Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with a side dish that’s as irresistible as it is easy: Honey Butter Skillet Corn! This creamy, glossy, wildly flavorful corn comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a weeknight game-changer or a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings. Each bite bursts with a perfect balance of natural sweetness, rich butteriness, and a delectable, subtle tang from cream cheese. Whether you’re indulging your craving for classic comfort food or searching for the ultimate accompaniment to a backyard barbecue, Honey Butter Skillet Corn will win over kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Honey Butter Skillet Corn is in its simplicity—every ingredient is staple pantry or fridge fare, but they join forces to create magic. These carefully chosen ingredients each bring something special to the dish, so don’t skip on quality if you can help it!
- Unsalted Butter: Adds a creamy, rich base that coats the corn and blends perfectly with the honey for a luscious sauce.
- Honey: Brings a gentle, natural sweetness that makes the corn shine and enhances the golden color.
- Frozen Corn (thawed): A timesaver that delivers sweetness and crunch any time of year; feel free to swap in fresh corn for summer flair!
- Cream Cheese: The secret ingredient for velvety, dreamy texture—stir it in at the end for maximum melt and gloss.
- Salt and Pepper: Customizes the flavor to your taste, bringing balance and a gentle kick if desired.
How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Honey
Start by setting a large skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and honey together, letting them melt and mingle until the mixture is smooth and starts to gently bubble. This step creates the luscious base for Honey Butter Skillet Corn, filling your kitchen with a warm, sweet aroma that’s a promise of the deliciousness to come.
Step 2: Add and Toast the Corn
Once your honey-butter sauce is ready, gently stir in the thawed corn, coating each kernel in buttery sweetness. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through and begins to develop golden spots. Those toasty bits mean you’re getting that coveted combination of caramelized flavor and classic corn crunch!
Step 3: Melt in the Cream Cheese
Lower the heat slightly if needed, then add the cream cheese cubes. Stir patiently until the cream cheese has completely melted and combined with the corn, forming a decadent, glossy coating over every kernel. This is the defining moment for Honey Butter Skillet Corn, transforming it from a simple sauté to a creamy, almost luxurious side dish.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Finish by seasoning generously with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a final stir, making sure the seasoning is distributed evenly. Serve your Honey Butter Skillet Corn hot and watch it disappear faster than you’d believe!
How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Garnishes
Honey Butter Skillet Corn truly shines with a little flourish. Try scattering chopped green onions or fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. If you’re after a subtle warmth, a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper adds a beautiful finish. These simple garnishes highlight the flavors and make the dish look inviting on any table.
Side Dishes
Pair Honey Butter Skillet Corn with anything from roast chicken or grilled steak to BBQ ribs or baked tofu—the creamy, sweet, and savory flavors play well with both bold mains and lighter fare. It’s also fantastic alongside mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or other classic American comfort sides, creating a memorable, well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking outside the bowl? Spoon the warm corn into individual ramekins for a dinner-party touch or pile it into lettuce cups for a fun finger-food twist. Leftovers are incredible transformed into a loaded corn dip or even tossed with pasta for an inspired creamy corn carbonara. The versatility of Honey Butter Skillet Corn makes it a winner every single time!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Butter Skillet Corn keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The creaminess remains, so it’s just as delicious the next day—perfect for meal-prepped lunches or tasty snacks.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead on meal planning, freeze any cooled leftovers for up to two months. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, press out as much air as possible, and label it with the date. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, add the corn to a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the mixture looks a bit thick, add a splash of milk or a dab of butter to loosen it up. Microwave reheating is also fine for a quick fix—just stop and stir every 30 seconds to prevent overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh corn off the cob is fabulous in Honey Butter Skillet Corn, especially during summer. Simply cut the kernels from about four cobs and proceed as directed; you might just want to increase the cooking time by a minute or two to get that perfect tenderness.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes, you can substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based versions. There are some terrific vegan cream cheese and non-dairy butters out there that will give you that same creamy vibe without any dairy.
Will canned corn work in this recipe?
It sure will! Just be sure to drain and rinse the corn thoroughly before adding it to your skillet. It will have a bit less crunch than fresh or frozen but still absorbs all those lovely honey butter flavors beautifully.
How can I make Honey Butter Skillet Corn ahead for a party?
Cook the corn as directed, then store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Gently reheat in a skillet before your guests arrive, adding a splash of milk or more butter if needed. You can also keep it warm in a slow cooker on the low setting for easy buffet-style serving.
Is this dish spicy?
Not at all! The standard Honey Butter Skillet Corn is all about creamy, sweet-savory comfort. For those who like a little heat, feel free to toss in pinch of cayenne or swirl in some hot honey to amp it up for adventurous eaters.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Honey Butter Skillet Corn, it’s sure to earn instant favorite status—maybe even become your signature side! Give it a whirl, put your personal spin on it, and get ready for rave reviews, whether you’re feeding a family or a table full of friends.
Print
Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn recipe is a delightful side dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the creamy richness of butter-coated corn, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 (16-ounce) bag frozen corn, thawed
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Honey: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and honey together until smooth and bubbling.
- Add Corn: Add the thawed corn and stir to coat evenly in the honey butter. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through and lightly golden in spots.
- Stir in Cream Cheese: Add the cream cheese and stir until melted and fully combined, creating a creamy, glossy coating.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
- For added flavor, stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or a handful of chopped green onions.
- This dish can also be made with fresh corn off the cob during summer months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
