There’s something magical about the combination of honey and butter. When you add it to sweet corn, it creates a rich and creamy side dish that’s irresistible. This honey butter skillet corn is a simple, quick recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or as a standout side at barbecues. Whether you’re serving it to family or guests, it’s a dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
What makes this recipe even more appealing is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, including frozen corn, honey, butter, and cream cheese, you can create a dish that’s creamy, sweet, and savory all in one. No need for complicated cooking techniques—just one skillet, a few minutes, and you’ve got a side dish that’s ready to go.
Why You’ll Love Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something quick but delicious.
Creamy and Sweet: The combination of butter, honey, and cream cheese gives the corn a rich and creamy texture with a hint of sweetness that everyone will love.
Versatile: Whether you’re serving this dish at a holiday meal, as a side to grilled meats, or as part of a casual dinner, it pairs well with almost anything.
Minimal Ingredients: With only four main ingredients, you can make this dish with whatever frozen corn you have in your freezer. It’s a great way to use up pantry staples while making something special.
Ingredients for Honey Butter Skillet Corn
This recipe calls for just a few basic ingredients, all of which work together to create a dish that’s creamy, sweet, and comforting.
Butter: Salted butter is the base of the dish. The rich, savory flavor of butter pairs perfectly with the sweetness of honey and cream cheese.
Honey: Honey brings a natural sweetness to the dish, balancing the savory flavors of the butter and corn.
Frozen Corn: Using frozen corn makes this dish quick and convenient. You can use any type of frozen corn—sweet yellow, white, or a mix of both—but the sweeter varieties work best for this dish.
Cream Cheese: A small amount of cream cheese is what makes this dish so creamy. It adds a tangy richness that takes the flavor to another level.
How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Making this recipe is a breeze. Follow these simple steps to get this creamy, sweet corn on the table in no time:
Step 1: Melt Butter and Honey
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of honey over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the butter melts evenly and the honey blends with the butter. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is fully melted and combined.
Step 2: Add Frozen Corn
Add 1 bag (16 oz) of frozen corn to the skillet. No need to thaw the corn beforehand; just toss it straight into the pan. Stir the corn to coat it with the butter-honey mixture. Let it cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through and tender.
Step 3: Add Cream Cheese, Salt, and Pepper
Cut 2 ounces of cream cheese into small chunks and add it to the skillet. Stir it in until it melts completely and the corn becomes creamy. Season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, adjusting to your taste. Let the mixture cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure everything is well combined and creamy.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the corn is hot and creamy, remove it from the heat and serve immediately. The dish is best enjoyed while it’s fresh and warm, though you can store leftovers for later use (see storage instructions below).
Nutritional Benefits of Honey Butter Skillet Corn
While this dish is indulgent and comforting, it also provides some essential nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional benefits of the key ingredients:
Corn: Corn is a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals. It also provides potassium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure.
Honey: Honey is a natural sweetener that contains trace amounts of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, calcium, and iron. It also has antioxidant properties, which help reduce inflammation in the body.
Butter: Butter provides healthy fats that are essential for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. However, it should be used in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds calcium and protein to the dish, along with a smooth, creamy texture that enhances the flavor of the corn.
While this recipe is a treat, you can still enjoy it in moderation as part of a healthy, well-rounded diet.
Tips for Making Perfect Honey Butter Skillet Corn
While the recipe itself is straightforward, here are some additional tips and tricks to ensure your Honey Butter Skillet Corn turns out perfectly every time:
1. Adjust the Sweetness
If you prefer a sweeter corn, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of honey. If you want it less sweet, cut back on the honey a little. This is a versatile recipe, so feel free to adjust the sweetness to match your personal preference.
2. Use High-Quality Butter
The flavor of butter is crucial in this dish, so using high-quality salted butter will make a big difference. If you use unsalted butter, be sure to add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness of the honey.
3. Make It Creamier
For an even creamier version, you can add heavy cream or half-and-half along with the cream cheese. This will give the dish an extra richness and a silky texture that makes the corn even more indulgent.
4. Add Herbs or Spices
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for a subtle heat. Alternatively, you can stir in some fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley just before serving to bring a fresh herbaceous note to the dish.
5. Don’t Overcook the Corn
While the corn should cook long enough to heat through and absorb the honey-butter mixture, be careful not to overcook it. Overcooking will cause the corn to lose its crispness and natural sweetness. Stir it occasionally and check for doneness after 5 minutes.
