If you’re looking for a delightful side that’s bursting with sweet and savory flavors, the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish combines the natural sweetness of corn with the rich creaminess of butter, honey, and cream cheese, creating a melt-in-your-mouth sensation that feels both comforting and special. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight side or bringing it to a festive dinner, this recipe turns simple frozen corn into a star of the show with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a beautiful example of how just a handful of simple, essential ingredients come together to create something truly extraordinary. Each item plays a unique role in balancing sweetness, creaminess, and seasoning to elevate frozen corn beyond ordinary.
- 2 tablespoons salted butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, luscious base for the honey to shine.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Brings natural sweetness that enhances the fresh corn flavors in a gentle, golden way.
- 1 bag (16 oz) frozen corn: The star ingredient—quick and convenient, it cooks evenly to tender perfection.
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cubed: Gives the corn a dreamy creaminess that binds everything together effortlessly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a hint of warm spice to cut through the richness.
How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Honey
Start by adding the salted butter and honey to a skillet over medium-high heat. As they melt together, you’ll notice an irresistible aroma filling your kitchen. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and glossy to ensure the honey integrates perfectly with the butter.
Step 2: Cook the Corn
Next, pour the frozen corn into the skillet. Let it cook for about 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the corn to heat evenly and soak up that luscious honey butter flavor. You want the kernels tender but still juicy, so keep an eye on their texture as they cook.
Step 3: Add Cream Cheese and Seasonings
Once the corn is cooked, toss in the cubed cream cheese along with the salt and black pepper. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts into a silky sauce that envelops every kernel. This step transforms your skillet corn into a creamy, decadent dish with a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Your Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is ready to be enjoyed right away. Transfer it to a serving dish while it’s warm, so every bite boasts that comforting, melt-in-your-mouth texture and flavor.
How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra pop of color and flavor, consider garnishing your skillet corn with freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of paprika, or even a few crumbled bacon bits. These touches not only enhance the visual appeal but also introduce contrasting textures and flavors that play beautifully with the sweetness of the honey butter glaze.
Side Dishes
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted pork, or even a hearty steak. It’s a versatile side that adds a cozy, sweet note to any savory main course, making your meal balanced and exciting to the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the honey butter skillet corn in small cast iron skillets right at the table, keeping it warm and stunning in presentation. You could also mix it into a warm salad with fresh greens and nuts for a unique take, or spoon it over baked potatoes for a comforting loaded variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors blend even more after resting, but the texture might thicken, so a quick stir before reheating will help bring it back to life.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to save time later. Place cooled honey butter skillet corn in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your corn gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring often to prevent sticking. You may add a splash of milk or a little extra butter to restore the creamy texture and to ensure it’s heated through evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen for the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh corn will add a bright, juicy element to the dish. Just cut the kernels off the cob and follow the same cooking times, maybe slightly less since fresh corn cooks faster.
Is it okay to use unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter, but you may want to add a pinch more salt to keep the flavors balanced and bring out that perfect harmony between sweet and savory.
Can I add spices or herbs to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding a bit of smoked paprika, chili flakes, or fresh thyme can add a lovely dimension to the skillet corn. Just be mindful of keeping the sweet and savory balance intact.
Is cream cheese essential in this recipe?
Cream cheese is what gives the dish its luxurious creamy texture, but if you don’t have any, you could try substituting with mascarpone or even a splash of heavy cream—though the result will be slightly different.
How many servings does this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe make?
This recipe yields about four servings, making it perfect for a small family meal or as a generous side for guests.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never indulged in the beautiful combination of honey, butter, and corn, this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. It’s a simple, quick, and irresistibly tasty side that elevates humble frozen corn into a dish you’ll want to return to again and again. So grab your skillet, honey, and butter, and get ready to treat yourself and everyone at your table to something truly special.
Print
Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a quick and delicious side dish that combines the sweetness of honey and corn with the creamy richness of butter and cream cheese, seasoned lightly with salt and pepper for a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Main 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 until the mixture is smooth and fragrant, creating a sweet buttery base.
- Cook the Corn: Add the frozen corn to the skillet. Cook the corn for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking, until the corn is thoroughly heated and tender.
- Add Cream Cheese and Seasonings: Add the cubed cream cheese to the skillet along with the salt and black pepper. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and combines evenly with the corn mixture, making it rich and creamy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the honey butter skillet corn to a serving dish and serve warm as a delicious, sweet, and savory side dish perfect for any meal.
Notes
- Use fresh corn kernels if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding seasonings.
- Can be garnished with chopped fresh parsley or chives for added color and flavor.
- This dish pairs well with grilled or roasted meats, especially chicken and pork.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
