If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, irresistible side dish that will quickly become your new favorite, then the Sweet Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish perfectly balances sweet and savory notes, with creamy, buttery textures that make every bite a little celebration. It’s simple to whip up but impressive in flavor, making it the perfect companion for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. Whether you’re craving something cozy or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this corn recipe truly shines.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the Sweet Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe’s rich flavor and luscious texture. The frozen corn brings sweetness and color, while the butter and honey provide that silky, golden glaze. Cream cheese adds creamy depth, and just a touch of salt and pepper balances it all perfectly.
- 16 ounces frozen corn: Choose quality frozen corn for a sweet, crisp kernel that cooks quickly and holds its texture well.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds rich, creamy fat that helps carry the honey’s sweetness and melts everything together.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Offers natural sweetness that caramelizes slightly when heated — perfect for that golden glaze.
- 2 ounces cream cheese: Adds a tangy, creamy smoothness, making the skillet corn irresistibly luscious.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances the natural sweetness of the corn and honey.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: A subtle kick that keeps the flavor bright and interesting.
How to Make Sweet Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Corn
Start by warming the frozen corn in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Keep stirring frequently to avoid sticking and to help the corn kernels cook evenly. This step encourages the corn’s natural sugars to gently caramelize, giving a hint of deeper flavor before you even add any other ingredients.
Step 2: Add Honey and Butter
Once the corn is hot and slightly tender, add the butter and honey into the skillet. Stir everything together until the butter melts completely and blends with the honey, forming a glossy, sweet coating that begins to envelop each corn kernel in deliciousness.
Step 3: Stir in Cream Cheese and Season
Next, cut the cream cheese into small chunks and drop them into the skillet with the corn. Add the salt and pepper now as well. Allow the cream cheese to soften and melt into the honey butter mix, stirring continuously so the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and evenly distributed.
Step 4: Serve While Hot
Once the cream cheese has fully melted and the corn is coated in that luscious honey butter sauce, transfer it immediately to a serving dish and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors that make this skillet corn so special.
How to Serve Sweet Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Garnishes
Add a vibrant touch by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for color and a hint of herbal freshness. A light dusting of smoked paprika or crispy bacon bits also elevates the dish, giving it an extra layer of flavor and texture that guests will love.
Side Dishes
This skillet corn is a dream partner to grilled chicken, roasted pork, or even a juicy steak. It also pairs beautifully with vegetarian mains like stuffed peppers or a hearty lentil loaf, offering a sweet and creamy counterpoint to savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Sweet Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe in mini cast-iron skillets or individual ramekins. This presentation keeps the corn warm and makes each portion feel special, perfect for dinner parties or cozy family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Sweet Honey Butter Skillet Corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the sauce will thicken and the texture may slightly change, but reheating resolves most of this.
Freezing
While freezing this dish is possible, it’s best to freeze the corn without the cream cheese sauce to maintain texture. When you’re ready to eat, thaw and reheat the corn, then stir in fresh cream cheese and honey butter for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat the skillet corn gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to evenly warm the dish. Adding a splash of milk or butter while reheating can help restore the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh corn cut off the cob works beautifully in this recipe. Just sauté it a little longer in the skillet to get that tender sweetness before adding other ingredients.
Is there a substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?
If you want a dairy-free or lighter option, try using a soft goat cheese or a creamy cashew-based spread. These alternatives will give a different but still delicious creaminess.
How sweet is this recipe? Can I adjust the honey?
The honey adds a gentle sweetness that balances the savory elements, but feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste. Less honey will make it more savory, while more will heighten the sweet notes.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead and reheat later?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead and reheat, but the fresh cream cheese flavor is at its peak when served right away. For best texture, reheat gently and add a bit of fresh butter or cream cheese when warming.
What type of butter works best?
Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the saltiness of the dish. However, if you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt slightly to maintain balance.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and downright addictive about the Sweet Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe. It’s that perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and a little hint of seasoning that makes it more than just a simple side dish—you’ll want it on your table all year round. Don’t hesitate to give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears at your next meal!
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Sweet Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and sweet skillet corn dish made with frozen corn, butter, honey, and cream cheese, seasoned simply with salt and pepper. This quick and easy side is perfect for adding a comforting touch to any meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 16 ounces frozen corn
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Heat Corn: In a large skillet, heat the frozen corn over medium-high heat, stirring often, until hot. This ensures the corn is evenly warmed through before adding other ingredients.
- Add Honey and Butter: Add the honey and butter to the hot corn and stir until the butter is melted and incorporated. This creates a sweet and buttery base for the sauce.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Cut the cream cheese into small chunks and add them to the skillet along with the salt and pepper. Allow the cream cheese to melt, stirring occasionally, until it fully blends into the honey butter sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Serve: Serve the corn immediately while hot as a delicious and comforting side dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of garlic powder.
- Use fresh corn if available, adjust cooking time accordingly.
- To make this dish vegan, substitute butter with plant-based margarine, honey with maple syrup, and cream cheese with vegan cream cheese.
- Stir frequently to prevent the cream cheese from sticking or burning.
- Adjust sweetness or saltiness to taste by varying honey and salt amounts.
