When it comes to simple, flavorful side dishes, Honey Butter Skillet Corn stands out as a crowd favorite. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a sweet and savory corn dish that pairs beautifully with nearly any main course. Whether you’re serving it up at a family dinner, a holiday feast, or a casual BBQ, this dish is sure to be a hit. The rich, buttery flavor of the corn, combined with the sweetness of honey and the creaminess of cream cheese, creates a perfect balance of taste. This easy recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for those who love comfort food with a touch of gourmet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Quick and Easy
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn comes together in under 15 minutes, making it an ideal side dish for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner gatherings.
2. Creamy and Sweet
The combination of butter, honey, and cream cheese creates a creamy and sweet flavor profile that elevates the taste of the corn.
3. Versatile
This dish pairs well with almost anything, from grilled meats to roasted vegetables, making it a go-to side for any meal.
4. Perfect for All Occasions
Whether it’s a holiday dinner or a casual cookout, this dish works for all occasions and is sure to impress guests.
5. Customizable
Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey, and add fresh herbs or spices to make it your own.
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Ingredients
- Salted butter
- Frozen corn (or fresh corn kernels)
- Cream cheese
- Honey
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh chives or scallions
Variations
- Spicy Honey Butter Corn: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat to balance the sweetness of the honey.
- Cheese Lover’s Skillet Corn: Stir in some grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy twist.
- Herb-Infused Corn: Add fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or parsley for a more complex flavor profile.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives for a vegan-friendly version.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1
In a large skillet, melt the salted butter over medium heat until it begins to bubble.
Step 2
Add the corn to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through and begins to lightly brown on the edges.
Step 3
Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir it into the corn, letting it melt completely into the mixture.
Step 4
Stir in the honey, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 5
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh chives or scallions.
Step 6
Transfer the corn to a serving dish, garnish with extra chives or scallions, and serve immediately.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Fresh Corn When In Season: If fresh corn is available, it will add an extra burst of sweetness and texture to the dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Corn: Be careful not to overcook the corn to ensure it remains tender with a bit of bite. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to add more or less honey depending on your taste preference.
- Double the Recipe: This recipe is easily doubled if you’re cooking for a larger crowd.
- Add a Crunch: Sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs or crumbled bacon on top for an added crunchy texture.
How to Serve
- Serve this honey butter skillet corn alongside grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops for a well-rounded meal.
- Pair it with other side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad to complete your meal.
- This dish also works wonderfully at BBQs or potlucks when you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Honey Butter Skillet Corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the skillet over low heat, adding a little extra butter if needed.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Place the corn in a freezer-safe container and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of milk or water to help loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned corn instead of frozen or fresh corn?
Yes, canned corn will work in this recipe. Just make sure to drain and rinse it before adding it to the skillet.
2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter provides the best flavor, you can use margarine as a substitute if needed, though the flavor may be slightly different.
3. Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, maple syrup can be used in place of honey for a different but still delicious sweet flavor.
4. Can I make this recipe in advance?
This recipe is best made fresh, but you can prep the corn and other ingredients ahead of time and cook it when ready to serve.
5. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese with sour cream or even a bit of heavy cream for a different creamy texture.
6. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the skillet for a more hearty dish.
7. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add some chopped fresh jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
8. Can I use frozen corn on the cob?
Yes, you can use frozen corn on the cob. Just thaw it and cut the kernels off before cooking.
9. Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and vegan cream cheese.
10. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the corn in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours, adding the honey, cream cheese, and seasonings at the end to avoid them breaking down during the slow cook.
Conclusion
Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a simple yet indulgent side dish that elevates any meal. The perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, creamy texture, and a hint of freshness from the chives makes it an irresistible choice for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a holiday meal, or a backyard BBQ, this dish will be sure to please. Enjoy the creamy, sweet goodness of this honey butter corn – it’s a side dish everyone will rave about.
PrintHoney Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn is the perfect side dish, featuring sweet corn sautéed in a rich, creamy honey butter sauce. With a touch of cream cheese, salt, and pepper, this dish is simple to make yet packed with flavor. Finished with fresh chives or scallions, it’s the ideal complement to any meal.
Ingredients
-
2 tablespoons salted butter
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2 (10-oz.) packages frozen corn, thawed, or 4½ cups fresh corn kernels (from 5 ears)
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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
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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. -
Cook the Corn:
Add the thawed frozen corn (or fresh corn kernels) to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3–5 minutes until heated through and lightly browned. -
Add Cream Cheese:
Stir in the cream cheese pieces and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the cream cheese is melted and the corn is coated. -
Add Honey and Seasonings:
Pour in the honey, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the honey to melt into the corn and coat everything evenly. - Finish and Serve:
Stir in the fresh chives or scallions and remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with additional chives or scallions, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
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For extra flavor, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving.
-
If you prefer a slightly richer dish, add an extra tablespoon of butter.
- Fresh corn on the cob is ideal for this recipe, but frozen corn works just as well if you’re short on time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American