Crockpot Cheesy Corn and Kielbasa
Crockpot Cheesy Corn and Kielbasa
This Crockpot Cheesy Corn and Kielbasa is the ultimate creamy, cheesy comfort food! Sweet corn is slow-cooked with butter, creamed corn, white cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and savory seasonings until everything is rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious. Then, golden-brown slices of smoky kielbasa sausage are added right over the top for a hearty, flavorful dish the whole family will love.
If you’re looking for an easy slow cooker dinner, a delicious potluck dish, or a comforting side dish that can double as a meal, this cheesy corn and kielbasa recipe is perfect!
The combination of sweet corn, smoky sausage, melted cheese, and buttery seasonings is simply fabulous.
Easy Crockpot Cheesy Corn and Kielbasa
There’s something wonderful about a warm, creamy crockpot recipe, especially when it combines simple ingredients that taste amazing together.
This recipe starts with two bags of frozen sweet corn and a can of creamed corn. I add butter, a little sugar, onion powder, garlic salt, dried minced onion, and a few savory seasonings.
Then comes the cheese!
White cheddar gives the corn a wonderfully creamy, sharp flavor, while Parmesan adds a delicious savory richness.
Everything cooks together in the slow cooker until the corn is tender and the cheeses have melted into a creamy sauce.
While the corn finishes cooking, I slice kielbasa sausage into coins and brown them in a skillet until the edges are golden and caramelized.
I love adding the browned kielbasa right over the top of the cheesy corn. It looks beautiful, tastes wonderful, and gives every serving that perfect combination of sweet, creamy corn and smoky sausage.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy slow cooker recipe with minimal preparation
- Made with frozen sweet corn and creamed corn
- Rich and creamy white cheddar and Parmesan cheese sauce
- Delicious smoky kielbasa browned in a skillet
- Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings
- A hearty comfort food recipe made with simple ingredients
- Great served as a main dish or a substantial side dish
Crockpot Cheesy Corn and Kielbasa Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3–4 hours on LOW
Total Time: Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
For the Cheesy Corn
- 2 bags (12–16 ounces each) frozen sweet corn
- 1 can (14.75 ounces) cream-style corn
- 6 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 1/2 cups freshly shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
For the Kielbasa
- 14 ounces smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced into coins
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Additional Parmesan cheese, for serving
How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Corn and Kielbasa
Step 1: Add the Corn to the Crockpot
Lightly grease the inside of a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker.
Add both bags of frozen sweet corn directly to the crockpot. There is no need to thaw the corn first.
Pour the can of cream-style corn over the frozen corn.
Stir gently to combine.
Step 2: Add the Butter and Seasonings
Add the butter, sugar, onion powder, dried minced onion, garlic salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, and dried parsley.
Pour the heavy whipping cream over everything.
Stir until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the corn.
Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese
Scatter the cubed cream cheese over the corn mixture.
Place the lid on the slow cooker.
Cook on LOW for approximately 2 hours, stirring once or twice as the butter and cream cheese melt.
Step 4: Add the White Cheddar and Parmesan
Once the corn is hot and the cream cheese has softened, stir everything together until creamy.
Add the freshly shredded white cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese.
Stir well.
Cover and continue cooking on LOW for approximately 1–2 additional hours, or until the corn is tender, heated through, and coated in a creamy cheese sauce.
Stir occasionally to prevent the cheese from sticking around the edges.
Avoid boiling the cheese sauce or cooking on HIGH for an extended period, which can cause it to separate.
Step 5: Brown the Kielbasa
About 15 minutes before the corn is ready, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the butter or olive oil.
Arrange the sliced kielbasa coins in a single layer.
Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes per side, or until the sausage develops beautiful golden-brown edges.
Sprinkle with a little smoked paprika if desired.
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 6: Add the Kielbasa Over the Cheesy Corn
Give the cheesy corn one final stir.
Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.
Spoon the browned kielbasa coins evenly over the top of the creamy corn.
I like leaving the kielbasa on top instead of mixing it completely into the corn. That way, the beautifully browned sausage stays visible, and you get a little of everything in each serving.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and a little fresh parsley.
Serve warm, making sure to scoop up plenty of cheesy corn and browned kielbasa with every serving.
Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cheesy Corn and Kielbasa
Brown the kielbasa first. Browning the sausage in a skillet adds wonderful flavor and gives the edges a slightly caramelized texture.
Use frozen sweet corn. Frozen corn works beautifully in the slow cooker and makes this recipe incredibly easy.
Don’t skip the creamed corn. It helps create the rich, creamy texture that makes this dish so delicious.
Use freshly shredded white cheddar. Freshly shredded cheese generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Add the cheese after the corn is hot. This helps keep the sauce creamy and prevents it from becoming grainy.
Adjust the sweetness. Start with 1 tablespoon of sugar, or use less if your corn is already very sweet.
Keep the kielbasa on top. This makes a beautiful presentation and lets the browned sausage stand out against the creamy corn.
What to Serve with Crockpot Cheesy Corn and Kielbasa
This recipe is hearty enough to enjoy as a meal, especially with a slice of warm bread or homemade biscuits.
It’s also delicious served alongside grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, pork chops, or a simple green salad.
For holiday dinners and potlucks, it makes a wonderful alternative to traditional corn casserole.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cheesy corn ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
Reheat it gently in the slow cooker on LOW, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
For the best flavor and texture, brown the kielbasa shortly before serving and arrange it over the warm cheesy corn.
Can I Use Different Cheese?
Absolutely!
White cheddar and Parmesan make a wonderful combination, but you can also try sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a little smoked Gouda.
For a richer, more savory flavor, smoked Gouda is especially delicious with kielbasa.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow the cheesy corn and kielbasa to cool slightly before transferring leftovers to airtight containers.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally.
Add a small splash of milk or cream if the cheese sauce becomes too thick.
Jennie’s Thoughts
I absolutely love easy crockpot recipes, especially when they’re full of creamy, cheesy goodness, and this Crockpot Cheesy Corn and Kielbasa is such a delicious combination!
I wanted the corn to be really creamy, buttery, and full of flavor, so I used two bags of sweet corn along with a can of creamed corn. I added butter, a little sugar, onion powder, garlic salt, dried minced onion, and seasonings to give it that wonderful homemade flavor.
Then I added white cheddar and Parmesan cheese for a rich, creamy sauce.
But my favorite part is the kielbasa!
Instead of just adding the sausage directly to the crockpot, I sliced it into coins and browned it in a skillet first. I love those beautiful golden edges and the wonderful smoky flavor that develops as the sausage cooks.
Once the cheesy corn was ready, I added the browned kielbasa right over the top and finished everything with a little more Parmesan.
The combination of sweet corn, creamy cheese, and smoky sausage is absolutely fabulous!
This is such a comforting dish, and I love that it can be served as an easy family dinner or taken to a potluck or holiday gathering.
If you love cheesy corn, smoked sausage, and easy slow cooker recipes, you’re going to love this one!
