Looking for a side dish that’s quick, comforting, and absolutely irresistible? This Honey Butter Skillet Corn is the answer! With its sweet honey, rich butter, and creamy cream cheese, it’s a flavor-packed treat that’s perfect for pairing with everything from grilled meats to holiday roasts. Plus, it only takes 15 minutes to make, making it the ideal side for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn combines the perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors. The butter and honey melt into the corn, while the cream cheese makes it luxuriously creamy. The caramelized corn adds a slight smoky sweetness, and the result is a dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for dinner or at a holiday gathering, this skillet corn is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp cream cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
Chopped chives
Red pepper flakes
Smoked paprika
Shredded Parmesan
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until sizzling.
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Add the corn to the skillet and stir to coat in the butter. Cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing some kernels to lightly caramelize.
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Drizzle in the honey and stir well, letting it bubble and coat the corn.
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Add cream cheese in small dollops, stirring until fully melted and the mixture becomes creamy.
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Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Serve hot straight from the skillet, garnished with your choice of optional toppings.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4 servings
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the corn for a spicy contrast to the sweetness.
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Herb Twist: Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley, thyme, or cilantro, over the corn for added freshness.
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Cheese Options: Top the corn with shredded parmesan, feta, or cotija cheese for an added creamy and salty kick.
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Smoky Flavor: Add a dash of smoked paprika to enhance the smoky flavor of the caramelized corn.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of butter or cream to restore its creamy texture. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen corn works perfectly in this recipe! Just be sure to thaw it before cooking, or cook it directly from frozen if you prefer.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the corn and honey-butter mixture in advance and then heat it up just before serving.
3. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can add diced bell peppers, onions, or even zucchini for extra flavor and texture. Sauté them along with the corn for a colorful, veggie-packed version.
4. How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives, such as vegan butter and vegan cream cheese.
5. Can I make this on the stovetop without a skillet?
Yes, you can use a non-stick pan or any large pan to make this dish. Just follow the same steps, and it will work beautifully.
6. Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, canned corn can be used, but be sure to drain and rinse it before cooking to remove any excess sodium or preservatives.
7. Can I freeze the leftovers?
While it’s not ideal to freeze the corn due to its creamy texture, you can freeze the corn itself and reheat it later. The cream cheese may change the texture slightly after freezing.
8. What can I serve this with?
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn pairs well with grilled meats, BBQ chicken, roasted vegetables, or even as a side dish to your holiday turkey.
9. Can I adjust the sweetness of this dish?
Yes, you can add more honey for extra sweetness or reduce the amount if you prefer a less sweet flavor. Feel free to taste and adjust as you go!
10. Can I make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! Add a bit more heat by increasing the red pepper flakes or adding a chopped jalapeño for a fresh, spicy kick.
Conclusion
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn is the perfect side dish for any meal. With its balance of sweetness, creaminess, and savory flavors, it will complement a variety of main dishes and become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or serving it at a holiday feast, this dish is sure to impress with its rich, comforting taste. Try it today and experience the irresistible combination of honey, butter, and corn!
Print
Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Sweet, buttery, and luxuriously creamy, this Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a quick, one-skillet side dish that pairs perfectly with everything from grilled meats to holiday roasts. With just a few ingredients and 15 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and completely irresistible.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnishes:
- Chopped chives
- Red pepper flakes
- Smoked paprika
- Shredded Parmesan
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until sizzling.
- Add the corn to the skillet and stir to coat in the butter. Cook for 4–5 minutes, allowing some kernels to lightly caramelize.
- Drizzle in the honey and stir well, letting it bubble and coat the corn.
- Add cream cheese in small dollops, stirring until fully melted and the mixture becomes creamy.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot straight from the skillet, garnished with your choice of optional toppings.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream when adding the cream cheese.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.
- This dish can be made with frozen corn, but fresh corn adds a better texture and sweetness.
- Serve this corn as a side for almost any main course, from grilled meats to roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg