Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
If you are looking for a dish that instantly elevates simple corn into a luscious, comforting side, the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is your new go-to. This delightful recipe brings together sweet honey, creamy butter, and velvety cream cheese to create a dish bursting with flavor and a perfect balance of sweetness and savoriness. It’s quick, easy, and transforms frozen corn into a star that everyone will rave about. Trust me, once you try this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect harmony of flavor and texture, from the creamy richness of butter and cream cheese to the bright sweetness of honey enhancing the natural flavor of the corn.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Using salted butter adds a lovely depth of flavor and just the right amount of saltiness.
- 2 tablespoons honey: This adds a natural sweetness that balances the buttery richness perfectly.
- 1 bag (16 oz) frozen corn: Convenient and consistent, frozen corn keeps the dish easy and accessible year-round.
- 2 ounces cream cheese (cut into chunks): Provides a creamy, slightly tangy texture that melts beautifully into the corn.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick and a touch of warmth to round out the flavor profile.
How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Step 1: Melt butter and honey in the skillet
Start by warming your skillet over medium-high heat and adding the butter and honey together. Allow them to melt and combine into a glossy, fragrant mixture. This sweet and buttery base is what makes the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe so irresistible and sets the tone for the corn’s flavor. Be sure to stir gently so the honey and butter fully integrate without burning.
Step 2: Cook the frozen corn in the skillet
Once your butter and honey mixture is smooth and bubbly, add the frozen corn straight from the bag. Toss it in the skillet and cook for 5 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure all the kernels are evenly coated and heated through. This simple step allows the corn to soak up the honeyed butter, making each bite burst with sweet, buttery goodness.
Step 3: Add cream cheese, salt, and pepper
Next, toss in the chunks of cream cheese along with the salt and pepper. Stir everything together gently, allowing the cream cheese to melt and infuse the dish with creaminess and subtle tang. Keep the skillet on the heat for another 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture is perfectly smooth and cohesive. This final step is the ultimate secret that brings the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe to a whole new level of comfort and decadence.
Step 4: Serve immediately
The moment your skillet corn is ready, serve it up while warm and luscious. This dish doesn’t wait well for long, as that creamy texture and sweet buttery flavor shine brightest fresh from the pan.
How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a garnish to your Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe enhances both presentation and flavor. Consider sprinkling freshly chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or cilantro for a refreshing touch that complements the sweetness. A light dusting of smoked paprika or chili powder can add a subtle smoky warmth. For a crunch contrast, sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs or crispy bacon bits on top.
Side Dishes
This rich and flavorful Honey Butter Skillet Corn pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. It’s a perfect match for grilled meats such as chicken, pork chops, or steak, bringing a sweet balance to savory charred flavors. Serve it alongside barbecued ribs or roasted vegetables to turn any meal into a comforting feast. It’s also great with a fresh salad to lighten things up.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on the classic side, serve the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe in mini cast iron skillets for individual portions that feel special and rustic. You can also spoon it over baked potatoes or creamy polenta for a comforting main dish upgrade. Or fold it into a warm tortilla with some shredded cheese for a sweet and savory corn taco experience. The possibilities are endless and only limited by your imagination.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Butter Skillet Corn can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the creamy texture intact, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving directly to prevent the cream cheese from separating.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the texture might change slightly once thawed due to the cream cheese and butter content. If you want to freeze leftovers, place them in a freezer-safe container and consume within one month. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight before reheating as mentioned above.
Reheating
For the best results when reheating, warm the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe gently on the stove over low heat. Stir frequently to ensure even warming and to help reincorporate the creaminess. Adding a little butter or cream as you heat will revive its luscious texture. Be careful not to overheat to avoid curdling the cream cheese.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh corn kernels roasted or boiled and then added to the skillet will bring even more natural sweetness and a delightful crunch to the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe. Just adjust cooking time accordingly since fresh corn cooks faster.
Is there a dairy-free way to make this recipe?
You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free cream cheese to keep the creamy texture. The honey and corn will still give you that sweet, comforting flavor that makes this dish so crave-worthy.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While you can prepare the ingredients ahead and have everything ready to cook, the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is best served fresh to enjoy its creamy texture and vibrant flavors at their peak.
What variations can I try with this recipe?
Try adding diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, or sprinkle grated parmesan cheese at the end for an extra savory note. Mixing in chopped green onions or crispy bacon can also add more layers of texture and flavor.
How can I make this recipe less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet version, simply reduce the honey amount to 1 tablespoon or substitute it with a bit of maple syrup or just more butter with a pinch of sugar instead. Adjust to your taste while still maintaining that buttery richness.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is a true game-changer that brings simple frozen corn to decadent heights with just a few ingredients and minimal effort. Its balance of sweet, creamy, and savory flavors will win over your whole family and guests every time. I can’t recommend it enough — give it a try tonight and watch it quickly become one of your favorite ways to enjoy a humble side dish with big personality.
Print
Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a quick and delicious side dish featuring sweet frozen corn cooked in a buttery honey glaze, enriched with creamy cream cheese and seasoned with salt and pepper. Perfect for a comforting addition to any meal, this recipe takes only 15 minutes to prepare and serves six.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter (salted)
- 2 tablespoons 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: In a skillet pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter and honey together until fully combined and bubbly.
- Cook corn: Add the frozen corn to the skillet. Cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through and tender.
- Add cream cheese and season: Stir in the cream cheese chunks, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.
- Serve immediately: Remove from heat and serve the corn hot. Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for best results.
Notes
- Use salted butter for added flavor, or unsalted if you prefer to control saltiness.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste after cooking.
- The dish reheats well in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to loosen it up.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use vegan butter.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
