If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing side dish that brings a perfect balance of sweetness and creamy richness, this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines the natural sweetness of honey and tender corn kernels with the luxurious creaminess of butter and cream cheese, all warmed up in one skillet for a simple yet irresistible treat. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or craving a quick comfort food fix, this dish will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple but each plays a crucial role in making the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe shine. From the rich butter and smooth cream cheese to the sweet honey and crisp corn, every component adds to the flavor, texture, and visual appeal of this dish.
- 2 tablespoons butter, salted: Adds creaminess and a rich, savory base to balance the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Brings natural sweetness that enhances the corn’s flavor perfectly.
- 1 bag (16 oz) frozen corn: The star of the dish; keeps things simple and convenient with sweet kernels all year round.
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into chunks: Infuses the corn with a luscious, creamy texture and gentle tang.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Elevates all the flavors and keeps things perfectly seasoned.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick that complements the sweetness beautifully.
How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Step 1: Melt Butter and Honey
Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat and melting the salted butter along with the honey. This step is where the magic begins as the honey blends with the butter, creating a glossy, sweet base that will coat every kernel of corn brilliantly.
Step 2: Cook the Corn
Once your butter and honey are melted and combined, toss in the frozen corn right into the skillet. Stir occasionally and cook for 5 to 8 minutes until the corn is tender and warmed through. This helps the corn soak up that buttery sweetness while getting just a touch of caramelization to enhance flavor and texture.
Step 3: Add Cream Cheese and Seasoning
Now, it’s time to add the cream cheese chunks along with the salt and black pepper. Stir everything gently as the cheese melts into the corn, turning the mixture into a creamy, dreamy side dish. Let it cook for another 3 to 5 minutes to marry all the flavors and create that silky consistency that makes this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe so utterly addictive.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Once everything is perfectly combined and heated through, your dish is ready to enjoy. The warmth of the skillet will keep it cozy as you serve this delightful treat alongside your meal, ensuring each bite is full of buttery, honey-sweet goodness.
How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives can elevate this dish with a burst of vibrant color and mild herbal flair. If you want to add a bit of texture contrast, consider topping with toasted pecans or crispy bacon bits, which pair beautifully with the sweet and creamy base.
Side Dishes
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or pork chops. It also complements classic Southern dishes, baked ham, or any hearty main course that needs a sweet, buttery vegetable side. The creamy corn helps balance out smoky or spicy flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this corn in small cast iron skillets at the table, letting it arrive bubbling and hot for a rustic, appealing look. You could also spoon it over a bed of rice or use it as a topping for baked potatoes, turning it into a versatile, crowd-pleasing addition to many meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe can be kept fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this dish because the cream cheese and corn texture change significantly once thawed. The creamy consistency may become grainy, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated and eaten within a few days.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the corn in a skillet over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to keep it creamy. You can add a splash of milk or a small pat of butter to revive the silky texture if it seems a little thick or dry.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen in the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh corn adds a delightful crunch and sweetness. Just be sure to cook it a little less time so it doesn’t overcook and lose its fresh flavor and texture.
Is this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet?
Since this recipe relies on butter and cream cheese for its creamy texture and flavor, it’s not dairy-free as is. However, you could experiment with dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives to make it work.
Can I add spices for extra flavor?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of smoked paprika, chili powder, or even a touch of cayenne can give the dish a bit of heat and depth. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preferences.
How sweet does the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe taste?
The honey provides a gentle sweetness that complements the corn naturally without overpowering it. The salt and pepper keep the dish balanced and flavorful, so it’s not purely sweet but wonderfully nuanced.
What makes this recipe different from regular corn side dishes?
The combination of honey, butter, and cream cheese cooked together in one skillet creates a luscious, creamy treat that’s both sweet and savory—a real step above simple boiled or roasted corn.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — comforting, easy, and absolutely delicious. It’s so simple to make yet brings such a satisfying flavor that will have you coming back to it again and again. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to become a staple side in your kitchen, perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. Go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this sweet, buttery joy!
Print
Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn recipe combines the sweetness of honey and butter with tender cooked corn and creamy cream cheese, seasoned lightly with salt and pepper. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a perfect comforting side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 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 salted butter together with the honey until fully combined and liquid.
- Cook Corn: Add the frozen corn directly to the skillet. Cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking, until the corn is heated through and tender.
- Add Cream Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the cream cheese chunks, salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese has melted and combined smoothly with the corn, creating a creamy texture.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the honey butter skillet corn immediately for best flavor and texture. Store leftover portions in a covered container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh or canned corn if frozen is unavailable, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper.
- This dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats or roasted chicken.
- Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop to preserve creaminess.
- This recipe serves 6 as a side dish portion.
