If you are searching for a comforting, sweet, and buttery side dish that can come together in a flash, the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is your new best friend. This dish blends juicy frozen corn with luscious honey and creamy butter, creating a perfect harmony of flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for holiday tables. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic that adds warmth and sweetness to any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role: butter brings richness, honey adds a natural sweetness, corn provides a juicy and slightly crisp bite, cream cheese creates a velvety texture, and the salt and pepper balance all the flavors perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons salted butter: Offers a creamy base and rich flavor essential for that buttery goodness.
- 2 tablespoons pure honey: Adds a delightful, natural sweetness that complements the corn.
- 1 bag (16 oz) frozen corn: The star ingredient providing sweetness and a pleasant texture; using frozen makes it quick and convenient.
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into chunks: Melts into the corn for an irresistibly creamy consistency.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the honey’s sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle hint of spice to round out the dish.
How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Step 1: Melt Butter and Honey
Begin by warming your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salted butter and pure honey, allowing them to melt together. This creates a luscious, fragrant base that will coat the corn perfectly and infuse the dish with sweet and savory notes from the very start.
Step 2: Cook the Frozen Corn
Next, pour in the frozen corn straight from the bag. Stir it well to coat every kernel in the honey-butter mixture. Cook for about 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through and slightly tender but still with a bit of bite. This quick step ensures the corn retains its natural juicy sweetness and satisfying texture.
Step 3: Stir in Cream Cheese and Seasonings
Now it’s time to add the cream cheese chunks along with the salt and black pepper. Keep stirring as the cream cheese melts in, blending everything into a creamy, dreamy skillet full of flavor. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. This step transforms simple corn into a rich, indulgent side dish.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh right from the skillet. The honey butter sauce will still be glossy and warm, making each bite irresistibly delightful. Don’t wait too long to dig in, or you might miss out on that perfect creamy texture.
How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh and vibrant touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top. A little paprika or chili powder adds a dash of color and gentle heat, balancing the sweetness perfectly. These simple garnishes not only elevate the dish visually but also add exciting layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe pairs beautifully with smoky grilled chicken, tender roasted pork, or a juicy steak. It also complements vegetarian mains like stuffed peppers or roasted vegetables. The creamy sweetness of the corn offers a delightful contrast to savory, bold dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in individual mini skillets for a charming presentation at dinner parties. You can also spoon it over a baked potato or stuff it into a warm tortilla along with your favorite protein for a creative twist. The creamy, sweet corn adds a lovely texture and flavor boost wherever it goes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, just be sure to cool the dish completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
Freezing this dish isn’t recommended because the cream cheese and corn texture tend to change after thawing, becoming a bit watery or grainy. For the best flavor, enjoy this recipe fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the corn gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to restore its creamy texture. You can add a small knob of butter or a splash of milk to revive the richness if needed. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the cream cheese from separating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen corn?
Absolutely! Fresh corn kernels will work beautifully and bring an extra layer of freshness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since fresh corn won’t need as long to heat through.
Is there a substitute for cream cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or a mild goat cheese for a different but still creamy texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly depending on the substitute you choose.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, by swapping butter for a plant-based margarine and cream cheese for a vegan cream cheese option, you can make a delicious vegan version that still honors the essence of the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe.
How sweet is the dish? Should I adjust the honey?
The honey adds a gentle sweetness that balances out the saltiness and creaminess. If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the honey by a half tablespoon or add more salt and pepper to taste.
What skillet is best for cooking this recipe?
A good-quality non-stick or cast-iron skillet works best for even heating and easy cleanup. Cast iron adds great texture but requires careful heat management, while non-stick offers convenience.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe that makes it feel like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple, fast, and packed with flavors that everyone loves. Whether you’re making it for a casual meal or a festive gathering, this dish is bound to become a cherished favorite. So grab your skillet and get cooking—your next memorable meal is just a few minutes away!
Print
Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a quick and creamy side dish perfect for any meal. Using frozen corn, butter, honey, and cream cheese, it combines sweet and savory flavors that melt together into a luscious, comforting dish made right in your skillet in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons pure honey
- 1 bag (16 oz) frozen corn
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into chunks
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Melt butter and honey: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the salted butter and pure honey. Allow them to melt together, stirring gently until fully combined and slightly bubbling.
- Cook the corn: Add the frozen corn directly into the skillet with the butter and honey mixture. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is completely heated through and starts to get tender.
- Add cream cheese and seasonings: Stir in the cream cheese chunks, salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese has fully melted into the corn, resulting in a creamy, well-combined mixture.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your honey butter skillet corn as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
- Adjust honey quantity for sweeter or less sweet corn.
- You can substitute frozen corn with fresh corn kernels if available.
- Serve alongside grilled meats or with a hearty dinner for a comforting complement.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika with the black pepper.
