Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe

If you’re seeking a side dish that’s equal parts simple, irresistible, and comfortingly familiar, look no further than Honey Butter Skillet Corn. In under 15 minutes, you’ll transform a handful of everyday ingredients into a creamy, buttery blend of golden corn with just the right touch of sweetness. It’s the crowd-pleasing companion to everything from grilled steaks to roast chicken, packed with glossy flavor and a velvety finish that keeps everyone reaching for seconds. Trust me, you’ll want this on your regular rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Honey Butter Skillet Corn so special is how each ingredient brings its own magic to the party. There’s no fussing over hard-to-find items—just pure goodness coming together in record time. Here’s what each player adds to this delicious medley:

• Butter: The savory, creamy backbone, lending richness and helping caramelize the corn for a deep, golden flavor.
• Honey: Delivers a natural, mellow sweetness that balances the richness and complements the corn’s pop of flavor.
• Frozen corn (16 oz bag): The star of the show—just grab your favorite variety (gold ‘n white corn is especially tasty), no need to thaw first!
• Cream cheese (2 ounces, chunked): This brings unbeatable creaminess and gives the finished dish a glossy finish—it’s the secret ingredient everyone loves.
• Salt: Just a pinch lifts and brightens all the sweet and savory notes swirling through the skillet.
• Black pepper: Adds the tiniest bite of warmth to round everything out—you’ll miss it if it’s gone!

How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Honey Together

Set your favorite skillet over medium-high heat, and plop in the butter and honey. As the mixture melts, swirl it around with a spatula or wooden spoon. You’ll know it’s ready when everything becomes glossy and smells absolutely heavenly; this is the start of the magic for your Honey Butter Skillet Corn.

Step 2: Add the Frozen Corn

Toss in the whole bag of frozen corn straight from the freezer—no need to thaw! Stir everything together so every kernel gets coated. Let it cook, stirring every so often, for about 5 to 8 minutes until the corn is heated through and starting to become slightly caramelized at the edges.

Step 3: Stir in Cream Cheese, Salt, and Pepper

Now drop in the cream cheese pieces, along with the salt and black pepper. Stir gently as the cream cheese melts, turning the corn glossy and creamy. Let everything cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally—that’s when the flavors meld and the dish turns dreamy.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

As soon as your Honey Butter Skillet Corn is luscious and creamy with flecks of melted cheese throughout, it’s ready to serve. Dish it up straight from the skillet while it’s still hot and irresistible. Every spoonful is guaranteed to be met with happy smiles!

How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, a tiny dusting of smoked paprika, or a few cranks of extra black pepper on top brings brightness and a lovely pop of color to your Honey Butter Skillet Corn. If you’re feeling a little extra, a finishing drizzle of honey or scattering of crumbled feta works wonders too!

Side Dishes

This side is magic alongside roasted chicken, juicy pork chops, or your favorite barbecue fare. Pile it next to mashed potatoes for a homey, old-fashioned comfort spread, or pair with a crispy salad to balance out the dish’s creamy richness. Basically, Honey Butter Skillet Corn loves company!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Honey Butter Skillet Corn in mini cast iron pans or cute ramekins for individual portions, or stuff it into baked sweet potatoes for a next-level lunch. It also makes a delightful topping for tacos or as part of a layered bowl with rice and beans. The possibilities truly are as wide as your imagination!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers will keep beautifully—just scoop your cooled Honey Butter Skillet Corn into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, ready to perk up any meal in a snap.

Freezing

If you want to make a bigger batch ahead of time, Honey Butter Skillet Corn can absolutely be frozen. Let it cool completely, then spoon into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to two months, thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, pop them into a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring until heated through. If the corn thickens up in the fridge, add a splash of milk or even a knob of extra butter to restore its creamy texture. You can also microwave individual portions for quick lunches!

FAQs

Can I use fresh or canned corn instead of frozen?

Absolutely! While frozen corn makes Honey Butter Skillet Corn ultra-convenient, fresh kernels cut right off the cob taste incredible when they’re in season. If using canned corn, just drain well before adding to the skillet.

Is there a non-dairy substitute for the cream cheese?

Yes! For a dairy-free version, go for your favorite plant-based cream cheese alternative, or try a splash of coconut cream for richness. The results will still be creamy and satisfying.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes—just grab a bigger skillet! Double (or even triple) every ingredient, and make sure to stir regularly so everything heats evenly. This is a wonderful, stress-free side for celebrations and potlucks.

What kind of honey works best?

Mild clover or wildflower honey is perfect, but really, use what you love! Local, raw honey can bring a subtle floral note that’s especially lovely in Honey Butter Skillet Corn.

How do I keep the corn from getting mushy?

The key is to cook over medium-high heat and stir occasionally, not constantly. This keeps the corn bright and juicy instead of breaking down, so every bite pops with sweet crispness.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this is one side dish you can count on for both everyday dinners and festive occasions alike. Give Honey Butter Skillet Corn a try the next time you want something quick, easy, and downright delicious—you might just find it becomes a new family favorite!

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