Irresistible Honey Butter Skillet Corn: A Sweet and Savory Delight
Imagine this: It’s a cozy Sunday dinner with your family, the aroma of freshly cooked corn wafting through the kitchen like a warm hug. As we gather around the table, my heart swells with nostalgia, and I can’t help but reminisce about the countless summer barbecues where Honey Butter Skillet Corn took center stage. This delicious side dish not only graces our table with its vibrant color but also captivates our taste buds with its sweet, buttery goodness.
What makes this dish truly special is its simplicity—it’s quick to prepare yet bursting with flavor that transports you back to fond family memories. Unlike store-bought versions that often lack that homemade touch, my Honey Butter Skillet Corn is creamy from the first bite, thanks to the addition of cream cheese, and the buttery, honey-kissed drizzle creates a perfect harmony of sweet and savory that will leave you craving more.
In this post, you will discover how to whip up this delightful dish, complete with step-by-step instructions and tips to make it your own. So, let’s dive into this culinary adventure that’s sure to become a cherished part of your family’s mealtime memories!
What Are Honey Butter Skillet Corn?
Honey Butter Skillet Corn stems from the heart of Southern cooking, where the fresh flavors of corn are celebrated with simple yet delicious preparations. Imagine biting into tender corn kernels coated in a velvety mixture of honey and butter, every mouthful taking you one step closer to culinary euphoria. The texture is a delightful contrast, with the crispness of the corn creating a comforting bite against the silky smoothness of melted cream cheese.
What makes this dish unique is its accessibility and versatility; you can whip it up any night of the week, and it pairs beautifully with everything from grilled meats to hearty stews. Whether it’s for an intimate family dinner or a holiday feast, this Honey Butter Skillet Corn is the ideal side dish that adds a touch of sweetness and comfort to any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: We all love a recipe that can be prepared in under 15 minutes! This Honey Butter Skillet Corn allows you to create a delicious side dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Rich Flavor: The combination of salted butter and honey results in an irresistible flavor profile that elevates plain corn to something extraordinary. The cream cheese adds a creamy richness that is hard to resist!
Cost-Effective: Why spend money on overpriced sides at restaurants when you can make this delicious dish at home for a fraction of the cost? With just a few ingredients that you likely already have, you can create a restaurant-quality experience.
Customization Options: Whether you prefer adding spices for a kick or throwing in fresh herbs for a burst of flavor, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can tweak it based on your family’s preferences or seasonal ingredients.
Impressive Presentation: When served in a beautiful bowl topped with fresh parsley or chives, this dish looks as good as it tastes. Your guests (and family) will think you’re a gourmet chef!
So whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, Honey Butter Skillet Corn will surely wow your taste buds and leave your kitchen smelling delectable.
Ingredients
For the most divine Honey Butter Skillet Corn, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 tbsp salted butter – adds richness and depth
- 2 tbsp honey – for a touch of natural sweetness
- 1 bag (16 oz) frozen corn – the base of the dish, but feel free to use fresh corn during the peak of summer for an even sweeter taste
- 2 oz cream cheese, cut into chunks – for that extra creamy texture
Ingredient Quality & Substitutions:
Butter: I recommend using a good quality salted butter. It enhances the flavors beautifully. Brands like Kerrygold or Plugra are excellent choices.
Honey: Opt for local, raw honey if available; it adds a more complex flavor that you won’t get from generic honey.
Corn: While frozen corn is convenient, fresh corn is unbeatable in terms of sweetness. If you use fresh corn, about 4-5 ears should do the trick!
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese works best for creaminess; however, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Prep Notes:
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy melting, and allow your cream cheese to sit out for about 15-20 minutes before using, so it incorporates smoothly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Melt the butter:
In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it fully covers the bottom of the skillet, ensuring nothing sticks. It should start to bubble slightly, indicating it’s hot enough.
2️⃣ Add the honey:
Once the butter is melted, stir in the honey until it’s well combined with the butter. You should see a lovely golden color starting to form, creating a sweet and savory base.
