Easy Creamed Corn

This Easy Creamed Corn is a rich, flavorful side dish that comes together with minimal effort thanks to the slow cooker. It's extra creamy, slightly sweet, and incredibly comforting—perfect for holiday feasts, summer BBQs, or anytime you need a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 5 minutes of prep—then let the slow cooker do the work

• Ultra-creamy texture from butter, cream cheese, and half and half

• Great for feeding a crowd—makes 10 generous servings

• Perfect for holidays and potlucks

• Customizable—add jalapeños,  or herbs to mix it up

• Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead meals

• Naturally gluten-free

• Easy to double or halve depending on your needs

• Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved

• Uses frozen or canned corn for convenience

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 32 ounces frozen corn (or 4 cans whole corn, drained)

• ⅔ cup half and half

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed (1 stick)

• 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed

Directions

1. Prep the Slow Cooker

Add the corn to a 3-quart slow cooker. Pour in the half and half, then stir in the sugar, salt, and pepper until everything is evenly combined.

2. Add Butter and Cream Cheese

Top the corn mixture with the cubed butter and cream cheese. Do not stir.

3. Cook

Cover and cook:

• On High for 2 to 3 hours

• Or on Low for 5 to 6 hours

4. Finish

Remove the lid and stir everything together until the butter and cream cheese are fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

5. Final Simmer

Place the lid back on and cook on High for an additional 15 minutes to thicken the mixture if desired.

6. Serve

Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with freshly ground black pepper or chopped chives for extra flavor.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (on high)
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Variations

• Add heat: Stir in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper

• Make it smoky: Add a dash of smoked paprika

• Herbed version: Stir in chopped fresh thyme, chives, or parsley

• Cheesier: Add shredded cheddar or parmesan during the last 15 minutes

• Spicy-sweet: Mix in a touch of hot honey or red pepper flakes

• Mexican-style: Use Mexican crema instead of cream cheese and add cotija cheese and cilantro

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I make this creamed corn ahead of time?

Yes, it stores and reheats beautifully. Just warm it before serving and give it a good stir.

Can I use canned corn instead of frozen?

Yes. Use four 15-ounce cans of whole kernel corn, drained.

Can I use fresh corn?

Absolutely. Use the kernels from 6–8 ears of corn. You may want to reduce cooking time slightly if using fresh.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your brand labels to be sure.

Can I use milk instead of half and half?

You can, but the creamed corn won’t be quite as rich. Whole milk is the best substitute.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and use a larger (6-quart) slow cooker. Add 30–60 minutes to the cook time as needed.

Can I make this on the stovetop?

Yes. Combine everything in a large saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until creamy and warmed through (about 20 minutes).

Can I add cheese?

Definitely. Stir in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or parmesan during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Can I make it dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, try using plant-based butter, vegan cream cheese, and a dairy-free half and half alternative.

Why is my creamed corn too thin?

It will thicken as it cools. For a thicker consistency, cook uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes or stir in a slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoon cold water.

Conclusion

This Easy Creamed Corn is the ultimate low-effort, high-reward side dish. Whether you're prepping for  a backyard barbecue, or a weeknight dinner, this creamy, comforting dish is guaranteed to impress with its flavor and simplicity. Once you make it from scratch, you’ll never go back to the canned version again.

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