Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob

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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob is an easy summer side dish that's perfect when fresh corn is in season. Instead of heating up the kitchen with a big pot of boiling water on the stove, I let the slow cooker do all the work. This hands-off way is an easy alternative to traditional cooking methods like boiling or grilling corn on the cob.

This garlic butter corn on the cob is tender, buttery, and full of garlic herb flavor. Cooking the corn in foil packets helps keep the butter right where it belongs, making this an easy side dish for weeknight dinners, summer cookouts, and backyard barbecues.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy way to cook corn on the cob without boiling a large pot of water.
• Keeps the kitchen cooler during warm summer months.
• Garlic herb butter adds plenty of flavor with minimal effort.
• Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and summer gatherings.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 6 ears corn, husks and silks removed
• 6 tablespoons garlic herb butter or your favorite compound butter
• 1 cup water

Equipment

• Heavy-duty aluminum foil
• I use a 6-quart Crock-Pot slow cooker for this recipe. It fits six ears of corn comfortably and gives the foil packets plenty of room to cook evenly.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob

Prepare the Foil Packets

Tear six large squares of heavy-duty aluminum foil, making sure each piece is large enough to completely wrap one ear of corn.

Butter the Corn

Place an ear of corn on each piece of foil. Spread about 1 tablespoon of garlic herb butter over each ear.

Wrap the Corn

Fold the foil around each ear of corn, sealing tightly so the butter stays inside while cooking. Place the wrapped corn in the slow cooker with the seam side facing up.

Add Water and Cook

Pour water into the bottom of the slow cooker. Put the lid on and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, or until the corn is tender.

Serve

Carefully open the foil packets because hot steam will escape. Place the corn on a serving platter and drizzle any melted garlic butter from the packet over the top.

Tips & Tricks 

• Use fresh summer corn when possible for the best flavor.
• For a homemade option, try my Garlic Chive Whipped Butter instead of store-bought garlic herb butter.
• Prefer to remove the kernels from the cob? A corn stripper makes it quick and easy to enjoy the buttery corn without the mess.

Variations

• Add chili powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper to the butter before spreading it over the corn.
• Swap the garlic butter for lemon herb butter, or another flavored butter you enjoy.
• Brush the corn with olive oil instead of butter and season with salt and pepper.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Corn

This slow cooker corn pairs well with many summer favorites, including:

• Burgers
• Grilled chicken
• Barbecue ribs
• Pulled pork
• Steak
• Brats or hot dogs
• Grilled sausages

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen corn on the cob?

Yes. Thaw the corn first and pat dry before wrapping in foil and cooking.

Can I use regular butter instead of garlic herb butter?

Yes. Add minced garlic, fresh herbs, or your favorite seasonings to regular butter for a similar flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the foil packets ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook.

How do I store leftover corn?

Store leftover corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or rewrapped in foil in the oven.

If you love easy summer side dishes, try these recipes next:

• Creamy Jalapeño Corn

• Green Bean and Potato Salad

• Grilled Potatoes and Peppers

If you make this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob, I'd love to hear how it turned out! Leave a rating and comment below.

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob

Ingredients

• 6 ears corn, husked and silks removed
• 6 tablespoons garlic herb butter or your favorite compound butter
• 1 cup water
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

1. Rip off squares of heavy duty aluminum foil, making sure they are large enough to completely enclose corn. Lay an ear of corn on the foil and add 1 tablespoon of the garlic butter. Bring ends of foil up and fold over until it is secure. Twist the ends of the foil and fold them upwards. Place in slow cooker. Repeat with remaining ears.
2. Add water to the bottom of the slow cooker until it is about 1" deep. Cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the corn is tender. Carefully open packets, place corn on serving plate and pour any excess butter over the top.

Other recipes you may enjoy:

Cherry Tomato Corn Salad

Chive Cheese Cornbread

Southern Fried Chicken Strips

slow cooker, corn,

Vegetables, slow cooker, side dishes

American

Originally published in 2015 and updated in 2018, this recipe was refreshed in 2026 with new photos, updated instructions, and additional tips.