Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
If you’re searching for a side dish that’s both irresistibly sweet and satisfyingly creamy, Honey Butter Skillet Corn is ready to steal the show at your dinner table. This quick, stovetop recipe transforms humble corn into a golden, glossy masterpiece with just a handful of everyday ingredients. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of honeyed richness and buttery warmth, finished with a silky touch of cream cheese and a hint of peppery spice. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or need a last-minute weeknight win, Honey Butter Skillet Corn is about to become your new go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Honey Butter Skillet Corn so special is how just a few simple ingredients can create such an unforgettable flavor. Each one plays a starring role, coming together for a dish that’s as easy as it is delicious.
- Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons): The base of our skillet magic, butter brings a rich, savory note and helps create that luscious texture.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds a gentle, natural sweetness that perfectly complements the corn and creates a beautiful glaze.
- Frozen Sweet Corn (16 oz bag) or Fresh Corn (3 cups): The heart of the dish—choose frozen for convenience or fresh for a touch of summer flavor.
- Cream Cheese (2 ounces, cubed): Melts into the mixture for that extra creamy, dreamy finish.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Lifts all the flavors, making them sing together in harmony.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle, savory kick and a little depth to balance the sweetness.
How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Honey
Start by setting your skillet over medium heat, then add the butter and honey. As they melt together, stir until the mixture is smooth and bubbling. This is where the magic begins—the kitchen fills with a sweet, buttery aroma that hints at the deliciousness to come!
Step 2: Add and Sauté the Corn
Pour in your corn—no need to thaw if using frozen—and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally, letting the kernels heat through and pick up a light golden color. This step locks in that juicy, crisp-tender bite, while the honey-butter glaze starts to cling to every kernel.
Step 3: Stir in the Cream Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and drop in the cubed cream cheese. Now, gently stir for 2 to 3 minutes as it melts into the corn, transforming everything into a glossy, creamy delight. You’ll see the sauce come together—silky, rich, and begging to be tasted.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Finish your Honey Butter Skillet Corn by seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Give it one last gentle stir, then serve warm and watch it disappear from the table in record time!
How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions adds a fresh, zesty pop of color, while a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika can bring a subtle heat and complexity. A little extra cracked black pepper on top never hurts either—don’t be shy with your finishing touches!
Side Dishes
Honey Butter Skillet Corn is the ultimate partner for grilled meats, BBQ chicken, or even a hearty holiday roast. It’s also fantastic alongside baked potatoes, fresh salads, or classic comfort foods like mac and cheese or meatloaf.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this corn in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or heap it into a big, rustic bowl for family-style gatherings. If you’re feeling adventurous, spoon it over baked sweet potatoes or layer it into a savory corn casserole for a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Honey Butter Skillet Corn cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy a second helping later in the week.
Freezing
For longer storage, this dish freezes surprisingly well! Place cooled corn in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply return the corn to a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. You can add a splash of milk or a pat of butter if it seems a bit thick. Alternatively, the microwave works in a pinch—just use short intervals and stir halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use canned corn instead of frozen or fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to drain and rinse canned corn before using. While the texture might be a bit softer than fresh or frozen, it still makes delicious Honey Butter Skillet Corn.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, every ingredient in this dish is naturally gluten-free, making it a worry-free side for those with dietary restrictions. Always double-check your labels to be certain!
Can I make Honey Butter Skillet Corn ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare it as instructed, let it cool, and then store in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat and give it a good stir to bring back that creamy texture.
What proteins pair well with this side?
It’s fantastic with grilled or roasted chicken, pork chops, steak, or even salmon. For a vegetarian option, try it alongside black bean burgers or stuffed bell peppers.
How can I add more flavor or spice?
Feel free to stir in finely chopped jalapeños, a dash of smoked paprika, or fresh herbs like chives or parsley. A squeeze of lime juice can also brighten things up!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try Honey Butter Skillet Corn—it’s a true crowd-pleaser that always brings smiles to the table. Give it a spot at your next meal and watch how quickly it becomes a family favorite!
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Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a simple, comforting side dish featuring sweet corn cooked in a buttery honey glaze with creamy melted cream cheese. This easy stovetop recipe yields tender, glossy corn with a sweet and savory flavor, perfect for pairing with grilled meats, BBQ, or holiday meals. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a delicious and crowd-pleasing addition to any menu.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 (16 oz) bag frozen sweet corn or 3 cups fresh corn
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat butter and honey: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and honey together, stirring until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble.
- Cook the corn: Add the corn to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through and turns slightly golden.
- Add cream cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cubed cream cheese. Cook for 2–3 minutes more, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese fully melts and creates a creamy, glossy coating on the corn.
- Season and serve: Season the skillet corn with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve warm immediately as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, stir in chopped green onions or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- This creamy, sweet corn side pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, BBQ, or festive holiday dinners.
- You can substitute fresh corn for frozen if in season for an even fresher taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
