There’s something truly heartwarming about the sound of corn sizzling in a hot skillet, especially when it’s drizzled with honey and buttery goodness. This Honey Butter Skillet Corn has quickly become one of my favorite side dishes—the kind that draws everyone to the dinner table with its inviting aroma. Imagine a simple yet rich combination of sweet and savory flavors, all wrapped up in just four easy ingredients.
Whether you’re hosting a festive Thanksgiving gathering or simply looking for a quick weeknight side dish, this creamy delight is versatile enough to fit into any meal. And, for the families with picky eaters, I’ve got a kid-friendly version that skips the cream cheese without sacrificing any flavor. Ready to transform your home-cooked meals? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why is Honey Butter Skillet Corn a Must-Try?
Simplicity is key! With just four ingredients, this dish comes together effortlessly, perfect for busy weeknights or holiday feasts. Delightfully creamy, the addition of honey and butter creates a rich flavor that complements any main course. Versatile as can be, you can easily switch up the cream cheese for a kid-friendly version, ensuring all family members enjoy it. Crowd-pleasing and inviting, its sweet aroma fills the kitchen, making it an instant favorite at gatherings. Elevate your cooking with this flavorful side that’s sure to impress!
Honey Butter Skillet Corn Ingredients
• Perfect for a quick side dish!
For the Base
- Canned Corn (15 oz) or Frozen Corn (16 oz) – The main ingredient providing that sweet corn flavor; fresh corn can also be an excellent substitute!
- Butter (4 tablespoons, salted) – Adds richness; consider using bacon fat or duck fat for an extra flavor boost.
For Creaminess
- Cream Cheese (2 oz) – Delivers a creamy texture; omit for a kid-friendly option, or swap for a non-dairy alternative if needed.
For Sweetness
- Honey (2 tablespoons) – Offers a delightful sweetness to balance savory elements; any vegan sweetener works for a plant-based version.
For Seasoning
- Italian Seasoning (¼ teaspoon) – Enhances the dish with herbal notes.
- Kosher Salt (¼ teaspoon) – Essential for bringing out the flavors.
- Ground Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon) – Adds a subtle kick.
For Garnish
- Freshly Chopped Parsley – Optional but adds a pop of color and freshness!
How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn
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Heat a Skillet: Begin by placing your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Let it warm up for a couple of minutes—this will help achieve that perfect sizzling sound when the butter hits.
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Melt Butter & Honey: Add in the cubed butter and honey. Swirl them around a bit as they melt together, creating a luscious blend of sweetness and richness.
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Cook Corn: Carefully pour in the canned or frozen corn. Stir occasionally and let it cook for about 7-8 minutes until it’s heated through and starts to shimmer.
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Add Cream Cheese & Seasonings: Mix in the cubed cream cheese, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir and continue to cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the cream cheese is fully melted, resulting in a wonderfully creamy texture.
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Garnish & Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy while it’s hot for the best flavor experience!
Optional: Drizzle a bit more honey on top just before serving for extra sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Fridge: Store leftover Honey Butter Skillet Corn in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently in the microwave or skillet to preserve its creamy texture.
Freezer: If you plan to freeze, allow the dish to cool completely first. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and use within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: When ready to serve, heat on low in a skillet, adding a splash of water or milk to maintain creaminess. Stir frequently until warmed through.
Make-Ahead Tip: For a quick weeknight dinner, prepare this delightful side dish ahead of time and simply reheat as needed!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing Honey Butter Skillet Corn in advance is a fantastic way to save time during busy weeknights or holiday gatherings! You can cook the corn mixture – combining the melted butter, honey, and seasonings with the corn and cream cheese – up to three days in advance. Simply allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, which will help maintain that creamy texture. Just remember to stir occasionally and add a splash of water or a bit more butter if it appears dry. This way, you can bring family-favorite Honey Butter Skillet Corn to the table, just as delicious as the day you made it!
What to Serve with Honey Butter Skillet Corn?
This decadent side dish invites the senses, perfectly balancing creamy sweetness with buttery goodness to elevate any meal.
