Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s irresistibly sweet, creamy, and buttery in every bite, Honey Butter Skillet Corn is about to earn top billing in your kitchen. This quick and easy recipe transforms everyday frozen corn into an eye-catching, crowd-pleasing favorite that’s as comforting as it is crave-worthy. The blend of honey, butter, and a touch of cream cheese creates a luscious glaze, making it impossible not to go back for seconds (or thirds!). Give this dish a spot at your next dinner or holiday feast, and watch as it disappears in record time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It never ceases to amaze me how just a few basic ingredients, each with its own special role, can come together to create such big flavor. For Honey Butter Skillet Corn, every item listed below is crucial for bringing out the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and color.

• Butter: The foundation of the recipe; salted butter adds a comforting richness and helps the whole dish come together with a savory backbone.
• Honey: This touch of natural sweetness elevates the corn and balances the butter, creating that signature sweet-and-savory flavor.
• Frozen corn: Super convenient and always available; use a 16-ounce bag for plump kernels bursting with color and crunch.
• Cream cheese: Just enough cream cheese turns everything silky and adds a hint of tang, making the sauce incredibly smooth.
• Salt: A dash of salt brings out the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
• Black pepper: A sprinkle of pepper adds a gentle warmth that ties the dish together perfectly.

How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Honey

Start by placing a skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter and honey together. Stir gently as they melt and combine, creating a beautiful golden base that will coat every corn kernel in sticky-sweet flavor.

Step 2: Add the Corn

Pour in your frozen corn straight from the bag. No need to thaw first! Stir the kernels to coat them evenly with that dreamy honey-butter mixture. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 8 minutes, until they’re hot, juicy, and just starting to caramelize around the edges.

Step 3: Stir in Cream Cheese and Seasonings

Once the corn is cooked through, add the cream cheese chunks right into the skillet, along with the salt and black pepper. Mix everything together until the cream cheese melts completely, making the sauce rich and velvety. Let it cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, stirring now and then, to make sure every bite is extra creamy and flavorful.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

As soon as the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the dish is bubbling gently, remove the skillet from the heat. Dish it up immediately for best results! The aroma alone will have everyone eager to dig in.

How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Garnishes

For a little flair and extra color, try sprinkling chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives right on top before serving. A shake of extra black pepper or a pinch of flaky sea salt can also add eye appeal and a subtle pop of flavor.

Side Dishes

Honey Butter Skillet Corn pairs beautifully with a wide range of mains, from grilled chicken or steak to classic meatloaf or roasted turkey. It’s also a standout alongside barbecue, roasted veggies, or any dish that needs a bit of comforting sweetness on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make it extra special, try serving your Honey Butter Skillet Corn in mini cast iron skillets for a rustic touch at family gatherings. Or, scoop it into hollowed-out bell peppers, or use it as a topping for baked potatoes or savory waffles for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey Butter Skillet Corn holds up very well! Simply transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making it a tasty next-day side.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze it, let the corn cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container. It will keep nicely for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the corn gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or water if needed to revive the creamy sauce. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between rounds, for a quick and easy lunch or side.

FAQs

Can I use canned or fresh corn instead of frozen?

Absolutely! While frozen corn is most convenient and consistent, drained canned corn or fresh corn (cooked and cut off the cob) both work beautifully in Honey Butter Skillet Corn. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the corn is heated through.

Can I make Honey Butter Skillet Corn dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese for a tasty, creamy result. Just make sure your alternatives have good flavor and melt smoothly for the best experience.

Is there a way to make this spicier?

If you’d like to add a gentle heat, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce during the last step, or top with a sprinkle of chili flakes right before serving. It contrasts nicely with the honey’s sweetness!

How do I double the recipe for a big group?

This recipe scales up with zero trouble. Simply double every ingredient and use a large (12-inch or bigger) skillet so the corn cooks evenly. Keep an eye on the timing, as a bigger batch may take slightly longer to heat through and get creamy.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without losing creaminess?

For creamy, saucy leftovers, reheat the corn gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed. Stir regularly until warmed through. The microwave works for quick reheating, but go slow and stir halfway to keep the sauce smooth.

Final Thoughts

Honey Butter Skillet Corn is the kind of side dish that always has people coming back for just one more spoonful. It brings brightness, sweetness, and comfort to any meal, and it’s so simple that you’ll want to make it again and again. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your family’s favorite too!

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