Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn

Sharing is caring!

This slow cooker Mexican street corn will be the perfect addition and hit to your summer BBQ, baby shower or birthday party. This recipe is light but still packed with tons of freshness and bold flavors.

Whether your planning a picnic, BBQ, Cinco de Mayo celebration or birthday party- this slow cooker Mexican street corn is the perfect side dish. It is delicious, creamy and cheesy. Who doesn't love a cheesy side dish? I'm a huge fan!

And it's made in the slow cooker! I mean, how easy is that? You dump all the ingredients and viola it is ready for you shortly.

This Mexican street corn pairs so well with tacos, tortilla chips, burgers or makes a great addition to a burrito bowl. It is quite possible the perfect summer dish to enjoy!

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS DISH

• Made in the Slow Cooker. Anything made in the slow cooker is so nice because I can dump it, forget it and it will be ready when I come back. Here are some more of my favorite slow cooker recipes that are must tries: Slow Cooker Bean and Bacon Soup, Slow Cooker Chicken with Vegetables and Slow Cooker Citrus Honey Ham.

• Bold Flavors. This Mexican inspired dish is bursting with flavors from the creamy goodness of the cheeses along with the spices.

• Easy Side Dish. This is a great side dish to take to a church potluck, family gathering or summer barbeque. Here are a few other Mexican inspired side dishes: Easy Cauliflower Mexican Rice, Simple Homemade Guacamole and Simple Homemade Pico de Gallo.

INGREDIENTS + NOTES

• Corn- Frozen corn or fresh corn can be used for this recipe. With frozen corn you can make this recipe anytime of the year. I don't think either affect the taste.

• Butter- Unsalted butter is used because you can use salt to taste with this recipe. If you like salt or have salted butter that can be used too.

• Cream Cheese- Full fat is used in this recipe. It really makes the mixture oh so creamy.

• Heavy Cream- This gives the corn a creamy coating along with the cream cheese.

• Cotija Cheese- This is a hard cheese made from cow's milk. This type of cheese is usually found in the cheese section of most grocery stores. You want to get a block of it so you can shred on top of the corn mixture before serving.

• Chili Powder- This spice gives this Mexican Street Corn such a kick. Don't leave it out.

• Salt- Add to taste.

• Optional Toppings- Cilantro and lime juice are perfect to garnish with and serve this dish. These extra added flavors are amazing to combine.

Scroll down to the recipe card for full measurements used.

HOW TO MAKE SLOW COOKER MEXICAN STREET CORN

Step 1: In a large pot warm corn, butter, cream cheese, chili powder, heavy cream and salt on medium heat, stirring until well incorporated.

Step 2: Transfer corn mixture to a crockpot/slow cooker and set on low for 3 hours.

Step 3: Serve with cotija cheese and top with cilantro or lime juice for added flavor. Enjoy!

SUBSTITUTIONS

Here are a few substitutions for this slow cooker Mexican street corn that are twists on this dish.

• Butter- Vegan butter or ghee can be used in place of butter.

• Cream Cheese- If you are wanting to make this recipe dairy free, use a dairy free based cream cheese. You can also use fat free or there are some amazing flavors such as chipotle or jalapeno cream cheese if you want to change up the flavor profile.

• Heavy Cream- Don't have heavy cream on hand? Did you know you can use sour cream in place? Yes, it makes a great alternative. If you are wanting it to be dairy free, use coconut cream. It is still rich and offers a creamy thickness to the dish.

• Cotija Cheese- Parmesan or feta cheese can be sprinkled on top in place if you can't find this variety.

• Chili Powder- In place, you can use smoked paprika or cayenne pepper if making really spicy.

EXPERT TIPS

• This recipe works great with fresh or frozen corn. Make sure you thaw frozen corn before cooking. Canned corn has a different type of texture so I don't recommend using it.

• Grease your crockpot/slow cooker before transferring corn mixture in. This will ensure it doesn't stick to the bottom of the slow cooker.

• Stir the corn mixture about an hour and a half into cooking to make sure all the ingredients are blending well together.

• If your looking to add a little protein or serve as a main dish, diced chicken or chopped bacon mix in very well.

• Looking to make it creamier, add in ½ cup of sour cream or mayo and stir in just before serving.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does it matter if I use fresh or frozen corn?

Truly, it all depends on what you have on hand. I don't feel it will change the taste. I also love using frozen corn because I can make this easy side dish anytime of the year; not just summer.

What is cotija cheese?

It is a hard cheese made from cow's milk. It is known also as a mix of feta and parmesan. Either can be substituted if you don't have cotija. Cotija can usually be found at the grocery store in the cheese section.

Can I make this recipe dairy free?

Yes, with a few substitutions. You can use vegan butter, coconut cream and dairy free cream cheese. They also have dairy free parmesan that you can use for the topping.

Is this best served warm or cold?

It is best served warm. After taking out of the slow cooker, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. You can sprinkle with cheese, spices and garnish with lime juice and cilantro.

Can this be made on the stove top?

Yes, you would simply cook the corn in the skillet until cooked thru and warmed. Then add all ingredients until cheeses are melted. Stirring often to make sure everything blends well together.

What can I add to make it spicier?

Diced jalapenos, lime zest, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika are for sure going to spice this dish up.

STORAGE + REHEATING

Refrigerator- Once cooled, place leftovers in an airtight sealed container or bag and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating- To reheat, place in saucepan on stove and cook on low heat until warm.

I hope you give this Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn a try! If you do give this recipe a try, please let me know!

Leave a comment with a 5 star rating below. Your reviews and ratings help support Emily’s Wholesome Kitchen and make it possible for me to continue to create the best recipes you know and love.

Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook

Print

Sharing is caring!