If you’re craving a side dish that’s bursting with sweet, buttery goodness and creamy charm, the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This delightful dish blends tender corn kernels with luscious cream cheese, a touch of honey, and plenty of butter to create a warm, comforting flavor that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Perfectly balanced with a hint of salt and a pop of fresh chives, it’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but special enough to impress guests. Get ready to fall in love with this simple yet unforgettable Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe starts with straightforward, everyday ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial role—from the rich creaminess of butter and cream cheese to the natural sweetness of corn and honey, finished with a savory touch from fresh herbs.
- Salted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base that helps caramelize the corn and add depth to every bite.
- Frozen or fresh corn kernels: The star of the dish delivering natural sweetness and a wonderful juicy pop.
- Cream cheese: Adds a smooth, velvety texture that melds perfectly with the buttery corn.
- Honey: Brings natural sweetness and a subtle floral note that elevates the overall flavor.
- Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the skillet.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick of warmth to keep the dish from feeling too sweet.
- Fresh chives or scallions: Offer a crisp, oniony brightness and fresh green color that lifts the dish.
How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by melting 2 tablespoons of salted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. This creates a luscious, golden base that will enhance the flavor of the corn while preventing sticking. Watching the butter bubble and soften always gets me excited for the deliciousness to come!
Step 2: Cook the Corn
Add your thawed frozen corn or fresh kernels to the skillet. Let them cook, stirring occasionally for about 3 to 5 minutes, until they’re heated through and beginning to lightly brown. This step brings out a subtle caramelized sweetness that makes this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe truly special.
Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese
Next, toss in the cream cheese cut into pieces. Stir everything gently and cook for another 2 minutes until that cream cheese melts into the corn. This silky addition wraps each kernel in a creamy coating that elevates texture and flavor to a whole new level.
Step 4: Add Honey and Seasonings
Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of honey along with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the honey to melt and coat every morsel. This harmonious blend of sweetness with a pinch of salt and pepper is what makes this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe irresistible.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Chives
Stir in thinly sliced fresh chives or scallions right before removing the pan from the heat. The freshness and mild onion flavor add a bright contrast to the richness. Serve this warm, garnished with extra chives or scallions, and prepare to enjoy the comforting flavors that make this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe a true crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chives or scallions are the perfect finishing touch for this dish. They add a vibrant green pop of color and a mild peppery bite that complements the sweet buttery corn beautifully. For an extra twist, a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits or a dash of smoked paprika can add delightful flavor layers.
Side Dishes
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even as a hearty side for vegetarian mains like stuffed peppers. Its creamy texture and sweet-savory balance also make it a fantastic comfort-food companion for barbecues and holiday dinners alike.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fresh presentation, serve this corn straight from the skillet placed on a trivet right at the table — it looks inviting and keeps the dish warm. You can also spoon the corn over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or even use it as a topping for baked potatoes or cornbread muffins. The possibilities are endless and delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe, simply transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. It should keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, retaining its creamy, sweet flavor while offering a quick reheat for busy days.
Freezing
If you want to store this dish for longer, freezing is an option, though cream cheese-based dishes can sometimes change texture slightly. Place the cooled corn in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve the best flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe slowly over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to restore creaminess and prevent scorching. If needed, add a splash of milk or cream to refresh the texture. Alternatively, use a microwave on medium power, stirring every 30 seconds until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen for this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh corn kernels from about 5 ears work beautifully and add a sweeter, juicier bite, but frozen corn works just as well and is convenient year-round. Just be sure to thaw the frozen corn before cooking.
Is cream cheese necessary in this recipe?
The cream cheese adds a wonderful creamy texture and mild tang that elevates the dish, but you could substitute with mascarpone or even a bit of sour cream if you prefer a twist. Just keep in mind it might alter the overall flavor slightly.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the butter for a plant-based margarine and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Make sure to pick a honey substitute like maple syrup or agave for a fully vegan version while keeping the essence of the dish.
How do I keep the corn from becoming soggy?
Cooking the corn just until it’s lightly browned before adding cream cheese helps maintain some texture. Be sure to avoid overcooking after adding the cream cheese and honey so it stays tender but not mushy.
Can I add other spices or ingredients to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper for heat, or stirring in some grated sharp cheddar cheese after cooking can add exciting new flavors. Just remember to balance additions so the core Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe flavor shines through.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe has quickly become one of those dishes I can’t help but recommend to everyone I know. It strikes the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and savory, and the ease of preparation makes it a total winner for any occasion. Next time you want a comforting side full of buttery goodness and a touch of honey’s natural sweetness, give this recipe a try—you might just find a new family favorite!
Print
Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious Honey Butter Skillet Corn recipe that combines sweet honey, creamy butter, and cream cheese with tender corn kernels, seasoned with salt, pepper, and fresh chives. Perfect as a comforting side dish for any meal, ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 (10-oz.) packages frozen corn, thawed, or 4½ cups fresh corn kernels (from 5 ears)
- 2 oz. (about ¼ cup) cream cheese, cut into pieces (from 1 [8-oz.] package)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh chives or scallions, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt the salted butter over medium heat to create a rich base for the corn.
- Cook the Corn: Add the thawed frozen corn or fresh corn kernels to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes until the corn is heated through and lightly browned, enhancing its natural sweetness.
- Add Cream Cheese: Stir in the cream cheese pieces and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, allowing the cream cheese to melt and coat the corn evenly, making it creamy and luscious.
- Add Honey and Seasonings: Pour in the honey, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so the honey melts into the corn, providing a perfect balance of sweetness and seasoning.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the fresh sliced chives or scallions, remove the skillet from heat, and transfer the corn to a serving dish. Garnish with extra chives or scallions as desired. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, sweet, and savory side dish!
Notes
- Use fresh corn kernels in season for the best natural sweetness.
- Adjust honey quantity based on your desired level of sweetness.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with vegan alternatives.
- Fresh chives or scallions add a mild onion flavor; you can omit or replace with parsley if preferred.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
