Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe

Sizzling Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe: Sweet Summer Joy

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when honey butter skillet corn arrives at the table, promising a creamy, sweet side dish that enhances ordinary kernels into something magical.

Rich, golden goodness melts across each tender bite, creating a symphony of flavors that dance between sweet and savory.

Skilled cooks understand the delicate balance required to elevate simple ingredients into memorable culinary experiences.

Comfort and nostalgia intermingle with each spoonful, reflecting deep-rooted traditions of home cooking that warm both heart and palate.

Smooth butter and vibrant corn combine in a skillet, developing layers of complexity that surprise and delight dinner companions.

Family gatherings become extraordinary moments when this irresistible dish makes its appearance, sparking conversations and creating lasting memories.

Regional influences shine through in this classic preparation, highlighting the beauty of rustic, unpretentious cooking techniques.

Tips for Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn

  • Select Fresh Frozen Corn: Choose high-quality frozen corn for the best texture and sweet flavor, ensuring maximum deliciousness in every bite.
  • Control Skillet Heat: Maintain medium-high heat to caramelize corn edges without burning, creating golden-brown crispy spots that boost overall taste.
  • Stir Consistently: Gently mix ingredients throughout cooking to prevent sticking and distribute honey butter evenly, guaranteeing perfect coating on each kernel.
  • Melt Cream Cheese Smoothly: Cut cream cheese into small chunks and stir slowly, allowing it to melt gradually and create a silky, luxurious sauce without clumping.
  • Serve Immediately Hot: Transfer corn to serving dish right after cooking to preserve warmth and creamy consistency, maximizing the dish's rich, comforting appeal.

How to Store and Reheat Honey Butter Skillet Corn

  • Refrigerate leftover corn in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dish sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
  • Microwave reheating works best for quick results. Transfer corn to a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk or butter to restore moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through completely.
  • Stovetop method provides the most even heating. Warm the corn in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a small amount of butter or milk to prevent drying. Stir gently and frequently until the corn reaches your desired temperature, typically 3-5 minutes.

What Dishes Pair Well with Honey Butter Skillet Corn

  • Boost Flavor Harmony: Pair this sweet and creamy corn with grilled chicken or roasted pork tenderloin to balance the dish's richness and complement its honeyed notes.
  • Wine Companion Selection: Choose a crisp Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the creamy texture and enhance the corn's subtle sweetness with their bright, acidic profiles.
  • Southern Comfort Match: Serve alongside buttermilk biscuits or cornbread to create a classic comfort food experience that celebrates the corn's rich, indulgent qualities.
  • Protein Power Partner: Combine with grilled salmon or seared shrimp to add a delicate protein that won't overpower the corn's delightful honey butter flavor.

Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe Twists

  • Spicy Honey Butter Corn: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the skillet for a fiery kick that transforms the sweet and creamy corn into a zesty side dish.
  • Mexican Street Corn Style: Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro over the corn after cooking, mimicking the classic elote street food flavor profile with a skillet-friendly approach.
  • Herb-Infused Butter Corn: Mix fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives into the butter and honey mixture before adding corn, creating an aromatic and elegant vegetable side that elevates the simple recipe.
  • Bacon-Loaded Corn Skillet: Crisp up some chopped bacon in the pan before adding butter and honey, then incorporate the corn and other ingredients for a smoky, savory version that adds incredible depth to the original recipe.

Why Honey Butter Skillet Corn Is So Addictive

  • Savor Sweet-Savory Harmony: Honey butter skillet corn creates a magical blend of sweetness from honey and richness from butter, delivering an unexpected flavor explosion that dances across your taste buds.
  • Experience Effortless Elegance: This recipe requires minimal prep time and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious side dish without complicated techniques or extensive kitchen experience.
  • Embrace Textural Wonderland: The combination of caramelized corn kernels, creamy cream cheese, and smooth honey-butter sauce offers a delightful contrast of crunchy, soft, and silky textures that keep every bite interesting and satisfying.
  • Celebrate Versatile Comfort: Whether served as a quick weeknight side dish, potluck contribution, or family gathering favorite, this corn recipe adapts beautifully to different dining scenarios while providing consistent, crowd-pleasing deliciousness.

