There are some dishes that belong on a holiday table just as surely as the turkey and the mashed potatoes, and this creamy crock pot corn is one of them. It is the sort of simple Midwestern side dish that proves you do not need a long ingredient list to make something comforting and memorable. With just corn, cream cheese, and butter, it turns into a rich, spoonable side that stays warm in the slow cooker and frees up precious stove space, which is exactly why so many grandmothers swore by it at Thanksgiving.
This corn is mighty fine alongside roast turkey, baked ham, pot roast, or even a weeknight meatloaf supper. For a holiday spread, set it next to dressing, green beans, cranberry sauce, and fluffy mashed potatoes. The creamy sweetness of the corn also pairs nicely with savory mains and anything with a little black pepper, so it helps round out a plate full of hearty, homey flavors.
3-Ingredient Crock Pot Cream Cheese Corn
Servings: 8
Ingredients
2 bags (16 ounces each) frozen corn
8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
1/2 cup butter
Directions
1. Add the frozen corn to the slow cooker, then scatter the cubed cream cheese and butter over the top.
2. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking as the cream cheese and butter melt.
3. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and coats the corn evenly. Serve hot straight from the crock pot.
Variations & Tips
For a little seasoning: Even though this version keeps faith with the three-ingredient promise, a pinch of black pepper or a little salt at the end can wake up the flavors nicely, especially if your butter is unsalted.
Make it richer: If you want it a touch looser and extra creamy for a special meal, stir in a splash of milk or half-and-half near the end of cooking. That helps if the sauce seems thicker than you like after sitting warm.
Use canned or fresh corn: Frozen corn is the easiest and gives dependable results, but drained canned corn or cooked fresh corn cut from the cob can work too. If using canned corn, reduce the cooking time a bit since it is already tender.
Keep it party-ready: This is one of those dependable buffet dishes that holds well on the warm setting. Give it a stir now and then so the sauce stays smooth and the edges do not overcook.
Add a homey twist: For folks who like to dress things up, a spoonful of grated cheddar, a sprinkle of chopped chives, or a bit of crumbled cooked bacon on top makes it feel a little different while still keeping that old-fashioned comfort.