If you have a hankering for a comforting side dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, you’re going to love this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe. It’s a simple, hearty dish that transforms humble frozen corn into a luscious treat, enriched with creamy butter, honey’s natural sweetness, and a touch of cream cheese for that indulgent finish. Whether you’re serving it alongside a festive meal or craving a quick snack, this recipe brings joy and warmth to your table in less than 20 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden color that makes this dish pop on any plate.
- Salted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base that carries the sweetness and helps everything meld together.
- Honey: Adds a natural sweetness and glossy finish that highlights the corn’s fresh flavor.
- Frozen corn (16 oz): The star ingredient, keeping things convenient without sacrificing taste or texture.
- Cream cheese (2 ounces, cubed): Gives the dish a smooth, velvety creaminess that balances the sweetness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick and depth to the overall dish.
How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Honey
Start by warming your skillet over medium-high heat, then add your salted butter and honey right into the pan. Stir gently until they melt together into a smooth, fragrant mixture. This step is where the magic begins—the honey infuses the butter with a sweet aroma that sets the tone for the whole dish.
Step 2: Cook the Corn
Next, toss in the frozen corn straight from the bag—no need to thaw! Let it cook for about 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally so each kernel gets coated in that golden honey butter mixture. Cooking the corn this way brings out a slight caramelization on the edges, adding a wonderful texture contrast to the sweetness.
Step 3: Add Cream Cheese and Seasonings
Once the corn is tender and cooked through, gently fold in the cubed cream cheese. As the creamy cheese melts, it creates an ultra-smooth sauce that envelops every bite. Sprinkle in the salt and freshly ground black pepper, then stir well. These seasonings are essential—they round out the flavors, making each mouthful perfectly balanced between sweet, savory, and a bit of spice.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your luscious Honey Butter Skillet Corn from the pan to a warm serving dish. This dish is best enjoyed piping hot, straight from the skillet while the flavors and textures are at their peak. Trust me, it will disappear fast!
How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Garnishes
To take this dish up a notch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top before serving. The vibrant green not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh herbal note that balances the richness beautifully. For a little extra zap, try a light dusting of smoked paprika or a few red pepper flakes.
Side Dishes
The Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak, thanks to its sweet and creamy profile. It also complements Thanksgiving staples like roast turkey or baked ham splendidly. If you’re opting for a vegetarian meal, serving it alongside quinoa or a fresh green salad makes for a well-rounded, satisfying plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style feast, serve the Honey Butter Skillet Corn in a rustic cast-iron pan right at the center of the table. If you’re feeling fancy, hollow out a small pumpkin or acorn squash and fill it with the corn mixture for an eye-catching autumnal presentation. It’s a delightful way to impress guests and bring some charm to your everyday meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy texture stays intact, and the flavors tend to deepen overnight, making your next meal even more delicious.
Freezing
While freezing this dish is possible, keep in mind that the cream cheese and butter-based sauce might separate a bit upon thawing. If you do freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month for the best taste. Thaw it slowly in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Honey Butter Skillet Corn gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with short intervals. Stir frequently to redistribute the melted cream cheese and butter, ensuring the dish stays creamy and evenly warmed without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh corn will add an even sweeter bite and more natural crunch. Just sauté the fresh kernels a little longer until they soften, and proceed as usual.
Is there a dairy-free version of this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe?
Yes, you can swap out the butter for a plant-based margarine and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. The honey flavor remains outstanding, and you’ll still get a velvety texture.
Can I make this recipe on the grill?
You can! Use a cast-iron skillet on the grill to melt the butter and honey, then cook the corn and other ingredients the same way. The grill adds a lovely smoky touch that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
What else can I add to the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe?
Feel free to mix it up by stirring in some diced jalapeños for heat, crumbled bacon for crunch, or even a handful of shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness. This recipe is a fantastic base for creativity!
How do I prevent the cream cheese from clumping?
Cut the cream cheese into small cubes before adding, and stir gently but continuously until it fully melts and blends into a smooth sauce. Avoid high heat to stop it from separating.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe enough. It’s one of those simple pleasures that come together effortlessly yet taste like you’ve spent hours perfecting it. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering, this side dish is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, and watch it vanish from the table every time!
Print
Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 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 frozen corn cooked with creamy butter, honey, and cream cheese. This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, ideal for complementing any meal in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 bag (16 oz) frozen corn
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Melt the Butter and Honey: In a skillet pan over medium-high heat, melt the salted butter and honey together. Stir occasionally until the mixture becomes smooth and fragrant, creating a sweet and buttery base.
- Cook the Corn: Add the frozen corn directly into the skillet with the butter and honey. Cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and to allow the corn to heat through thoroughly.
- Add Cream Cheese and Seasonings: Add the cubed cream cheese into the skillet along with the salt and black pepper. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, producing a creamy and flavorful corn mixture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is well combined and heated through, transfer the Honey Butter Skillet Corn to a serving dish and serve warm as a side dish for any meal.
Notes
- Use salted butter to enhance the flavor without needing extra salt beyond the recipe amount.
- The cream cheese adds a creamy texture but can be substituted with mascarpone or sour cream.
- Stir frequently during cooking to avoid burning the honey and butter mixture.
- Frozen corn works best for convenience and consistent texture, but fresh or canned corn can be used with adjusted cooking times.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika with the seasonings.