Ingredients for Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Main Ingredients:

Corn Family:
  • Frozen Corn: Sweet kernels that form the base of the dish, quick and convenient for a fast meal.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural sweetness and flavor of the corn.
Creamy and Sweet Ingredients:
  • Butter, Honey: Rich and sweet combination that creates a caramelized coating for the corn, providing depth of flavor.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds a luxurious, creamy texture and helps bind the ingredients together.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Skillet Pan: Provides even heat distribution and allows for easy stirring and caramelization of ingredients.

Instructions for Making Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Step 1: Prepare Skillet

Heat a skillet pan over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Create Honey Butter Base

Add butter and honey to the skillet.

  • Butter
  • Honey

Stir ingredients to combine and melt together.

Step 3: Cook Frozen Corn

Pour frozen corn directly into the skillet.

Cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Watch for slight caramelization and heated corn kernels.

Step 4: Add Creamy Elements

Incorporate cream cheese into the corn mixture.

  • Cream cheese
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Stir ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes.

Step 5: Final Touches

Ensure corn is creamy and slightly bubbling.

Stir mixture to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Transfer honey butter skillet corn to serving dish.

Serve immediately while warm and at peak flavor.

Cooking Tips:
  • Use medium-high heat for best caramelization
  • Stir frequently to prevent burning
  • Fresh corn can be substituted for frozen corn
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste
  • For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream

Nutritional Note:

This dish combines sweet and savory flavors with a creamy texture. Perfect as a side dish or light meal.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe

Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sweet kernels of corn bathe in creamy honey butter, creating a Southern-style side dish that whispers comfort and homestyle charm. Skillet-kissed goodness promises warmth with each golden spoonful you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Corn:

  • 1 bag (16 ounces / 454 grams) frozen corn

Dairy:

  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter, salted
  • 2 ounces (57 grams) cream cheese, cut into chunks

Seasonings and Sweeteners:

  • 2 tablespoons (42 grams) honey
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare a mise en place by gathering all ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
  2. Position a large skillet on the stovetop, heating to medium-high temperature (375°F/190°C).
  3. Introduce of butter and of honey into the skillet, allowing them to melt and create a golden, glossy fusion.
  4. Gently incorporate of frozen corn directly into the butter-honey mixture without prior thawing.
  5. Sauté the corn for 6-7 minutes, occasionally stirring to promote even heating and develop subtle caramelized edges.
  6. Introduce of cream cheese in small cubes, sprinkling salt and black pepper across the skillet.
  7. Continuously fold and blend ingredients, ensuring cream cheese melts uniformly and coats each kernel with a rich, velvety texture.
  8. Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, maintaining gentle movement to prevent corn from adhering to the pan’s surface.
  9. Remove from heat when corn appears glossy, creamy, and heated thoroughly.
  10. Transfer immediately to a serving dish, presenting the corn while still steaming and aromatic.

Notes

  • Prep in Advance: Gather all ingredients beforehand to create a seamless cooking experience and minimize kitchen stress.
  • Quick Caramelization: Cook corn on medium-high heat to develop rich, golden-brown edges that enhance natural sweetness.
  • No Thawing Required: Directly add frozen corn to the skillet, saving time and preserving corn’s fresh texture.
  • Creamy Transformation: Incorporate cream cheese to create a luxurious, velvety coating that elevates the corn’s flavor profile.
  • Stirring Technique: Occasional stirring prevents sticking and ensures even distribution of honey, butter, and cream cheese.
  • Serve Immediately: Enjoy the dish piping hot for maximum flavor and optimal creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Side Dish
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star