Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

Creamed Corn is a classic dish that never fails to impress. This Slow Cooker Creamed Corn recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or any casual dinner, it embodies rich and creamy flavors that everyone will love. The combination of ricotta and turkey bacon elevates this dish, making it a standout addition to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: With minimal prep and just a few ingredients, this dish cooks itself while you focus on other meal preparations.
• Rich and Creamy Flavor: The blend of ricotta cheese, cream cheese, and butter creates a luxurious texture that enhances the sweetness of the corn.
• Versatile Side Dish: Whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a weeknight dinner, this creamed corn fits perfectly alongside any main course.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: It serves 8-10 people, making it an ideal choice for larger gatherings or family meals.
• Customizable Garnishes: Feel free to adjust toppings like turkey bacon or green onions based on your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Slow Cooker Creamed Corn, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure delicious results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This tool allows for hands-free cooking, letting flavors meld beautifully over hours without constant monitoring.
• Blender: A blender ensures the creamed corn is smooth and creamy, making every bite delightful.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your dish.
• Spatula: A good spatula helps incorporate ingredients thoroughly and scrape every last bit from the sides of the slow cooker.

Ingredients

To make your delicious Slow Cooker Creamed Corn, gather the following ingredients:

For the Creamed Corn Base

• 2 pounds frozen corn kernels (2 x 16 oz. packages)
• 4 tablespoons butter, cubed
• nonstick cooking spray
• 1 cup frozen corn from above listed packages (in directions)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 oz. cream cheese, cubed
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 teaspoon McCormick® salt
• 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Garlic Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon EACH McCormick® Rosemary Leaves, Thyme Leaves, Paprika, Onion Powder, Pepper
• Dash of McCormick cayenne pepper (optional)
• 4-6 strips Turkey Bacon, cooked and crumbled
• green onions, chopped

How to Make Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker

Lightly spray the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Remove 1 cup of corn from the packages to blend later. Add all remaining corn directly into the slow cooker.

Step 2: Blend Ingredients

In a blender:
1. Combine all remaining ingredients except for butter and garnishes.
2. Blend until completely smooth.

Add this mixture to the slow cooker along with cubed butter. Stir until evenly combined.

Step 3: Cook Your Creations

Set your slow cooker:
– Cook on HIGH for 2–4 hours or LOW for 4–6 hours.
– Stir occasionally throughout cooking. Taste at intervals; season with additional salt and pepper if desired.

Step 4: Serve with Style

When ready to serve:
1. Garnish with crumbled turkey bacon and chopped green onions if you wish.
2. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Creamed Corn as a delightful side dish!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

Slow Cooker Creamed Corn is a versatile dish that can elevate any meal. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses and can be customized to suit your guests’ tastes.

With Grilled Chicken

• Juicy grilled chicken complements the creamy texture of the corn, adding a savory element to your plate.

As a Topping for Baked Potatoes

• Creamed corn makes a delicious and hearty topping for baked potatoes, enhancing their flavor and creaminess.

Alongside Beef Roast

• The rich flavors of the slow-cooked creamed corn balance beautifully with the robust taste of a beef roast, making it an ideal pairing for special occasions.

In a Festive Bowl

• Serve in individual bowls topped with crumbled turkey bacon and chopped green onions for an attractive presentation that impresses your guests.

As Part of a Buffet Spread

• This dish works great as part of a buffet. Its creamy goodness will appeal to both kids and adults alike, making it a crowd favorite.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

For the best results with your Slow Cooker Creamed Corn, follow these simple tips to ensure creamy, flavorful perfection every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh frozen corn yields better flavor than canned corn. Ensure you use high-quality frozen kernels for the best taste.
• Blend Thoroughly: When blending the corn mixture, make sure it is completely smooth to achieve that desired creamy consistency.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste the mixture before serving and feel free to add extra salt or spices according to your preference.
• Keep Stirring: Stir the mixture occasionally while cooking. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.
• Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to try different herbs like parsley or dill for additional flavor variations that can change up your dish.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare this dish in advance and reheat it gently before serving; just add a splash of cream if it thickens too much.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

Slow Cooker Creamed Corn pairs well with many side dishes that complement its rich flavor. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with garlic provide a comforting side that blends well with creamed corn.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted vegetables add texture and nutrition, balancing out the creaminess of the corn.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad featuring fresh herbs and lemon dressing offers contrast against the rich creamed corn.
4. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: The crunchiness of roasted Brussels sprouts adds an exciting textural component while enhancing flavor profiles.
5. Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs complements the richness of creamed corn without overpowering it.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and freshness, cutting through the creaminess for a well-rounded meal.
7. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins pair perfectly, adding sweetness to balance out savory dishes on your table.
8. Green Bean Almondine: Tender green beans tossed with toasted almonds create a delightful contrast in both texture and flavor alongside creamed corn.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Creamed Corn, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using fresh corn: Fresh corn kernels can lack the sweetness and creaminess of frozen corn. Stick to frozen corn for the best results.
• Skipping the blending step: Blending the ingredients ensures a smooth texture. If you skip this, your creamed corn will be chunky and less creamy.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Always taste your dish before serving. You might need to add a bit more salt or pepper for flavor.
• Overcooking the corn: Cooking on HIGH for too long can lead to mushy corn. Keep an eye on cooking times and stir occasionally.
• Not garnishing: Garnishes like Turkey Bacon and green onions enhance both flavor and presentation. Don’t skip this step!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Make sure it has cooled down completely before sealing.

Freezing Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space in containers for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Slow Cooker Creamed Corn.

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Frozen corn is recommended for this recipe as it provides the perfect creaminess and sweetness that fresh corn may not match.

How can I customize my Slow Cooker Creamed Corn?

You can mix in different herbs or spices according to your taste preferences. Adding cheese or different types of cooked meats can also enhance the flavor.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

You can replace ricotta with cottage cheese or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute dairy products with plant-based alternatives like almond or coconut milk, and use a non-dairy cream cheese option.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Creamed Corn is an incredible side dish that’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion when you want to impress guests. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients to make it truly your own!