Cheddar Bacon Side Dish

When slow-cooked, this cheesy corn with bacon turns ordinary frozen kernels into a rich side that's perfect alongside everything from your holiday feast to simple weeknight chicken. The mix of tangy cheddar and smoky bacon brings out corn's natural sweetness, making it totally addictive.

I first threw this together when I hosted a holiday dinner in my cramped apartment kitchen with barely any counter space. That was back in 2018, and now my family won't let me attend any gathering without bringing it, no matter what time of year it is.

Essential Ingredients

• Frozen corn kernels: Get the highest quality you can find since they're the main component
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Grate it yourself for smoother melting than the bagged stuff
• Bacon: Pick something extra smoky to balance the corn's sweetness
• Heavy cream: This gives the dish its luxurious smoothness
• Unsalted butter: Lets you manage the salt level since bacon adds plenty
• Garlic powder: Adds background flavor without taking over
• Paprika: Brings mild heat and nice color
• Salt and pepper: To tie all the tastes together
• Fresh parsley: Not required but adds freshness and a pop of green

Simple Preparation Steps

Get Your Bacon Ready:

Make your bacon super crispy in a pan or your oven. The contrast between crunchy bacon bits and soft corn makes this dish stand out. Let it cool a bit before breaking it into whatever size pieces you like.

Combine Your Foundation:

Dump frozen corn straight into the slow cooker without thawing. This keeps the kernels from getting mushy and helps them stay just right. Pour the heavy cream and melted butter over everything to create the base for your cheese sauce.

Season Everything:

Scatter garlic powder and paprika over the corn mix. It's best to add these dry spices before everything starts getting melty. Add salt and pepper, but go easy since the cheese and bacon will bring their own saltiness to the party.

Mix In Cheese and Bacon:

Stir in your freshly grated cheddar and most of the bacon pieces, but save some bacon for topping later. Make sure the cheese is spread throughout so each bite gets some melty goodness.

Let It Cook:

Cover and set to low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours depending on when you need it ready. Give it a stir about once an hour to keep cheese from sticking and make sure everything cooks evenly.

Finishing Touches:

Stir one last time and check if it needs more seasoning. The mix should be creamy but not too runny. Sprinkle the saved bacon pieces and fresh parsley on top just before you serve it.

The first time this appeared at our Thanksgiving table, my father-in-law, who typically skips veggies, went back for thirds. Something about sweet corn mixed with rich cheese and crispy bacon turns this into both everyday comfort food and something worthy of your fanciest dinner.

Prep It Early

This dish actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to blend together. You can make it up to a day before you need it and keep it in the fridge. When it's time to eat, just warm it in the slow cooker on low for about an hour. If it seems too thick after cooling, just add a little splash of cream to loosen it up.

Make It Your Own

Don't be afraid to switch up the cheese. Sharp cheddar works great, but pepper jack adds some kick, and smoked gouda really complements the bacon. You can toss in some chopped jalapeños if you want heat, or a dash of cayenne. For a tex-mex twist, add a spoonful of cumin and top with chopped cilantro instead of parsley.

Turn It Into Dinner

Take this beyond a side dish by spooning it over baked potatoes or mixing in shredded chicken. It also works great as a starter for quick corn soup – just thin it with some chicken broth until it's the right thickness and serve with crusty bread for a cozy meal.

Choosing Your Corn

The corn you pick really affects how this turns out. While fresh corn off the cob is amazing in late summer, most of us use frozen corn year-round. Look for premium brands labeled sweet or extra sweet for best results. Stay away from canned corn as it gets too mushy during the long cooking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can fresh corn work instead of frozen?

Sure thing! Just slice the kernels off fresh corn cobs and swap them in for the frozen amount.

→ How do I make this vegetarian?

Just leave the bacon out and use smoky seasonings like smoked paprika or liquid smoke instead for flavor.

→ What cheese can replace sharp cheddar?

Mild cheddar, gouda, Monterey Jack, or any good melting cheese that pairs well would be a great choice.

→ Can I prep this in advance?

Absolutely! Get the ingredients ready, store them chilled, and toss them into the slow cooker when you’re ready.

→ How do I keep the cheese smooth?

Give the mix a stir now and then while it cooks to keep the cheese from clumping and spread those flavors.

→ Can leftovers go in the freezer?

Yep! Store leftovers in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat gently on the stove or microwave after thawing.