Ingredients:
- Corn on the cob – Husked and cleaned, as many as will fit in your crockpot (typically 4-6 ears, but adjust based on your crockpot size)
- 1 cup water – For steaming and keeping the corn juicy
- 1 stick of butter (1/2 cup) – Cut into small slices or pats to distribute evenly over the corn
- Seasonings:
- 1-2 teaspoons dried onion flakes – Adds savory flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste – To enhance all flavors
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley – For color and freshness
- Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder – For an extra savory depth of flavor
- 1 teaspoon Lowery’s Seasoned Salt – A bit of extra flavor (optional, but adds a nice touch)
- Tin foil – Used to line the bottom of the crockpot (helps distribute heat more evenly and prevent burning)
Optional Vegetables (if making a full meal):
- Baby potatoes (1-2 pounds) – Cleaned, no need to peel, and added for flavor
- Baby carrots (1-2 cups) – Adds a natural sweetness and pairs well with the corn
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crockpot:
- Layer tin foil: Start by tearing off a large piece of heavy-duty tin foil to line the bottom of the crockpot. The foil keeps the corn from sitting directly on the bottom, preventing it from getting overcooked or burnt. It also helps distribute the heat more evenly, which is key for getting that juicy, tender corn.
2. Add Water:
- Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the crockpot. This will create steam as it heats, ensuring the corn stays moist during the cooking process.
3. Prepare the Corn:
- Husk the corn: Remove the husks and silk from each ear of corn. Be thorough, so none of the silk gets left behind as it can affect the texture of your corn.
- Add the corn to the crockpot: Place the corn ears upright, stacked carefully if needed, depending on how much you’re making and the size of your crockpot. Ensure they fit comfortably.
4. Season the Corn:
- Butter the corn: Cut the stick of butter into slices or pats and scatter them evenly over the top of the corn. If you want extra butter, feel free to add a little more!
- Add your seasonings: Sprinkle dried onion, salt, pepper, and dried parsley over the corn. If you like garlic, add garlic powder as well for a nice, savory flavor. Feel free to sprinkle Lowery’s seasoning salt for an added depth of flavor.
5. Optional Vegetables (if desired):
- Add baby potatoes and baby carrots: If you’re turning this into a one-pot meal, place baby potatoes and carrots underneath the corn, or around the sides. These vegetables cook well with the corn and will absorb all of the flavors.
- Season the veggies: You can season them with the same salt, pepper, and parsley or add a touch of garlic powder to them as well. The vegetables will cook in the same steam and absorb all the delicious buttery, savory flavors.
6. Cover and Cook:
- Cook on high: Cover the crockpot and cook for 3 hours on high. The corn will become tender, juicy, and absorb all the seasonings. The baby potatoes and carrots will cook alongside the corn, soaking in the same flavorful broth.
- Check halfway through: If you’re worried about the corn or veggies getting too hot or drying out, you can check about halfway through cooking, but this is not usually necessary. The foil should keep things moist.
7. Serving:
- Let the corn sit for a few minutes: After the 3 hours of cooking, remove the lid and let the corn rest for a few minutes. This allows the butter and seasonings to fully absorb.
- Serve with extra butter: If you like, you can add a little more melted butter over the corn right before serving. If you have some leftover Parmesan cheese, you can sprinkle it on top for an extra savory touch.
Why This Method Works:
- Space-Saving: Crockpot cooking saves valuable stove and oven space, making it great for cooking large meals when you need to keep the stovetop clear for other dishes.
- Juicy, Flavorful Corn: The combination of steam and butter creates incredibly juicy and flavorful corn that has a depth of seasoning. The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and infuse into the corn in a way other methods can’t achieve.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the seasonings or add different veggies based on what you have or what you like. This method is very versatile, so you can add garlic, different herbs, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
Tips and Variations:
- Sweetness Boost: If you like your corn a little sweeter, you can drizzle it with a bit of honey or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar just before serving.
- Smoky Corn: Add smoked paprika or a pinch of chipotle powder for a smoky flavor to the corn.
- Grilled Flavor: For a “grilled” corn flavor, wrap each ear of corn in foil with butter and seasoning and then cook it in the crockpot. It’ll create a slightly charred effect without needing to actually grill.
This method is all about convenience and flavor, with minimal effort and maximum result. The crockpot allows you to focus on other parts of the meal while the corn and veggies cook to perfection!