Honey Butter Skillet Corn: A Sweet and Creamy Side Dish Everyone Will Love
Sweet, buttery, and unbelievably creamy! 🌽🍯 This Honey Butter Skillet Corn is the side dish your dinner table’s been missing. With golden corn sautéed in rich butter, sweet honey, and a splash of cream cheese, every bite melts in your mouth. 🧈✨ It’s quick, comforting, and perfect with everything from grilled meats to holiday roasts. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and impossible to resist! 💛🔥
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 bag (16 ounces) frozen corn kernels or 2 cups fresh corn kernels
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into small chunks
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional additions:
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds subtle smoky flavor)
- Fresh chopped parsley or chives for garnish
Preparation
- Thaw frozen corn for 10-15 minutes before cooking to ensure even heating.
- Cut the cream cheese into small chunks to help it melt quickly and evenly.
- Measure out salt, pepper, and any optional spices in advance for convenience.
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Honey:
Place a large skillet on medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of salted butter and 2 tablespoons of honey to the pan. Stir occasionally as the butter melts and combines with the honey. Heat until the mixture is smooth and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. - Add Corn:
Add the thawed frozen or fresh corn kernels to the skillet. Stir well to coat the corn evenly with the honey-butter mixture. Let the corn cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is tender but still retains a slight crunch. - Add Cream Cheese:
Add the cream cheese chunks to the skillet. Stir continuously to melt the cream cheese and create a creamy sauce that coats the corn. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes. The mixture will become thick and luscious. - Season:
Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper over the corn. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. For a smoky twist, add 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika if using. - Remove from Heat and Serve:
Once the cream cheese is fully melted and the corn is creamy and well combined, remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the corn to a serving dish or serve directly from the skillet. - Garnish (Optional):
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top before serving to add color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Fresh vs. Frozen Corn:
- Fresh corn adds a slightly crunchier texture and a bright flavor. Use fresh corn during the summer months for the best taste.
- Frozen corn is convenient, available year-round, and just as tasty when thawed properly. Always thaw frozen corn before cooking to avoid excess water and uneven heating.
- Cream Cheese Tips:
- Soften cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking. This helps it melt faster and blend more smoothly.
- Stir constantly when adding cream cheese to prevent clumps and ensure a creamy texture.
- Adjusting Sweetness:
- Honey provides sweetness and depth. Adjust the amount to your taste—reduce to 1 tablespoon for less sweetness or increase to 3 tablespoons for a sweeter dish.
- If you want a different sweetener, maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives.
- Seasoning Variations:
- Add smoked paprika or chili powder for a smoky or mildly spicy kick.
- Fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary can add an earthy aroma.
- Avoid Overcooking:
- Corn cooks quickly. Overcooking can cause it to become mushy. Cook just until tender and heated through.
- Dairy-Free Option:
- Use vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese substitutes to make this dish dairy-free. Replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option.
- Cleaning Tip:
- If cream cheese sticks to the skillet, soak it in warm water immediately after cooking to make cleanup easier.