Welcome to your new favorite side dish: Honey Butter Skillet Corn! This irresistible recipe transforms humble corn into a sweet, creamy, and savory delight that’s ready in just one pan. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, it’s the perfect accompaniment to virtually any meal, promising big flavor with even bigger convenience. Prepare to elevate your dinner table with a side that’s not only incredibly delicious but also a breeze to make.
Quick and Effortless: A 10-Minute Side Dish Sensation
In today’s fast-paced world, finding a side dish that delivers exceptional taste without demanding hours in the kitchen is a true culinary win. Honey Butter Skillet Corn is precisely that – a culinary sensation designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Imagine sweet corn kernels gently simmering with rich cream cheese, melted butter, and a delicate drizzle of honey, all coming together in a single skillet. This means less time cooking, less time cleaning, and more time enjoying a wholesome, comforting dish that everyone at the table will adore. Its incredible versatility allows it to seamlessly complement a wide range of main courses, from weeknight family dinners to holiday feasts.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Beyond its speed and simplicity, there are countless reasons why Honey Butter Skillet Corn deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. This dish offers a remarkable balance of flavors and textures that truly sets it apart. The natural sweetness of the corn is enhanced by the honey, while the cream cheese and butter create a luxuriously smooth and rich base. It’s a comforting side that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to achieve.
- **Unbeatable Flavor Profile:** The combination of sweet, savory, and creamy notes is simply irresistible. Each bite offers a delightful burst of flavor that complements almost any main dish.
- **Effortless Preparation:** Requiring only one skillet and a handful of common ingredients, this recipe minimizes both cooking time and cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- **Versatile Pairing:** Whether you’re serving grilled meats, roasted chicken, holiday ham, or a simple vegetarian meal, this corn dish is a perfect match.
- **Crowd-Pleaser:** Its universally appealing taste ensures it’s a hit with both kids and adults, making it a reliable choice for family gatherings and potlucks.
- **Customizable:** Easily adaptable to suit different tastes, you can add a touch of spice, incorporate extra ingredients, or adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Absolutely! While this recipe is quick on the stovetop, a slow cooker can be great for keeping the corn warm for extended periods, especially when serving a crowd or at a potluck. For a smaller batch, you’ll want a 2.5 to 3-quart slow cooker. Simply combine your frozen corn, cream cheese, butter, honey, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker, stir well, and cover with the lid. Cook on LOW for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through and the cream cheese is fully melted and integrated into a creamy sauce. Keep on a ‘warm’ setting for serving.
Enhancing this dish with a little heat is a fantastic idea for those who enjoy a spicier kick! It’s incredibly easy to do. Just add a dash of red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, a touch of chipotle powder for a smoky heat, or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce while the corn is cooking. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to achieve your desired level of spice. The sweetness of the honey and creaminess of the cheese perfectly balance the heat.
Definitely! This recipe serves as an excellent base for a more hearty side or even a light meal. Consider stirring in some cooked and crumbled ground beef or sausage, crispy cooked bacon bits, or shredded chicken. To add more depth and flavor, you could also incorporate diced green chiles (canned are fine), roasted red peppers, or a handful of sharp cheddar cheese just before serving. These additions transform it into a more robust and satisfying dish.
Yes, this Honey Butter Skillet Corn can be prepared a day in advance, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or entertaining. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating. When reheating, do so gently over low to medium heat on the stovetop or in the microwave at a lower power setting, stirring frequently. This gentle approach prevents the cream cheese from curdling and ensures the sauce remains smooth and creamy.
This recipe is incredibly easy to scale up for larger gatherings or potlucks. You can effortlessly double or even triple the ingredients to serve a crowd. Just ensure you use a sufficiently large skillet or a bigger slow cooker if you opt for that method, to accommodate the increased volume without overcrowding, which could affect cooking time and consistency. The cooking time might increase slightly with larger quantities, so cook until all ingredients are heated through and well combined.
Leftovers of Honey Butter Skillet Corn can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully! You can warm it up in the microwave for a few minutes, stirring halfway through, or gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water if the sauce appears too thick, until it’s piping hot.
Ingredients Needed: (See Recipe Card Below for Full Details)
This recipe shines with its simplicity, relying on just a few key ingredients to create its signature flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and some helpful tips:
- Bag of Frozen Corn: We recommend a 20-24 ounce bag of frozen corn for convenience and consistent quality. Frozen corn is often picked at its peak ripeness and flash-frozen, locking in its sweet flavor. If fresh corn is in season, you can absolutely use kernels cut from 4-5 ears of corn. Canned corn, drained well, can also work in a pinch, though the texture might be slightly softer.
- Cream Cheese: A crucial ingredient for the dish’s irresistible creaminess and tang. Use 4 ounces (half a block) of full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature for easier blending. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, a plant-based cream cheese can be used, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly. For those who prefer a lighter sauce or don’t enjoy cream cheese, a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half can offer some creaminess, but be aware the consistency will be thinner.
