Slow Cooker Corn on the Cob (Easy Crockpot Recipe)

Posts may contain affiliate links, meaning that I may earn a commission if you use a link provided.

This slow cooker corn on the cob recipe is an easy way to make delicious, flavorful corn on the cob right in your crockpot. It comes out perfectly cooked, tender, and sweet every time!

Perfectly cooked slow cooker corn on the cob.

Corn on the cob is a great side dish, especially for the summer months.

You can make it on the stove or on the grill, and it’s always a favorite. But did you know that you can also make delicious corn right in your crock pot?

In fact, slow cooking corn on the cob is the easiest way to prepare it. You only need a few minutes of prep, and you don’t have to heat up your kitchen by boiling a large pot of water on the stovetop.

Corn on the cob in the slow cooker being lifted out with tongs.

Corn on the cob is the perfect side dish for just about any meat you can think of. Make it along with my slow cooker brisket, crockpot steak bites, or Cracker Barrel copycat meatloaf. Kids will also love this sweet corn on the cob with crunchy cornflake chicken tenders!

The crockpot is also a great way to cook corn out of season or to make corn on the cob for the holidays when your stove is already crowded.

Next time you are making corn, give this easy recipe a try and let me know what you think!

Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Corn

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Fresh Sweet Corn — You want fresh corn on the cob with the husks and silk removed and the corn cleaned.
Water — Just a little water helps steam the corn and prevents it from burning in the bottom of the crockpot.
Butter — You can’t have fresh corn without lots of creamy butter! Use salted or unsalted, your preference.
Seasonings and Herbs — Add your favorite seasonings to the top of the corn before serving. I like to add some salt to bring out the sweetness of the corn, black pepper, and a bit of fresh parsley. You have loads of possibilities like adding grated Parmesan, Tajin, fresh cilantro, or even a drizzle of honey.

Equipment You’ll Need for Crockpot Corn on the Cob

To make this delicious side dish, you’ll need a slow cooker (4-6 quart size should work) and a set of tongs for handling the hot corn. While optional, corn holders are helpful for serving, too.

How to Cook Corn on the Cob in Slow Cooker

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.

Step 1: Add the corn and a bit of water to the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 2: Put the lid on, and cook the corn on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Uncooked corn on the cob in an even layer in the bottom of a slow cooker.

Step 3: Top each ear of corn with a tablespoon of butter about 10 minutes before serving. Put the lid back on, cooking for another 10 minutes or until the butter melts.

Butter melting on top of corn in crock pot.

Step 4: Sprinkle with salt, seasonings, or herbs. Use tongs to remove the corn from the crockpot and enjoy this easy side dish!

Slow cooker corn on the cob with butter and seasonings.

Serving Suggestions

Need another tasty side dish? Pair the corn cobs with cowboy crockpot beans, red skinned potato salad, or tri-color pasta salad. They’re all perfect for cookouts and potlucks.

Storage and Freezing

Refrigerator: Slow cooker corn is best eaten fresh out of the crockpot, but you can store leftover corn on the cob in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing corn after it’s been slow-cooked.

To reheat: cover with a damp paper towel and microwave for 20 seconds, then rotate the ears of corn and microwave for another 20 seconds. Continue until heated through.

Tips and Tricks for Slow Cooker Corn on the Cob

If the corn cobs are too large, cut them or break them in half. This will not affect the cooking time.
Don’t overcook the corn. This will make it tough and dry. Test the corn for doneness at the minimum suggested cooking time.
Use frozen corn if fresh corn is out of season. It will require a slightly longer cooking time and will be a bit softer, but it’s still delicious.

Slow cooked corn on the cob served on a metal tray.

Additions and Variations

Replace the butter. Trying to cut back on saturated fats? Use olive oil instead of butter. Just brush it over the hot corn before applying your seasonings and herbs.

Try different seasonings. You’re not limited to salt. Chili powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, or Tajin (a mixture of red chili powder, lime zest, and sea salt) are all excellent choices.

Add cheese. Sprinkle some freshly grated parmesan cheese or crumbled cotija cheese.

Better with bacon. Doesn’t bacon make everything better? Sprinkle crunchy bacon bits over your ears of corn to elevate the flavor.

Get saucy. Drizzle some honey or hot sauce over the hot buttery corn to make it even more flavorful.

Easy Crock Pot Corn FAQ

How long does it take to cook corn in the crock pot?

You can cook it on high for 3-4 hours or low for 4-6 hours. Easy peasy!

Do I have to wrap the corn in aluminum foil?

No, you don’t need to use foil for this recipe. The corn, along with the added water, creates enough steam to keep the corn moist.

How do you keep corn on the cob warm?

If you need to keep the corn warm for a while, make sure there’s about a cup of liquid in the crock pot along with the corn. Turn the setting to the warm setting and remove the lid to let the steam escape so the corn doesn’t overcook.

Can I use frozen corn on the cob?

Absolutely, you can make easy slow cooker corn from frozen. However, the frozen corn will have a softer texture than fresh corn after it’s cooked.

More Slow Cooker Recipes

Make your slow cooker your new best friend with these simple crock pot recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights.

Crockpot Root Beer Pulled Pork — No smoker? No problem! This pulled pork is sweet, flavorful, and incredible when piled high on a soft bun.
Crockpot Salisbury Steaks — The BEST dinner when you’re craving pure comfort food.
Marry Me Chicken in the Crockpot — Impressive dish that’s super easy to whip up in your slow cooker.

Recipe

5 from 1 vote