Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish made with sweet corn, rich butter, and a touch of honey for a beautiful balance of sweet and savory. Cooked in one skillet, this creamy and comforting dish pairs perfectly with any main course and comes together in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it takes everyday ingredients and turns them into something special. The honey adds a gentle sweetness that enhances the natural flavor of the corn, while the butter creates a rich, velvety texture. It’s a one-pan wonder that I can make quickly, whether I’m cooking for a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Sweet corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
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Unsalted butter
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Honey
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Cream cheese (for a creamy finish)
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Salt
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Black pepper
Directions
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I start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding the butter until it melts.
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Once the butter is melted, I stir in the corn and let it cook for about 5–7 minutes until it’s heated through and slightly golden in spots.
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I then add the honey and mix well to coat the corn evenly with the butter and honey mixture.
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I reduce the heat and stir in the cream cheese until it melts and blends into a creamy sauce.
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I season with salt and black pepper to taste, then let it cook for a couple more minutes until everything is warm and creamy.
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I serve it hot, directly from the skillet, and sometimes top it with a sprinkle of chopped herbs or a little extra honey drizzle.
Servings and timing
This dish serves 4 to 6 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook, making it ready in just 20 minutes.
Variations
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I sometimes add a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika for a spicy kick.
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For a cheesier version, I stir in shredded cheddar or parmesan at the end.
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I’ve also used flavored cream cheese (like chive or garlic) for an herby twist.
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To lighten it up, I substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or leave it out for a less creamy version.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or water if it thickens too much. The microwave also works well for quick reheating.
FAQs
Can I use canned or frozen corn?
Yes, I’ve made this with all three—fresh, frozen, and canned corn. Frozen corn works great and doesn’t need to be thawed first. Canned corn should be drained well before using.
What kind of honey should I use?
I use whatever honey I have on hand, but I prefer mild, light honey so it doesn’t overpower the dish. Raw or local honey adds a nice touch of flavor.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, I’ve used dairy-free butter and plant-based cream cheese with good results. It stays creamy and flavorful even without dairy.
Is it too sweet?
Not at all. The honey adds just a touch of sweetness that complements the natural flavor of the corn. I adjust the amount based on how sweet my corn is.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely. I sometimes make it a few hours in advance and reheat gently on the stove before serving. It holds up well and even tastes better as the flavors sit.
Conclusion
Honey Butter Skillet Corn is one of those side dishes I come back to again and again. It’s fast, easy, and packed with flavor. The combination of creamy butter, sweet honey, and fresh corn is irresistible, and it works with just about any main course. Whether I’m feeding a family or hosting friends, this dish always gets rave reviews.
Print
Honey Butter Skillet Corn
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a quick and delicious side dish made with sweet corn, butter, honey, and cream cheese. This creamy, savory-sweet skillet corn comes together in one pan in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups sweet corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 oz cream cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
- Add the corn and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly golden in spots.
- Stir in the honey and mix well to coat the corn evenly.
- Reduce the heat and add cream cheese, stirring until melted and fully incorporated.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cook for 1–2 more minutes until everything is creamy and heated through. Serve hot.
Notes
- Add cayenne or smoked paprika for a spicy twist.
- Stir in shredded cheese for a cheesier version.
- Use flavored cream cheese for added flavor.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter dish.
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk or water if thickened.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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