- Butter: Essential for richness and flavor. Three tablespoons of butter, whether salted or unsalted, will work beautifully. If using unsalted, you might want to adjust the added salt to taste. Butter contributes significantly to the “honey butter” aspect, creating a decadent mouthfeel.
- Honey: The star of the show, providing that lovely, subtle sweetness that makes this dish so unique. Don’t skip the honey; it truly enhances the corn’s natural sugars and balances the savory elements. If you’re out of honey, pure maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a substitute, offering a similar sweet profile with a slightly different nuanced flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings are vital for bringing all the flavors together. The recipe card specifies amounts (typically ½ teaspoon each), but always remember to season to your personal preference. Taste and adjust before serving.
- Dried Parsley (Optional): A sprinkle of dried parsley at the end adds a touch of color and a fresh, herbaceous note, enhancing the dish’s visual appeal and providing a subtle aromatic finish.
How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn: Step-by-Step
Preparing this incredibly flavorful side dish is remarkably straightforward. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these simple ingredients transform into a creamy, sweet, and savory masterpiece.
- **Combine Ingredients:** Begin by adding all the core ingredients to a large skillet. This includes your 20-24 ounce bag of frozen corn, 4 ounces (1/2 block) of softened cream cheese, 3 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of honey, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Exclude the dried parsley for now, as that will be added at the very end.
- **Cook and Stir:** Place the skillet over medium heat. As the butter melts and the pan warms, begin to stir the ingredients together. Continue to mix for 7-10 minutes, or until the corn is thoroughly heated through, the cream cheese has completely melted into a smooth, luscious sauce, and all the ingredients are well combined and bubbling gently. Ensure the cream cheese is fully incorporated to avoid lumps.
- **Serve and Garnish:** Once the corn is hot and creamy, remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the Honey Butter Skillet Corn to a serving bowl. For an optional flourish, sprinkle 2 teaspoons of dried parsley over the top just before serving. This adds a beautiful pop of color and a fresh aroma. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variations and Customizations for Your Skillet Corn
While the classic Honey Butter Skillet Corn is delightful on its own, this recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to easily customize it to your taste or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
- **Herbaceous Notes:** Beyond parsley, consider fresh chives, a touch of thyme, or finely chopped cilantro for a different aromatic twist.
- **Cheesy Goodness:** For an extra layer of richness, stir in a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese, sharp cheddar, or even a smoky Gouda at the end of cooking until melted.
- **Protein Boost:** As mentioned in the FAQs, crumbled bacon, cooked sausage, or even diced ham can transform this side into a more substantial dish.
- **Vegetable Add-ins:** Enhance the nutritional value and texture by stirring in finely diced red bell pepper, green onions, or even some sautéed mushrooms during the last few minutes of cooking.
- **Sweetness Adjustment:** If you prefer a less sweet corn, simply reduce the amount of honey. For a sweeter version, add an extra tablespoon.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Honey Butter Skillet Corn
The beauty of this creamy corn dish lies in its versatility. It complements a wide array of main courses, making it an ideal choice for nearly any occasion. Here are some pairing ideas to inspire your next meal:
- **Classic BBQ:** This sweet and savory corn is a natural fit for grilled ribs, pulled pork, BBQ chicken, or brisket. Its creamy texture provides a wonderful contrast to smoky meats.
- **Holiday Feasts:** A delightful addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas table, serving as a comforting side alongside roasted turkey, ham, or prime rib.
- **Weeknight Dinners:** Elevate simple meals like roasted chicken, pan-seared pork chops, or meatloaf with this easy-to-prepare side.
- **Vegetarian Meals:** Pairs wonderfully with black bean burgers, grilled halloumi, or a hearty lentil loaf for a complete vegetarian spread.
- **Southern Comfort:** A perfect companion to fried chicken, catfish, or country-fried steak, enhancing the overall comfort food experience.
Craving More Delicious Corn Recipes?
If you’ve fallen in love with the humble corn kernel, you’re in luck! There are so many fantastic ways to enjoy this versatile vegetable. Explore these other mouth-watering corn-based recipes for more inspiration:
- Fried Corn
- Crock Pot Corn Casserole
- Frito Corn Salad
- Corn Fritters
- Crock Pot Jalapeño Popper Corn Dip
- Crock Pot Creamed Corn
- Creamed Corn (stovetop version)
Honey Butter Skillet Corn
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Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 20-24 ounce bag frozen corn
- 4 ounces (1/2 block) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 3 Tablespoons butter (can use salted or unsalted)
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley (optional)
Instructions
- To a skillet, add 20-24 ounce bag frozen corn, 4 ounces (1/2 block) cream cheese, softened to room temperature, 3 Tablespoons butter, 2 Tablespoons honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Over medium heat, mix for 7-10 minutes or until the corn is heated through, the cream cheese has fully melted and everything has come together and is warm.
- Top with 2 teaspoons dried parsley then serve.
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Side Dish
American
Nutrition
Calories:
173
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
22
g
|
Protein:
3
g
|
Fat:
10
g
|
Sodium:
228
mg
|
Fiber:
2
g
|
Sugar:
5
g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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