Honey Butter Skillet Corn has always held a special place in my heart, reminding me of summer barbecues with my family. I can still picture my mom bustling around the kitchen, her laughter echoing as she prepared this sweet and savory dish. The smell of melting butter mixed with honey wafting through the air was pure bliss. Every bite brought back memories of long summer evenings spent outdoors, surrounded by loved ones, digging into plates piled high with our favorite foods.

This delightful side dish is perfect for any occasion, but it shines especially bright during warm weather gatherings. It’s quick to whip up, making it an ideal choice for last-minute dinners or potlucks where you want to impress without all the fuss. Plus, who can resist the creamy, sweet, and buttery combination? Trust me; once you try it, you’ll be adding Honey Butter Skillet Corn to your list of go-to recipes!

Why You’ll Love "Honey Butter Skillet Corn"

Super quick to prepare – ready in just 15 minutes!
Minimal ingredients – you likely have everything on hand!
Family-friendly – kids will love the sweet and buttery flavor.
Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners.
Versatile – pairs well with almost any main dish.
Freezer-friendly – make a big batch and enjoy later!

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (If using fresh, try to pick those sweet, juicy ears in season for the best flavor!)
3 tablespoon unsalted butter (I love using grass-fed butter for its rich taste, but any unsalted variety will work.)
2 tablespoon honey (Local honey adds a lovely depth, but any honey you have will do just fine.)
2 tablespoon cream cheese (Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing; you can also use whipped cream cheese if you prefer.)
Salt and black pepper, to taste (Don’t be shy; seasoning really brings out the flavors!)
Optional garnishes: chopped chives, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or shredded Parmesan (These add a beautiful touch and extra flavor, so get creative!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat the Skillet

Grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat.
Let it warm up for a minute or two; you want it nice and hot to get that beautiful sizzle going!

Melt the Butter

Add the 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet.
Allow it to melt completely, swirling the pan gently so it coats the bottom evenly.
Keep an eye on it to prevent burning; you want it just melted and bubbly!

Combine Honey and Cream Cheese

Once the butter is melted, reduce the heat slightly to low.
Add in the 2 tablespoons of honey and the 2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese.
Stir the mixture well with a wooden spoon or spatula until everything is smoothly combined and creamy.

Add Corn

Now it’s time to add the star of the show! Toss in the 4 cups of corn kernels.
Season generously with salt and black pepper — trust your taste buds!
Give everything a good stir to ensure the corn is coated in that luscious honey-butter mixture.

Cook the Mixture

Increase the heat back to medium and let the corn cook for about 8 to 10 minutes.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and watch for the corn to become heated through and slightly caramelized.
You'll know it’s ready when it’s steaming hot and smells heavenly!

Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat.
Feel free to add any of the optional garnishes, like chopped chives, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a dusting of smoked paprika.
Serve warm in a lovely bowl, and enjoy each delicious bite with your favorite main dish!

Variations

Add diced jalapeños for a sweet and spicy kick.
Swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweet flavor.
Mix in fresh herbs like basil or thyme for an aromatic twist.
Use coconut cream instead of cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
Try grilling the corn instead of cooking in a skillet for a smoky flavor.
For a lighter dish, reduce the butter and add vegetable broth instead.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn warm, either on its own as a delightful side or alongside grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even tacos. For a festive touch, add garnishes like chopped chives or shredded Parmesan to elevate the dish's presentation. This sweet and savory corn pairs perfectly with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a well-rounded meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. If you want to enjoy it later, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months – just thaw and reheat when you're ready!

Helpful Notes

If you’re out of cream cheese, try using ricotta or mascarpone for a creamy texture.
For a vegan version, substitute butter with vegan butter and cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey based on your taste preference.
Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can brighten up the dish, so don’t hesitate to experiment!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen corn?

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen corn for this recipe! Just toss it straight into the skillet without thawing. It’ll cook up beautifully, and you won’t even notice the difference in flavor.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the unsalted butter with a vegan butter alternative and replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese or even coconut cream for a rich texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the honey butter mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just cook the corn right before serving to keep it fresh and warm.

What are some good garnishes?

Great garnishes include chopped chives for a fresh touch, red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, smoked paprika for depth, or even shredded Parmesan for a cheesy finish.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! Honey Butter Skillet Corn is not just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavors and memories. I hope you’ll give it a try and create your own beautiful moments around the table. Whether it’s a sunny barbecue or a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction. Remember, cooking should be fun, so don’t stress too much about perfection. Just enjoy the process, taste as you go, and share it with the people you love. I can’t wait for you to experience how magical this simple dish can be!

Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Author: Emily Parker
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This dish features sweet corn cooked in a honey butter sauce, creating a rich and flavorful side.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp cream cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional garnishes: chopped chives, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or shredded Parmesan

Instructions

Heat a skillet over medium heat.
Add butter and let it melt.
Stir in honey and cream cheese until well combined.
Add corn, salt, and black pepper.
Cook for 8-10 minutes until corn is heated through.
Garnish with optional toppings if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh corn in season.
Adjust sweetness by varying honey amount.
Serve warm for the best taste.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 180
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Honey Butter Skillet Corn, corn recipe, side dish