If you are craving a side dish that’s bursting with warmth, sweetness, and a touch of creamy comfort, you absolutely must try this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that instantly elevates any meal, combining tender corn kernels with luscious butter, honey’s natural sweetness, and a velvety cream cheese finish. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this recipe delivers vibrant flavors and cozy textures that feel like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple yet completely essential to making the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe sing. Each one brings a special touch, from the creamy richness of butter and cream cheese to the sweet floral notes of honey, all rounded out by fresh chives for a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
- Salted butter: Adds a luscious, creamy base that helps the corn brown beautifully and carry all the flavors.
- Frozen or fresh corn kernels: The star of the dish offering juicy sweetness and satisfying texture.
- Cream cheese: Provides a silky richness that coats the corn, making every bite velvety smooth.
- Honey: Infuses a natural sweetness that beautifully balances the savory and creamy elements.
- Kosher salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle hint of warmth and spice to round out the dish.
- Fresh chives or scallions: Offer a fresh, mild onion flavor and a vibrant burst of green for garnish.
How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Begin by melting the salted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. This step creates a rich, buttery base that’s crucial for the buttery-sweet flavor profile. You’ll want to make sure the butter is fully melted and just starting to bubble so it can gently coax the corn’s natural sweetness out when cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Corn
Next, add the thawed frozen corn or fresh kernels to your skillet. Stir occasionally and let the corn cook evenly for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the kernels to get tender and take on a lovely golden tint. This light browning is where some of the magic happens, elevating simple corn into a dish full of depth and character.
Step 3: Add Cream Cheese
Once the corn looks lightly caramelized, stir in the cream cheese pieces. Keep cooking for about 2 minutes, gently stirring to help the cream cheese melt and coat every kernel in creamy goodness. The cream cheese adds an indulgent texture that transforms the dish from humble to luxurious.
Step 4: Mix in Honey and Seasonings
Now it’s time for a sweet, savory combination that defines this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe. Pour in the honey along with kosher salt and black pepper. Stir everything together and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes. This step lets the honey melt and adhere beautifully to the corn, infusing it with just the right amount of sweetness while the seasoning keeps the flavors perfectly balanced.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Chives
Finally, stir in the fresh chives or scallions, which add a fresh, mild bite and a splash of vibrant green color. Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the dish to a serving bowl or plate. Garnish with a few extra chives for an inviting presentation, and serve hot to enjoy every flavorful bite.
How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh chives or scallions on top offers both a pop of color and a subtle crunch that complements the creamy texture of the corn. For an extra flourish, a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits or a dusting of smoked paprika can lend delightful layers of flavor and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe pairs beautifully with classic American favorites like grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, or a seared steak. It also brightens up a vegetarian spread alongside bean salads or roasted vegetables, making it a wonderfully versatile side that enriches any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in mini cast iron skillets or hollowed-out mini pumpkins for a festive touch. You can also spoon it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or mix it into a fresh grain salad for a comforting yet fresh flavor combo that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen when chilled, making it a perfect make-ahead side for busy weeknights.
Freezing
While freezing is an option, it’s best to avoid it if possible as cream cheese and honey can slightly change texture when thawed. If you do freeze, store in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to one month and thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the silky texture, stirring occasionally to redistribute the creamy coating and melting the butter again if needed. Avoid microwaving to keep that fresh-from-the-skillet taste.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh corn gives a bright, juicy burst of flavor. Use about 4½ cups of kernels from 5 ears, and the dish will be just as delicious and vibrant as the recipe intended.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
You can substitute butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. The honey will still complement these flavors nicely for a similarly decadent experience.
What can I add to make it spicier?
Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce when you add the honey and seasonings for a gentle kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, finely chopped jalapeños, or even sautéed mushrooms can be stirred in to add texture and flavor complexity while still harmonizing with the core ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe holds up well when stored and reheated, making it an excellent side that can be prepared ahead for lunches or dinners during the week.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and joyful about the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe that makes it a must-have addition to your cooking repertoire. With its perfect harmony of creamy, sweet, and savory notes, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again. Give it a try at your next meal, and I promise, it’ll become one of your favorite go-to side dishes too!
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Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn recipe is a quick and delicious side dish that combines sweet honey, creamy butter, and tender corn kernels. Enhanced with cream cheese and fresh chives, it offers a rich, comforting flavor perfect for complementing any meal. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s an easy way to elevate simple corn into a flavorful skillet dish.
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 until fully melted and slightly foaming, preparing the base for cooking the corn.
- 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 develops a light golden-brown color, enhancing its natural sweetness.
- Add Cream Cheese: Stir in the cream cheese pieces and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the cream cheese has melted completely and coats the corn evenly, creating a creamy texture.
- Add Honey and Seasonings: Pour in the honey, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the honey to melt into the corn mixture and infuse a sweet glaze throughout.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the thinly sliced fresh chives or scallions, then remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the corn to a serving dish and garnish with additional chives or scallions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the sweet, buttery flavor.
Notes
- You can use fresh corn in season for a fresher taste or thawed frozen corn for convenience.
- Adjust honey quantity to your preference for sweetness.
- Use salted butter to ensure balanced seasoning; if using unsalted, add a pinch more salt.
- Fresh chives and scallions can be substituted depending on availability.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as a comforting vegetarian side.