3️⃣ Cook the corn:
Add the frozen corn to the skillet, stirring constantly to coat each kernel with the honey-butter mixture. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the corn is heated through and tender. The kernels should be bright and shiny.
4️⃣ Melt in the cream cheese:
Lower the heat to low and add the cream cheese chunks. Stir gently, watching for the cream cheese to melt and combine with the corn, creating that rich, creamy texture you’ll love.
5️⃣ Simmer and serve:
Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until everything is heated through and fully blended. Serve hot, and enjoy the sweet, creamy goodness!
Chef’s Tips
- Keep an eye on the corn as it cooks; you want it to heat through but not lose its wonderful texture.
- If you’re using fresh corn, it’s best to cook for a bit less time, about 3-4 minutes.
- Always taste before serving; a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon can enhance the flavors even more.
Expert Tips & Tricks
Storage Recommendations: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to maintain creaminess.
Make-ahead Instructions: You can prepare the honey-butter base ahead of time. Just cook it, cool it, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat in a skillet and add the corn and cream cheese.
Troubleshooting Common Problems: If the cream cheese doesn’t fully dissolve and you have lumps, use an immersion blender for a quick fix!
Freezing: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it. Allow it to cool completely, then pack it in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.
Flavor Enhancements: Mix in some cooked bacon or herbs like cilantro or parsley for added richness and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, or a flavorful steak. Serve it alongside a fresh garden salad or some fluffy dinner rolls to soak up all that delicious sauce. For presentation, consider transferring it to a beautiful serving dish and garnish it with fresh herbs or a drizzle of honey to make it extra special.
Occasions
Whether it’s a summer barbecue, Thanksgiving feast, or just a cozy family dinner, this corn dish fits in seamlessly. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round!
Variations & Substitutions
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a kick!
- Herb Bliss: Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Cheesy Delight: Swap out some cream cheese for crumbled feta for a salty twist.
- Seasonal Variations: In the fall, add roasted pumpkin for a sweet, earthy note.
Nutrition & Storage Info
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6
- Estimated Calories per Serving: 150 calories
Storage Instructions
- Room Temp: Best consumed hot.
- Fridge: Store covered for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Suitable for freezing up to 2 months.
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh corn will heighten the dish’s sweetness and flavor. Just cut the kernels off the cobs and add them in the same way as frozen.Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a great option for gluten-sensitive diets.Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and swap cream cheese for a plant-based alternative.How can I adjust the sweetness?
You can easily reduce the amount of honey or try a different sweetener like maple syrup or agave to suit your taste.Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just be sure to use a larger skillet to ensure even cooking.What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You could use sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Diced bell peppers or zucchini could be great additions; just be mindful to adjust the cooking time accordingly.How long does this dish last in the fridge?
It will last about 3 days in the fridge, though the texture is best enjoyed freshly made.What main dishes do you recommend pairing this with?
It’s fantastic with grilled proteins like chicken, fish, or even alongside hearty vegetarian dishes like stuffed peppers.Can I cook this on the grill?
You can make it in a grill-safe pan or skillet. Just be careful not to burn the butter!
Conclusion
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn is so much more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and memories. The combination of sweet honey and creamy cheeses creates an experience that will warm your heart and your home. I encourage you to give it a try; I promise it will become a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine!
I’d love to hear your thoughts once you’ve tried this recipe! What variations did you come up with? If you love this dish, be sure to check out other inspiring recipes on my blog, like my Spicy Grilled Corn on the Cob or Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Happy cooking!
Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Ingredients
For the Corn
- 2 tbsp salted butter Adds richness and depth.
- 2 tbsp honey Provides a touch of natural sweetness.
- 16 oz frozen corn Use fresh corn during the peak of summer for an even sweeter taste.
- 2 oz cream cheese Cut into chunks for an extra creamy texture.
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it covers the bottom of the skillet and starts to bubble slightly.
- Once the butter is melted, stir in the honey until well combined, creating a lovely golden mixture.
- Add the frozen corn to the skillet, stirring constantly to coat each kernel with the honey-butter mixture, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and tender.
- Lower the heat to low and add the cream cheese chunks, stirring gently until melted and combined with the corn.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until everything is heated through. Serve hot.