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Slow Cooker Chive-And-Onion Creamed Corn: A Culinary Embrace

The aroma alone transports me back to countless family gatherings. I can almost hear the joyous chatter of loved ones, the clinking of silverware, and the comforting sounds of a bustling kitchen. My grandmother always made the most incredible creamed corn, a dish so simple, yet so deeply satisfying. This slow cooker version, infused with the savory zest of chives and onions, captures that same essence of home, warmth, and pure culinary love. It’s a recipe meant to be shared, savored, and cherished.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Yield: About 8 servings
Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

4 slices bacon
4 1/2 cups frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
1/2 medium red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 (8 ounce) container Philadelphia Chive & Onion 1/3 Less Fat than Cream Cheese

Equipment Needed

12-inch nonstick skillet
Paper towels
3- to 4-quart slow cooker
Cooking spray

Instructions

Begin by cooking the bacon. In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, place the bacon slices. Cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crisp. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, carefully remove the slices from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain any excess grease. Allow the bacon to cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces.
Spray a 3- to 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. This will prevent the creamed corn from sticking to the sides and bottom of the cooker during the cooking process.
In the prepared slow cooker, combine the thawed corn, chopped red bell pepper, milk, melted butter, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. Add half of the crumbled bacon to the mixture, reserving the remaining bacon for garnish later.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on High heat setting for 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes, or until the corn is tender and the mixture is heated through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker, so check for doneness after 2 hours.
After the initial cooking time, stir in the Philadelphia Chive & Onion 1/3 Less Fat than Cream Cheese. Make sure the cream cheese is well incorporated into the corn mixture.
Cover the slow cooker again and cook on High heat setting for 10 minutes longer. This allows the cream cheese to melt completely and blend seamlessly with the other ingredients, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce.
Stir the creamed corn well to ensure everything is fully combined and the texture is smooth and consistent.
Before serving, sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon over the top of the creamed corn. This adds a delicious smoky flavor and a satisfying crunch.
The creamed corn can be kept warm on Low heat setting up to 1 hour if needed.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Spice it up: For a little extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the corn mixture before cooking.
Fresh herbs: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley along with the chives. Finely chop the herbs before adding them to the slow cooker.
Make it ahead: You can prepare the creamed corn mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply transfer the mixture to the slow cooker and follow the recipe instructions. Add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting with a cold mixture.
Control the sweetness: Taste the creamed corn before adding all of the sugar. Depending on the sweetness of the corn, you may want to adjust the amount to your preference.
Crispier bacon: For extra crispy bacon, cook it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until desired crispness is achieved.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Slow Cooker Chive-And-Onion Creamed Corn hot, as a side dish to grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a hearty vegetarian main course. It pairs perfectly with cornbread, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to maintain a creamy consistency. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the cream cheese may change upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	246.7 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	86 g	35%
Total Fat	9.6 g	14%
Saturated Fat	4.8 g	24%
Cholesterol	20.1 mg	6%
Sodium	242.7 mg	10%
Total Carbohydrate	40.4 g	13%
Dietary Fiber	4.6 g	18%
Sugars	0.8 g	3%
Protein	6.7 g	13%

Variations & Substitutions

Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Omit the butter or replace it with olive oil or coconut oil.
Vegan: In addition to the dairy-free substitutions, omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon substitute.
Spicy Creamed Corn: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeno to the slow cooker for a spicy kick.
Mexican-Inspired: Incorporate black beans, diced tomatoes, and chili powder for a Southwestern twist. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream before serving.
Sweet Corn Pudding: For a sweeter version, increase the amount of sugar to 2-3 tablespoons and add a dash of vanilla extract.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
A: Yes, you can use about 6 ears of fresh corn, shucked and kernels removed. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh corn may cook slightly faster.

Q: Can I use regular cream cheese instead of the 1/3 less fat version?
A: Absolutely! The full-fat version will result in an even richer and creamier texture.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the creamed corn?
A: Yes, feel free to add other chopped vegetables like zucchini, poblano peppers, or onions for added flavor and nutrition.

Q: How do I prevent the creamed corn from becoming too watery?
A: If the creamed corn appears too watery, remove the lid from the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking time to allow some of the excess moisture to evaporate.

Q: Is it necessary to cook the bacon first?
A: Yes, pre-cooking the bacon ensures that it is crispy and renders some of the fat, which adds flavor to the dish.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Slow Cooker Chive-And-Onion Creamed Corn recipe becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen, just as it is in mine. It’s a dish that embodies comfort, simplicity, and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations and substitutions to make it your own. Gather your ingredients, dust off your slow cooker, and prepare to create a culinary masterpiece that will warm hearts and delight taste buds. Bon appétit!

Slow Cooker Chive-And-Onion Creamed Corn Recipe