Variations to Try with Honey Butter Skillet Corn
This recipe is very versatile, and you can mix things up by adding different ingredients. Here are a few fun ideas:
Add Bacon: Crispy bacon crumbles will add a savory contrast to the sweet corn. Fry the bacon first, crumble it, and stir it into the corn mixture just before serving.
Cheese: Adding a little Parmesan cheese or cheddar can enhance the flavor profile of the dish. Sprinkle it over the corn at the end of cooking and let it melt for a gooey finish.
Chili and Lime: For a zesty, spicy twist, add chili powder and fresh lime juice. This will bring a bright kick that perfectly balances the sweetness of the honey.
Garlic Butter Corn: If you love garlic, sauté a couple of minced garlic cloves in the butter before adding the honey and corn. The garlic flavor adds depth and complexity to the dish.
Serving Suggestions for Honey Butter Skillet Corn
While this dish is delicious on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains. Here are some great ideas for serving it:
Grilled Chicken: Honey butter corn is a perfect side for grilled chicken. The sweetness of the corn pairs beautifully with the smoky flavors of the chicken.
Steak: Serve it alongside a juicy steak for a hearty meal. The creaminess of the corn balances out the rich flavors of the steak.
BBQ Ribs: The sweetness of the corn is a great complement to tangy BBQ ribs, making it an ideal side dish for your next barbecue.
Fish: Honey butter corn also works well with lighter dishes like grilled fish or baked salmon, where the subtle sweetness of the corn enhances the flavor of the fish.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers, this dish keeps well in the fridge. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Storing: Let the corn cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place the corn in a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of butter to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave for a quicker option, though it might lose a bit of its creaminess.
FAQs on Honey Butter Skillet Corn
What is honey butter skillet corn?
Honey butter skillet corn is a delicious and creamy side dish made with frozen corn, butter, honey, and cream cheese. The corn is cooked in a skillet with the honey-butter mixture, creating a rich and sweet flavor that’s complemented by the creaminess of the cheese. It’s a quick and easy dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses, adding a sweet and savory element to your meal.
Do corn and honey go together?
Yes, corn and honey make a fantastic combination! The natural sweetness of corn, especially when roasted or sautéed, pairs perfectly with the rich sweetness of honey. The honey adds a layer of complexity to the corn’s flavor, making it a great choice for sweet and savory dishes like honey butter skillet corn. This combination is often used in many recipes to enhance the flavor of corn and create a more indulgent dish.
What do you do with honey butter?
Honey butter is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways:
Spread: Use honey butter as a spread for bread, muffins, pancakes, or waffles. It adds a sweet and creamy layer to your favorite breakfast items.
Topping: Drizzle honey butter over vegetables like roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, or corn for a rich, sweet finish.
Baking: Incorporate honey butter into baked goods such as rolls, cornbread, or scones for extra moisture and sweetness.
Glaze: Honey butter can also be used as a glaze for meats, particularly grilled chicken or pork, giving the dish a sweet, golden finish.
How do you get butter to stick to corn on the cob?
To get butter to stick to corn on the cob, follow these tips:
Melt the butter: Make sure the butter is fully melted before applying it to the corn. This will allow it to coat the cob evenly.
Brush the butter on: Use a pastry brush to apply the melted butter to the corn. This helps the butter spread evenly and stick to the kernels.
Add seasoning: Once the butter is on the corn, sprinkle some salt, pepper, or other seasonings like chili powder, garlic powder, or Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor and ensure the butter sticks even better.
Is honey butter just honey and butter?
Honey butter is typically a simple mixture of butter and honey, though some recipes may also include a pinch of salt for balance. The butter is typically softened or melted, and then mixed with honey until smooth. While the basic version uses just these two ingredients, variations can include adding cream cheese, vanilla extract, or even cinnamon for added flavor.
Recipe Card for Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons salted butter
2 tablespoons honey
16 oz bag frozen corn (any variety)
2 ounces cream cheese, cut into chunks
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
In a large skillet, melt butter and honey over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally until fully combined.
Add frozen corn to the skillet and stir to coat it in the honey-butter mixture. Cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through and tender.
Add cream cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy. Let it cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and serve immediately as a side dish.
Notes:
You can add extra honey if you prefer a sweeter corn dish.
For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half.
Crispy bacon crumbles or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese can be added for extra flavor.
If you prefer a lighter version, reduce the amount of cream cheese or use a low-fat version.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 161 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 20mg |
| Sodium | 165mg |
| Potassium | 235mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Vitamin A | 244 IU |
| Vitamin C | 5mg |
| Calcium | 12mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 side dish servings
Calories: 161 kcal per serving
Yield: 6 servings
