Creamed Corn is a classic dish that elevates any meal, and this Slow Cooker Creamed Corn takes it to the next level. With the rich flavors of ricotta, rosemary, and turkey bacon, this recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving feasts or any gathering. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, it’s sure to impress your guests while saving you time in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Simply toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do all the work.
- Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of ricotta cheese, butter, and seasonings creates a creamy side dish with deep flavor.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, but easy enough for weeknight dinners.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Serves 8-10 people, making it ideal for gatherings and potlucks.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust spices or add your favorite toppings for a personal touch.
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious Slow Cooker Creamed Corn, you’ll need a few essential tools. These items will ensure you prepare the dish efficiently and effectively.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This is crucial for achieving that perfect creamy texture while keeping all flavors intact over several hours.
- Blender: It helps create a smooth mixture by blending cream cheese, ricotta, and corn effortlessly.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 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
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamed Corn
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly spray the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Remove 1 cup of corn from the packages to use later in blending. Add all remaining corn directly into the slow cooker.
Step 2: Blend Ingredients
Add all remaining ingredients except for butter to your blender:
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
4 oz. cream cheese
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)
Blend until completely smooth.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Pour the blended mixture into the slow cooker along with the cubed butter. Stir until everything is evenly combined. Cook on HIGH for 2–4 hours or on LOW for 4–6 hours, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Step 4: Garnish Before Serving
Once cooked to perfection, garnish with crumbled turkey bacon and chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy your creamy side dish!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamed Corn
Serving Slow Cooker Creamed Corn can elevate any meal, making it a delightful addition to your table. Whether it’s a festive gathering or a casual dinner, here are some creative ways to enjoy this creamy dish.
With Thanksgiving Turkey
- Pair with roasted turkey for a comforting contrast to the savory flavors of the bird.
As a Side Dish for Grilled Meats
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or steak to add a rich and creamy element to your meal.
In Tacos or Burritos
- Use as a filling in tacos or burritos to give a unique twist to traditional Mexican fare.
With Fresh Herbs
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an added burst of flavor and color.
On Top of Baked Potatoes
- Spoon over baked potatoes for a creamy topping that enhances the simple spud.
As Part of a Brunch Spread
- Include in your brunch menu alongside eggs and bacon for a hearty start to the day.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Creamed Corn
Perfecting your Slow Cooker Creamed Corn is easy with just a few tips. Follow these suggestions for the best results every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Whenever possible, opt for fresh herbs and high-quality dairy products for enhanced flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning – Taste your creamed corn before serving and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Blend Smoothly – Ensure all ingredients are blended until completely smooth for that creamy texture everyone loves.
- Stir Occasionally – Stirring once in a while during cooking helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Add More Flavor – Experiment with spices like smoked paprika or fresh garlic for extra depth.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Creamed Corn
Slow Cooker Creamed Corn pairs wonderfully with various side dishes, making it versatile for any occasion. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for an indulgent pairing.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy Brussels sprouts offer a nice crunch that complements the soft texture of creamed corn.
- Honey Glazed Carrots – Sweet carrots provide a lovely contrast in flavor and color on your plate.
- Cornbread Muffins – These moist muffins soak up the creamy goodness and add a delightful sweetness.
- Green Bean Almondine – Lightly sautéed green beans with almonds add freshness and crunch to your meal.
- Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad brings nutrition and vibrant flavors, balancing out the richness of creamed corn.
- Macaroni and Cheese – A classic comfort food that provides cheesy goodness alongside the creaminess of corn.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing side that brightens up the dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Slow Cooker Creamed Corn can be simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin the dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.
- Overcooking the corn: Cooking for too long can make the corn mushy. Stick to recommended cook times for perfect texture.
- Skipping the blending step: Not blending the ingredients can result in a chunky texture. Ensure you blend for a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoning can lead to bland flavors. Taste as you cook and adjust seasonings to enhance flavor.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Cheap butter or frozen corn may affect taste. Choose high-quality products for the best results.
- Ignoring the garnish: Skipping turkey bacon or green onions misses an opportunity for added flavor and presentation. Always consider garnishing your dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
- Use within 3-5 days for best quality.
Freezing Slow Cooker Creamed Corn
- Place cooled creamed corn in freezer-safe containers.
- Leave space at the top of containers for expansion.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Slow Cooker Creamed Corn
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Cover with foil and heat until warm, about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring until heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat over low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Slow Cooker Creamed Corn ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Just reheat before serving.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
You can use cottage cheese or cream cheese as alternatives if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the turkey bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if desired.
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh corn is a great option! Just ensure that it’s cooked before adding it to the slow cooker.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Creamed Corn is not only rich and flavorful but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for Thanksgiving feasts or casual dinners, it pairs well with various main dishes. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite spices or toppings. We encourage you to try this recipe; it’s bound to be a hit at your table!
Slow Cooker Creamed Corn
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of Slow Cooker Creamed Corn, a side dish that effortlessly elevates any meal. This delightful recipe combines the sweetness of frozen corn with the luxurious textures of ricotta cheese and cream cheese, all enhanced by the savory notes of turkey bacon and aromatic herbs. Ideal for Thanksgiving feasts or cozy family dinners, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, let it work its magic, and enjoy a delicious accompaniment that pairs well with meats or as a filling for tacos. Your guests will be raving about this comforting classic.
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8 to 10 people 1x
Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen corn kernels
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz. cream cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Spices: salt, garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, paprika, onion powder, pepper
- 4–6 strips turkey bacon
Instructions
- Lightly spray your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray and add most of the corn.
- In a blender, combine heavy cream, cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sugar, flour, salt, garlic powder, and spices; blend until smooth.
- Pour blended mixture into the slow cooker with cubed butter and stir to combine. Cook on HIGH for 2-4 hours or LOW for 4-6 hours.
- Garnish with crumbled turkey bacon and chopped green onions before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 34mg
Keywords: For added flavor complexity, consider incorporating smoked paprika or fresh herbs. Feel free to substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
