I love simple, flavorful side dishes that come together effortlessly, and this Honey Butter Skillet Corn is one of my favorites. The combination of buttery richness, natural sweetness from honey, and the creaminess of melted cream cheese makes this dish an irresistible addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it as a comforting side for a family dinner or bringing it to a holiday gathering, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The best part about this Honey Butter Skillet Corn is how quick and easy it is to make. Using frozen corn saves time, while the honey and butter create a deliciously caramelized glaze. The addition of cream cheese takes the dish to another level, giving it a creamy texture that pairs well with any main course.
This dish is perfect for all occasions. It’s great for weeknight dinners when you need something quick, but it also works beautifully for potlucks and holiday spreads. Plus, you can easily customize it with fresh herbs or a bit of spice for extra flavor.
A Perfect Blend of Flavors
The balance between the sweet honey and the salty butter makes this skillet corn absolutely delicious. The cream cheese adds a velvety smoothness, making each bite rich and satisfying. A touch of salt and black pepper enhances the overall taste without overpowering the natural sweetness of the corn.
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn is so easy to make, yet it delivers an impressive depth of flavor. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this side dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients for Honey Butter Skillet Corn
To make this delicious and creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of flavors.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, salted preferred) – Adds a rich, savory flavor that enhances the sweetness of the corn. Using salted butter brings out the natural taste, but unsalted works as well.
- Honey (2 tablespoons) – Provides a natural sweetness that complements the butter and cream cheese, giving the corn a slightly caramelized taste.
- Frozen Corn (16 oz bag) – A convenient and reliable option that works year-round. It cooks quickly and retains its natural sweetness.
- Cream Cheese (2 ounces, cut into chunks) – Adds a creamy, velvety texture that binds the flavors together beautifully.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon) – Enhances the flavors of the dish, preventing it from being overly sweet.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon) – Adds a subtle kick of warmth and depth to balance out the creamy and sweet components.
How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn
This recipe comes together in just a few easy steps. With minimal effort, you’ll have a delicious side dish ready in no time!
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Honey
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is fully melted, add the honey and stir to combine. The honey will start to blend into the butter, creating a sweet and glossy base for the corn.
Step 2: Cook the Corn
Add the frozen corn directly into the skillet. Stir everything together so the corn is evenly coated in the honey-butter mixture. Cook for about 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is fully heated through. The kernels should be tender and slightly golden.
Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese and Seasonings
Once the corn is cooked, add the chunks of cream cheese, along with the salt and black pepper. Stir continuously to help the cream cheese melt into the corn. Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cream cheese has fully melted and blended into the corn, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve immediately while warm, and enjoy the creamy, buttery, and slightly sweet flavors.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator – Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating – Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave for 30-45 seconds.
- Make Ahead Tip – You can prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat it before serving. Just add a splash of milk while reheating to bring back the creaminess.
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn is so easy to make, yet it’s packed with rich, buttery sweetness and creamy goodness. Whether served as a holiday side or a quick weeknight dish, it’s always a hit!
How Long to Cook Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your stove’s heat and the texture you prefer. Here’s a breakdown of how long each step should take:
- Melting the Butter and Honey – About 1-2 minutes over medium-high heat. The mixture should be smooth and fully melted before adding the corn.
- Cooking the Corn – 5-8 minutes until the kernels are tender and evenly coated in the honey-butter mixture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Melting the Cream Cheese – 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fully incorporated into the corn for a creamy texture.
The total cook time should be around 10-15 minutes, making this one of the quickest and most delicious side dishes you can prepare.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftover Honey Butter Skillet Corn, it stores well and reheats beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerator – Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld even more, making it just as delicious when reheated.
- Freezer – You can freeze the dish, but the texture may change slightly. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating – Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave for 30-45 seconds until heated through. Add a splash of milk or a little extra butter if needed to bring back the creaminess.
Tips for Perfect Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Want to make sure your dish turns out perfect every time? Follow these simple tips:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients – The better the butter, honey, and corn, the richer the flavor. Opt for real butter and pure honey for the best taste.
- Stir Frequently – This ensures even cooking and prevents the honey from caramelizing too much at the bottom of the pan.
- Adjust Sweetness – If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the honey slightly. If you like it sweeter, drizzle a little extra honey just before serving.
- Add Extra Flavor – Try mixing in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and taste. You can also sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Make it Cheesy – If you love extra cheesiness, stir in a handful of shredded cheddar along with the cream cheese for a bolder, richer flavor.
Honey Butter Skillet Corn – A Sweet and Savory Side Dish
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a simple yet flavorful side dish that combines the sweetness of honey, the richness of butter, and the creaminess of cream cheese. It’s the perfect addition to any meal and comes together in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter (salted preferred)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 bag (16 oz) frozen corn
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into chunks
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and honey together, stirring to combine.
- Add the frozen corn and cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the corn is heated through.
- Add the cream cheese chunks, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Cook for another 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- If using fresh corn, cut kernels from the cob and cook as directed.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stove or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Butter Skillet Corn
1. Can I Use Fresh or Canned Corn Instead of Frozen?
Yes! While frozen corn is convenient, you can use fresh or canned corn as well. If using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob and cook them the same way as frozen. Canned corn should be drained and rinsed before adding to the skillet. Keep in mind that fresh corn may take a little longer to cook, while canned corn will heat up faster.
2. How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
To make Honey Butter Skillet Corn dairy-free, simply replace:
- Butter with a dairy-free alternative like plant-based butter or olive oil.
- Cream Cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese substitute or a splash of full-fat coconut milk for creaminess.
These swaps will still give you a rich and flavorful dish without any dairy.
3. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! Honey Butter Skillet Corn can be made in advance and reheated when needed. If preparing ahead:
- Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave for 30-45 seconds.
- Add a little milk or butter while reheating to bring back the creamy texture.
4. What Can I Serve With Honey Butter Skillet Corn?
This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of meals. Here are some great serving ideas:
- Grilled Chicken or Steak – The sweetness of the corn complements savory, smoky meats.
- Roasted Vegetables – A great balance of flavors and textures.
- Rice or Quinoa – Mix the corn with grains for a hearty, flavorful side.
- Tacos or Burritos – Use it as a delicious taco filling or side dish for Mexican-inspired meals.
No matter how you serve it, this Honey Butter Skillet Corn is sure to be a favorite!