Creamed Corn with Cream Cheese

Everyone should have a collection of side dish recipes that pair well with almost everything and every mealtime. This creamed corn with cream cheese is definitely one of those side dishes that go with any meal. The recipe creates a very creamy, rich, slow-cooked version of creamed corn that tastes way better than the canned version. It can be served with light or hearty entrees and works for just about any occasion. It’s simple enough for weekday meals yet fancy enough for holiday dinners.

This recipe requires only five ingredients and a slow cooker. It calls for frozen corn, which means there’s no need to worry about scraping and cooking fresh kernels from an ear of corn.

Creamed Corn with Cream Cheese Ingredients

• Corn: We use frozen corn in this creamed corn with cream cheese recipe. Look for a 10-ounce package and a 16-ounce package of frozen corn to make it easy to measure the corn.
• Cream cheese: Soften cream cheese at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, cut it into cubes to help it incorporate into the corn.
• Butter: Butter adds a rich, buttery character and contributes to the corn’s creamy texture.
• Sugar: A little sugar helps bring out the corn’s natural sweetness and balance the cream cheese’s tangy flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

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Coat the interior of a 3-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Add the corn, cream cheese, butter, sugar and salt.

Step 2: Slow-cook the creamed corn

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Cover and cook on low for 3 hours to 3 hours and 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the corn is tender. Stir just before serving.

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Creamed Corn with Cream Cheese Variations

• Cook it on the stovetop: If you don’t have time to wait for the slow cooker to do its thing, add the ingredients to a saucepan instead of a slow cooker. Cook and stir over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the corn is tender.
• Add aromatics: Want your creamed corn with cream cheese to taste like more than just corn and cream cheese? Add aromatics like green onions and garlic. They will be sharp-flavored when raw, but cooking the aromatics alongside the corn causes them to mellow in flavor.
• Make it spicy: Create spicy creamed corn by mixing in chili powder, chili flakes, cayenne or chopped chiles. Unlike aromatics, many spicy ingredients can actually become more concentrated as they cook. Depending on your spice tolerance, you may want to incorporate these ingredients after cooking the corn.
• Include bacon: For a deeper, savory flavor, add cooked and crumbled bacon to make creamed corn with bacon.
• Finish with shredded cheese: After the creamed corn is finished cooking, stir in shredded cheese to create cheesy cheddar creamed corn.

How to Store Creamed Corn with Cream Cheese

Once the creamed corn with cream cheese has cooled slightly, pour it into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat the creamed corn in a saucepan on the stovetop, stirring frequently to help the mixture heat evenly.

Can you freeze creamed corn with cream cheese?

We don’t recommend freezing creamed corn with cream cheese. Most dairy doesn’t freeze well and can become gritty or grainy when thawed.

Creamed Corn with Cream Cheese Tips

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Can you make creamed corn without cream cheese?

We love cream cheese’s creamy texture and tangy flavor, but it’s not a required ingredient for making creamed corn. If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, try making a more traditional creamed corn recipe with flour, butter, heavy whipping cream and milk.

How do you fix creamed corn that turns out too rich and thick?

The combination of cream cheese and corn can sometimes feel a little thick and rich, so the creamed corn may need extra liquid to loosen the mixture and dilute the richness. After the corn is finished cooking, add a splash or two of heavy cream or whipping cream, half-and-half or whole milk.

What should you serve with creamed corn?

Creamed corn is a great side for hearty entrees like meat loaf or barbecue brisket, but it also works with lighter dishes like roasted chicken or grilled vegetables. It’s also versatile enough to include as part of a breakfast and brunch spread, so you’ll have many opportunities to serve this incredible side dish.