The Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is an absolute showstopper when it comes to simple, comforting side dishes that feel like a warm hug on a plate. This dish takes humble corn and elevates it to a luscious, sweet, and creamy experience thanks to the delightful combination of honey and butter, enriched further by smooth cream cheese. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe is quick, fuss-free, and packed with flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is a breeze because each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and a touch of savory goodness.
- Corn (frozen, canned, or fresh): The star ingredient that provides natural sweetness and a satisfying texture, choose based on what’s convenient and fresh.
- Butter: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel, melting perfectly to coat each kernel.
- Honey: Brings a gentle sweetness that balances the savory notes beautifully.
- Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy, dreamy consistency that makes the dish irresistible.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle warmth and depth.
How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s bubbly and fragrant. This is the foundation of the dish, setting a rich, buttery base that promises comfort in every bite.
Step 2: Add the Corn
Stir in your corn directly to the skillet, no need to worry about thawing if frozen. Toss it in the melted butter so every kernel gets a gorgeous, glistening coat that begins to toast gently.
Step 3: Drizzle the Honey
Pour in the honey and stir thoroughly to ensure a lovely, even sweetness throughout. The honey gently caramelizes, elevating the natural flavor of the corn without overpowering it.
Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese
Add the cream cheese right in and stir until it melts into the mixture, creating that irresistibly creamy texture that’s rich but balanced. This step takes the skillet corn from simple to utterly decadent.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Sprinkle salt and pepper over the skillet, adjusting to taste. These simple seasonings bring all the flavors together, cutting through the richness with a subtle savory edge.
Step 6: Simmer Gently
Let the corn mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow flavors to meld beautifully. The gentle heat ensures every kernel is perfectly cooked and infused with buttery, honeyed goodness.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Once perfectly creamy and seasoned, serve the corn warm. For a pop of color and mild smokiness, sprinkle paprika or fresh parsley on top if you like.
How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Garnishes
Why not add a little flair with simple garnishes? Sprinkle a pinch of smoky paprika for a hint of warmth and color, or bright, fresh parsley for that lovely pop of green and herbaceous freshness. Both elevate the look and taste without fuss.
Side Dishes
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a laid-back BBQ spread. Its sweet and creamy profile complements savory flavors and adds a welcome contrast to spicy or tangy main dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the corn in small cast iron skillets straight to the table—this keeps it warm and looks charming. Or, scoop it onto toasted bread for an open-faced corn melt, making it a delightful appetizer or snack. You can also fold it into a burrito or taco for extra creamy sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, this dish will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making it a perfect make-ahead side for busy weeknights.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the texture of corn with cream cheese may change slightly upon thawing. If you want to freeze, do so only for short periods and thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve as much flavor and creaminess as possible.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or cream if it seems too thick. This will restore that silky texture without drying out the dish. Microwaving is possible but tends to make the cream cheese clump slightly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn for this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh corn adds a wonderful brightness and slightly crisp texture. Just cut the kernels off the cob and cook as directed. Frozen or canned corn works just as well and is super convenient.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
You can swap butter for a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free cream cheese to maintain richness. The honey stays since it’s naturally dairy-free, so you’ll still get that sweet, buttery flavor.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Definitely! Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when seasoning. The heat pairs surprisingly well with the sweetness of the honey and creaminess of the dish.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe comes together in just about 15 minutes, making it an ideal quick side that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or comfort.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, just make sure to use a larger skillet to give the ingredients plenty of room to cook evenly. The cooking time might be a minute or two longer, but the flavors will stay just as rich and delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a side dish that combines sweet, savory, and creamy in the most satisfying way, you absolutely need to try this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe. It’s simple yet indulgent, quick yet impressive—perfect for any meal where you want to add a little extra love. Trust me, once you try it, this will become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
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Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a quick and delicious side dish featuring sweet corn cooked in a buttery skillet sauce with honey and cream cheese, seasoned perfectly with salt and pepper. This creamy, slightly sweet corn recipe comes together in just 15 minutes and is perfect for complementing a variety of meals.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 cups corn (frozen, canned, or fresh)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it becomes bubbly, which helps release its flavor and prepares it for cooking the corn.
- Add Corn: Add the corn directly to the skillet (no need to thaw if frozen) and stir thoroughly to coat all the kernels with the melted butter.
- Add Honey: Drizzle honey over the corn and stir well to distribute the sweetness evenly throughout the dish.
- Add Cream Cheese: Incorporate the cream cheese into the skillet and stir continuously until it melts completely, creating a creamy texture that envelopes the corn.
- Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper into the skillet, adjusting to your taste preference, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Serve the honey butter corn warm, optionally garnished with paprika or fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh, frozen, or canned corn based on availability; no thawing is required for frozen corn.
- Adjust honey quantity to make it sweeter or less sweet according to your preference.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
- Garnishing with paprika or parsley adds a nice visual contrast and slight flavor enhancement.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats, barbecue, or as a comforting standalone side.
