Crockpot Creamed Corn is a rich and velvety side dish that brings the indulgent taste of steakhouse-style creamed corn to your own kitchen with minimal effort. This recipe combines sweet corn with creamy ingredients to create a comforting dish that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any meal where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

2 cups corn
2 tablespoons butter
4 ounces cream cheese, cut into blocks
½ cup milk
1 tablespoon sugar
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Pour the corn into the crockpot.
Add the butter on top of the corn.
Place the cream cheese blocks over the butter and corn.
Pour the milk over all the ingredients in the crockpot.
Sprinkle the sugar over everything. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Mix all the ingredients together. It’s okay if there are chunks; they will melt and combine during cooking.
Cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours. Stir halfway through cooking.
Before serving, stir everything together one more time until well combined.

Nutrients

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: 180 kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 200mg
Potassium: 200mg
Sugar: 6g
Vitamin A: 500 IU
Vitamin C: 2mg
Calcium: 60mg
Iron: 0.5mg

History and Origins of Creamed Corn

Creamed corn has been a beloved side dish in American cuisine for centuries. While the specific origins of creamed corn are unclear, corn itself has long been a staple in the diets of Indigenous peoples in the Americas. Corn was domesticated thousands of years ago in what is now Mexico and became a vital crop for many early civilizations, including the Aztecs and Native Americans. The technique of cooking corn with dairy products like cream or butter likely evolved over time as European settlers introduced dairy farming to the New World.

Creamed corn, as we know it today, likely emerged in the 19th century when recipes began to include butter, milk, and other seasonings to enrich the flavor and texture of corn. Early versions of creamed corn were often prepared on the stovetop, with fresh or frozen corn kernels cooked with cream, butter, and seasonings. Over time, the dish has evolved to include variations such as adding cheese, herbs, or even bacon to enhance the flavor.

With the advent of the slow cooker in the 1970s, home cooks discovered the convenience of making creamed corn in this hands-off method, allowing the dish to simmer for hours without constant supervision. This method has since become a popular way to prepare the dish, offering a perfect balance of creamy texture and depth of flavor.

Why Crockpot Creamed Corn is a Popular Choice

One of the primary reasons Crockpot Creamed Corn is so popular is its versatility. It can be served as a side dish for almost any type of meal, from casual weeknight dinners to large holiday spreads. The creamy, comforting flavor pairs well with a wide variety of main dishes, including roasted meats, grilled fish, barbecued ribs, and even vegetarian entrees. The natural sweetness of corn adds a subtle balance to savory main courses, while the richness of the cream cheese and butter enhances the overall flavor profile.

Another reason for the recipe’s popularity is its ease of preparation. Using a crockpot or slow cooker eliminates the need for constant stirring and monitoring. Simply combine the ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let it do the work. This makes it an ideal dish for busy home cooks who want a delicious side dish without spending too much time in the kitchen. The hands-off cooking method is especially convenient during holidays or special events when the oven and stovetop may already be crowded with other dishes.

Crockpot Creamed Corn is also a great dish to prepare in advance. The slow cooker allows for a long, slow simmer, which helps the flavors to develop and intensify over time. If you’re preparing a large meal or hosting a party, you can easily make this dish hours ahead of time and simply keep it warm until you’re ready to serve. This flexibility allows for a stress-free cooking experience, even during the busiest of occasions.

The Appeal of Crockpot Creamed Corn

There are several reasons why Crockpot Creamed Corn has become a favorite side dish in many homes.

Creamy Texture and Rich Flavor: The combination of cream cheese, butter, and milk creates a velvety smooth texture that coats the corn, making every bite indulgent and satisfying. The richness of the dish adds comfort to any meal, making it a perfect choice for cozy family dinners or festive occasions.
Simple and Affordable Ingredients: One of the major draws of this recipe is that it requires only a few basic ingredients that are often already stocked in most pantries. Corn, cream cheese, butter, and milk are affordable ingredients that can be found in almost any grocery store, making this recipe a budget-friendly option.
Minimal Effort: With minimal prep work and the convenience of the slow cooker, this dish requires very little hands-on effort. Simply throw the ingredients into the crockpot, set the timer, and let it cook while you focus on other tasks. This makes Crockpot Creamed Corn a great option for busy cooks who want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying their meal.
Customizable to Your Taste: While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, Crockpot Creamed Corn is incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to suit your personal preferences. For example, you can add a variety of seasonings to enhance the flavor, such as garlic, onion powder, or paprika. You can also mix in some shredded cheese for a cheesy version, or even add bacon bits for extra savory goodness.
Perfect for Large Groups: Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, a barbecue, or a potluck, Crockpot Creamed Corn is a great dish to make for a crowd. The slow cooker allows you to easily scale the recipe to accommodate large groups, ensuring that everyone gets a serving of this comforting side dish.

Health Considerations for Crockpot Creamed Corn

While Crockpot Creamed Corn is undeniably delicious, it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional content, particularly if you’re watching your calorie intake. The recipe contains ingredients such as butter, cream cheese, and milk, which contribute to its creamy texture and rich flavor but also add a significant amount of fat and calories.

For those looking to make a lighter version of the dish, there are a few substitutions that can help reduce the fat content without sacrificing flavor. For example, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese or swap in a lighter version of milk or even almond milk. If you’re concerned about sodium levels, you can opt for low-sodium versions of cream cheese and butter.

Another option for making this dish healthier is to add more vegetables to the mix. While corn is a nutritious vegetable, you can boost the dish’s nutritional value by incorporating other vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini. Adding these extra vegetables can increase the fiber content and provide more vitamins and minerals, making the dish more balanced.

Serving Suggestions

Crockpot Creamed Corn is a versatile dish that can be paired with a wide variety of main courses. It works beautifully alongside roasted meats, such as turkey, chicken, or beef, as the richness of the creamed corn complements the savory flavors of the meat. It’s also an excellent side dish for barbecue meals, pairing well with grilled ribs, pulled pork, or barbecued chicken. For a vegetarian meal, Crockpot Creamed Corn can be served with a hearty salad, roasted vegetables, or a grain-based dish like quinoa or rice. It also works well as part of a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, where it can be served alongside mashed potatoes, stuffing, and other holiday favorites.

Conclusion

Crockpot Creamed Corn is a quintessential comfort food that brings warmth, richness, and a touch of indulgence to any meal. Its creamy texture and sweet corn flavor make it a favorite side dish for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions. The ease of preparation, combined with its ability to feed a crowd, makes it a go-to recipe for busy cooks and hosts alike. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a holiday feast, or a casual get-together, this dish is sure to satisfy and impress.

0 Shares