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Roasted Chicken: Juicy and tender, roasted chicken’s savory flavors are complemented beautifully by the sweetness of the corn, creating a harmonious balance.
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Grilled Steak: The rich, smoky flavors of grilled steak pair well with the sweet, creamy corn, making your dinner an indulgent feast.
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Crispy Bacon: Saltiness and crunch from bacon enhance the dish’s creamy corn, adding texture and a savory contrast that everyone will love.
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Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad adds a crisp, refreshing element that balances the richness of the honey butter corn, perfect for a lighter meal.
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Cornbread: Serve warm cornbread alongside for a comforting, Southern-inspired experience; both dishes draw on the sweet corn theme, keeping the meal cohesive.
For an ultimate pairing experience, accompany your meal with a chilled glass of sparkling lemonade to cleanse the palate and highlight the sweetness in the corn.
Expert Tips for Honey Butter Skillet Corn
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Serve Hot: Enjoy this Honey Butter Skillet Corn immediately while it’s warm and the cream cheese is melting for an optimal flavor experience.
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Perfect Temperature: Ensure your skillet is heated adequately before adding butter and honey; this prevents sticking and allows for an even melt.
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Avoid Overcooking: Don’t let the corn cook too long; stirring occasionally for about 7-8 minutes will retain its tender crunch while getting nicely heated.
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Cream Cheese Alternatives: For a kid-friendly version, simply leave out the cream cheese and adjust the other ingredients for a smooth, delicious taste.
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Spicy Variation: If you’re feeling adventurous, add a splash of hot sauce during cooking to give your Honey Butter Skillet Corn a delightful kick!
Honey Butter Skillet Corn Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize this dish to suit your tastes!
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Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the skillet while cooking for a warming, zesty surprise.
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Creamy Dream: Instead of cream cheese, blend in a couple of tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
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Cheesy Goodness: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese for a rich, melty addition that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the corn.
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Herb Infusion: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh herbs, such as thyme or dill, for a light, fragrant touch.
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Maple Variation: Swap honey for pure maple syrup for a delightful take on sweetness that brings a unique flavor profile.
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Nutty Flavor: Toss in some toasted pecans or walnuts for added crunch and a nutty flavor that perfectly complements the creamy texture.
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Coconut Cream: Use coconut cream in place of cream cheese for a dairy-free, tropical variation, adding subtle sweetness and flavor.
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Citrus Zing: Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon or lime juice right before serving for a refreshing, zesty finish that brightens up the dish.
Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best corn for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, opt for fresh corn when in season. Look for plump, firm kernels without dark spots, which can indicate ripeness. If you’re using canned or frozen corn, ensure that they are of good quality and have no unnecessary additives for an authentic taste.
How should I store leftovers of Honey Butter Skillet Corn?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a touch of water or milk to maintain creaminess. This method helps keep the dish’s texture as delightful as when it was first made!
Can I freeze Honey Butter Skillet Corn?
Sure thing! To freeze, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Label it with the date, and it can last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or milk for creaminess.
What can I do if the dish turns out too sweet?
If you find your Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a bit too sweet for your taste, further balance it out by adding a pinch more salt or an extra sprinkle of Italian seasoning to enhance the savory flavors. Remember, it’s all about balance!
Is Honey Butter Skillet Corn safe for my pet?
Great question! Since this recipe contains butter and honey, it’s best to keep it away from pets, especially dogs. While small amounts of plain corn can be safe for dogs, the added ingredients aren’t recommended for their diet. Always consult with a vet before introducing new foods to your pet’s diet.
Can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?
Very much! To create a vegan version of Honey Butter Skillet Corn, simply skip the cream cheese and replace it with a non-dairy alternative, such as almond milk combined with vegan butter to create a roux-like creamy texture. Use a vegan sweetener instead of honey, making this dish inclusive for everyone!
Irresistible Honey Butter Skillet Corn: Quick & Creamy Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat for a couple of minutes.
- Add cubed butter and honey, swirling to combine as they melt.
- Pour in the corn and cook for 7-8 minutes until heated through.
- Stir in cream cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, cooking for another 4-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.