Honey Butter Skillet Corn is the ultimate comfort food side dish, bringing together sweet golden corn, luscious honey, and a creamy, buttery finish that makes every bite irresistible. This quick skillet recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, requiring just a handful of ingredients and fifteen minutes from start to finish. Whether you serve it alongside grilled meats, at a holiday feast, or as a cozy addition to a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a repeat favorite that everyone will ask for by name.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Honey Butter Skillet Corn lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the rich creaminess of butter and cream cheese to the natural sweetness of honey and corn. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Unsalted Butter: Delivers a rich, velvety base and lets you control the saltiness of the finished dish.
- Honey: Adds a gentle sweetness that balances perfectly with the savory elements and brings out the corn’s natural flavor.
- Frozen Corn (or Fresh Corn Kernels): The heart of the recipe; frozen corn is convenient and tasty, but fresh corn will make it extra special in peak season.
- Cream Cheese: Melts into the corn for a creamy, slightly tangy finish that sets this dish apart from ordinary skillet corn.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Black Pepper: Adds just a touch of warmth and depth without overpowering the delicate sweetness.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (Optional): Brightens the dish with color and a refreshing herbal note, perfect for a beautiful final touch.
How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Honey
Start by placing a large skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and honey, stirring gently as they melt together. This creates a luscious, golden base that’s both aromatic and inviting—your kitchen will already start to smell amazing!
Step 2: Add the Corn
Pour in your frozen corn (or fresh corn kernels, if you’re lucky enough to have them). Stir the kernels into the honey-butter mixture so every piece gets coated. Let the corn cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through and you see a few golden, caramelized spots start to appear.
Step 3: Stir in the Cream Cheese
Reduce the heat to low, then add the cream cheese. Stir constantly as it melts and blends into the corn, transforming everything into a creamy, dreamy skillet of Honey Butter Skillet Corn. This step is where the magic happens—the corn becomes glossy and rich, with a luxurious texture.
Step 4: Season and Garnish
Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper, tasting as you go to get the seasoning just right. Remove the skillet from the heat, and if you like, finish with a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve your Honey Butter Skillet Corn warm, straight from the skillet or transferred to a pretty serving bowl.
How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley does wonders for Honey Butter Skillet Corn, adding a pop of green that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. You could also try a dusting of smoked paprika, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat, or even a bit of grated Parmesan if you want to play with the flavor profile.
Side Dishes
This side shines next to grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, roast turkey, or even seared tofu for a vegetarian spread. Its sweet-savory profile means it pairs beautifully with spicy, smoky, or tangy mains, and it’s always a hit at potlucks or family gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon your Honey Butter Skillet Corn into small ramekins for individual servings at a dinner party, or pile it high in a rustic cast-iron skillet for a casual, family-style presentation. For holiday meals, garnish with a few extra sprigs of parsley or edible flowers to make the dish feel especially festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will meld beautifully, making the next-day serving just as delicious.
Freezing
Honey Butter Skillet Corn freezes surprisingly well! Allow it to cool completely, then spoon into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the corn in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if it seems a little thick. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until hot and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use canned corn instead of frozen or fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to drain the canned corn well before adding it to the skillet. The texture may be a bit softer, but the dish will still taste fantastic.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream cheese?
Yes! You can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or even a splash of coconut cream for a similar creamy texture. The flavor will change slightly, but you’ll still get that luscious mouthfeel.
Can I make Honey Butter Skillet Corn ahead of time for a party?
Definitely. Prepare the dish as directed, allow it to cool, and store in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving and add fresh parsley just before bringing it to the table for the best look and taste.
What’s the best way to add extra richness?
For an even more decadent dish, stir in a splash of heavy cream with the cream cheese. This makes the Honey Butter Skillet Corn ultra-creamy and perfect for special occasions.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, Honey Butter Skillet Corn is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your cream cheese and other packaged ingredients to be sure.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a side dish that’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and full of rich, sweet flavor, you absolutely have to try Honey Butter Skillet Corn. It’s a recipe that brings joy to the table and couldn’t be simpler to whip up. Give it a go, and watch it disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”
Print
Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a creamy, sweet, and buttery side dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare. Made with tender corn kernels sautéed in a luscious blend of butter and honey, then enriched with cream cheese, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. Ideal for pairing with grilled meats or serving as a festive holiday side, it brings comfort and a touch of indulgence to any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 (16 oz) bag frozen corn or 3 cups fresh corn kernels
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Melt butter and honey: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and honey together, stirring constantly to ensure they combine smoothly without burning.
- Cook the corn: Add the corn to the skillet and sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the corn is heated through and develops lightly golden spots for added flavor.
- Add cream cheese: Lower the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until it melts completely, creating a creamy texture that coats the corn evenly.
- Season and finish: Season the mixture with salt and black pepper according to taste. Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm immediately.
Notes
- This dish pairs perfectly with grilled meats or as a sweet-savory holiday side.
- For an extra rich and creamy version, add a splash of heavy cream along with the cream cheese.
- If using fresh corn, make sure to cut kernels off the cob before cooking.
- Chopped fresh parsley adds a bright color and fresh flavor but is optional.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
