Use unsweetened plant-based milk like oat milk, soy milk, or almond milk instead of whole milk.
* Vegan Cream Cheese (optional): If using cream cheese, use a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
* Nutritional Yeast (for Parmesan flavor): To mimic the savory flavor of Parmesan cheese, you can stir in a few tablespoons of nutritional yeast.

Q4: My creamed corn is too thin, how do I thicken it?

A: If your creamed corn is thinner than you’d like, you have a few options to thicken it:
* Continue Cooking: Cook on LOW with the lid slightly ajar for 30-60 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate and the sauce to thicken naturally.
* Cornstarch Slurry: As described in the instructions, mix cornstarch with cold milk or water and stir it into the hot creamed corn. Cook on HIGH for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
* Mashed Corn: Blend or mash a portion of the cooked corn and return it to the crockpot. The starch from the mashed corn will help thicken the sauce.
* Heavy Cream or Cream Cheese: Stir in a bit more heavy cream or softened cream cheese to enrich and thicken the sauce.

Q5: Can I use canned creamed corn in this recipe to make it even easier?

A: While you could technically use canned creamed corn as a shortcut, it’s not recommended for this recipe if you want to achieve the best flavor and texture of homemade creamed corn. Canned creamed corn often contains added thickeners, sugars, and preservatives, and the flavor is not as fresh or bright as using fresh or frozen corn kernels. This recipe is designed to create creamed corn from scratch using simple ingredients, and the results are far superior to using canned creamed corn. The minimal effort of this crockpot recipe is well worth the fresh, homemade taste.

Enjoy the effortless deliciousness of Crockpot Creamed Corn! It’s a side dish that’s sure to become a family favorite and a staple in your recipe repertoire.

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