If you’re craving a side dish that brings sweet, buttery, and buttery goodness all in one bite, the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is exactly what your table needs. This comforting dish turns simple corn into a rich, savory-sweet sensation with the perfect touch of cream cheese and fresh chives. It’s quick to make yet endlessly satisfying, transforming everyday ingredients into a standout favorite. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe will soon become your go-to dish for adding warmth and flavor to any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing its role to create the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and savory in your Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe. From the richness of butter and cream cheese to the natural sweetness from honey and corn, every element counts.
- Salted butter: Adds a rich, creamy base that enhances the overall flavor and helps caramelize the corn for a delicious texture.
- Frozen or fresh corn kernels: The star ingredient, providing sweetness and a satisfying crunch or tenderness depending on freshness.
- Cream cheese: Gives a luscious, velvety creaminess that binds everything together and makes the dish indulgent.
- Honey: Infuses natural sweetness that perfectly balances the saltiness and richness from the butter and cheese.
- Kosher salt: Brings out the flavors and provides the seasoning foundation for the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to keep the dish lively and well-rounded.
- Fresh chives or scallions: Offer a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor and a pop of green color for visual appeal.
How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and melt the salted butter until it’s bubbling gently. This not only creates the perfect cooking base but also helps bring out the butter’s nutty flavor, setting the tone for the entire dish.
Step 2: Cook the Corn
Add your thawed frozen corn or fresh corn kernels to the skillet. Stir occasionally as you cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the corn to heat through and develop those lovely golden brown spots. This step enhances the natural sweetness and adds a slight char that brings depth to your skillet corn.
Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese
Drop in the cream cheese cut into pieces, stirring it into the hot corn until it melts smoothly. This melting step is crucial as the cream cheese creates a rich, velvety coating around every kernel, making each bite creamy and irresistible.
Step 4: Add Honey and Seasonings
Pour in the honey, then sprinkle the kosher salt and black pepper over the mixture. Stir everything together well, allowing the honey to meld with the butter and cream cheese while seasoning brings that perfect savory balance. Cook this for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Chives
Finally, stir in the freshly sliced chives or scallions for a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant green color. Once combined, remove the skillet from heat and transfer to a serving dish. A few extra chives sprinkled on top make a lovely garnish and elevate the presentation.
How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkling of fresh chives or scallions adds color and a mild oniony crunch that complements the sweet and buttery corn perfectly. You can also add a few cracked black pepper flakes or a light dusting of smoked paprika for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, pork chops, or seafood. It also shines as a side for hearty barbecue dishes or alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter contrast. The sweetness and richness of the corn make it a versatile dish that elevates any meal effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the honey butter corn over warm toasted bread for an open-faced corn bruschetta, or mix it into a warm grain bowl with quinoa and roasted veggies. You can also try topping it with crispy bacon or sprinkle some feta cheese for a tangy, salty kick that complements the creaminess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as the dish rests, making it even more delicious when reheated.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible but not ideal, as the creamy texture from the cream cheese can change slightly when thawed. If you want to freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container and use within 1 month for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover Corn by gently warming it over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to restore the creamy texture. Adding a small splash of milk or butter can help revive the silkiness and keep the corn from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh corn gives a wonderful texture and sweetness, especially when it’s peak season. Just cut the kernels off the cob and cook as directed in the skillet.
Is there a good substitute for cream cheese in this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe?
You can try using mascarpone or soft goat cheese for a slightly different flavor and creamy texture. Sour cream can also work if added off the heat to maintain creaminess without curdling.
Can this dish be made vegan or dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter and cream cheese with vegan alternatives. Use plant-based butter and a dairy-free cream cheese option to keep the rich and creamy texture without dairy.
How sweet is this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe?
The honey adds a gentle sweetness that balances with the savory butter and salt but is never overpowering. It’s a perfect harmony of flavors that enhances the natural corn sweetness without making it a dessert.
Can I add other herbs or spices to this recipe?
Definitely! Fresh thyme or parsley are lovely additions, and a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a pleasant warmth. Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs to make this recipe your own.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish this simple yet bursting with flavor, and the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is a shining example. It’s quick to prepare, uses ingredients you probably already have, and transforms plain corn into a decadent treat you’ll want again and again. I can’t recommend it enough for your next dinner—give it a try and watch this humble side become your new favorite!
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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
Description
A quick and delicious Honey Butter Skillet Corn recipe combining sweet honey, creamy butter, and tangy cream cheese for a rich and comforting side dish that can be prepared in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Main 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 butter over medium heat to prepare the base for cooking the corn and infuse it with rich buttery flavor.
- Cook the Corn: Add the thawed frozen corn or fresh corn kernels to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3–5 minutes until the corn is heated through and lightly browned, enhancing its natural sweetness and texture.
- Add Cream Cheese: Stir in the cream cheese pieces and continue cooking for 2 minutes more, until the cream cheese melts and coats the corn, adding a creamy richness to the dish.
- Add Honey and Seasonings: Pour in the honey, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the honey to fully melt and evenly coat the corn mixture for a harmonious sweet and savory flavor.
- Finish and Serve: Mix in the thinly sliced fresh chives or scallions, remove the skillet from heat, and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with extra chives or scallions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting blend of flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh corn kernels for a sweeter, fresher taste, or frozen corn for convenience.
- Adjust honey quantity based on desired sweetness level.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a vegan alternative and use vegan butter.
- Chives can be replaced with scallions or fresh parsley for variation.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as a hearty side for a vegetarian meal.
