Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe

Golden Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe: Sweet Summer Joy

Sweet kernels dancing with golden honey butter create a side dish that whispers comfort and nostalgia.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this simple yet magical combination.

Creamy, glistening corn kernels caramelized with rich, smooth butter and hints of natural sweetness.

Skillets become magical platforms where humble ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Each spoonful promises a delightful blend of textures and flavors that complement any main course.

Summer barbecues and family gatherings will never be the same once you experience this irresistible corn creation.

Let’s uncover the secret to making this mouthwatering dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Honey Butter Skillet Corn Is Sweet, Buttery, And Easy

  • Effortless Flavor Explosion: This honey butter skillet corn delivers a perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and savory notes that dance together in every single bite.
  • Quick Comfort Cooking: Whipped up in just 10 minutes, this recipe offers a speedy side dish that feels like a warm culinary hug, making weeknight dinners instantly more delightful.
  • Creamy Texture Magic: The combination of melted cream cheese and butter creates an incredibly smooth, luxurious coating that transforms ordinary corn into a restaurant-worthy side dish.
  • Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love this simple yet irresistible corn recipe that elevates a basic vegetable into something truly special and crave-worthy.

Ingredients For Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Main Ingredients:

Corn Kernels:
  • Fresh or Frozen Corn Kernels: Sweet base of the dish, provides natural corn flavor and texture. Fresh corn offers the best taste, but frozen corn works well for convenience.
  • Butter: Adds rich, smooth flavor and helps cook the corn. Unsalted butter recommended for better control of saltiness.
Creamy and Sweet Components:
  • Honey, Cream Cheese: Combine to create a luscious, sweet-tangy sauce. Local honey adds depth, while full-fat cream cheese ensures a rich, smooth consistency.
Seasoning and Garnish:
  • Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the corn's natural sweetness. Freshly ground black pepper provides more robust flavor.
  • Chives or Scallions: Fresh green herb topping adds bright color and mild onion-like freshness. Optional but recommended for visual appeal and extra flavor.

How To Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn In One Pan

Step 1: Prepare Skillet Corn Magic

Heat a spacious skillet over medium-high flame. Drop butter into the pan and let it melt completely, creating a golden liquid base. Pour in fresh corn kernels, allowing them to dance and sizzle. Stir occasionally, watching the kernels transform into a tender, bright yellow delight. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the corn looks vibrant and smells irresistible.

Step 2: Blend Creamy Sweetness

Lower the skillet’s temperature to medium heat. Introduce these ingredients:
  • Honey
  • Cream cheese pieces

Gently stir the mixture, watching cream cheese soften and melt into a luxurious sauce. Keep stirring until everything combines into a smooth, glossy coating for the corn. This process takes about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Final Flavor Touch

Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper across the corn. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking. Transfer the glossy corn to a beautiful serving dish. Scatter freshly chopped chives or green onions on top for a pop of color and extra zesty flavor.

Serve immediately while the corn is warm and the sauce is creamy. Enjoy this simple yet elegant side dish that transforms ordinary corn into a spectacular culinary experience.

Tips For Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Boost Corn Flavor: Toast kernels in butter until slightly golden for deeper, richer taste sensations.

Melt Cream Cheese Smoothly: Cut cream cheese into small cubes to help it blend faster and prevent lumps.

Balance Sweet and Savory: Adjust honey quantity based on corn’s natural sweetness to create perfect flavor harmony.

Make It Dietary-Friendly: Swap regular butter with plant-based alternatives for vegan or dairy-sensitive diets.

Enhance Texture Contrast: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts on top for delightful crunch and added depth.

How To Store And Reheat Honey Butter Skillet Corn Right

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover corn in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chilled for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Reheat Stovetop: Warm corn in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Add a splash of milk or butter to restore creamy texture and prevent drying out.
  • Microwave Method: Place corn in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain consistency.
  • Quick Tip: Consume refrigerated corn within 3-4 days for best flavor and quality. Discard if you notice any unusual smell or appearance.

What To Serve With Honey Butter Skillet Corn

  • Pair with Grilled Proteins: Match this sweet and creamy corn with smoky grilled chicken or juicy pork chops to create a balanced flavor profile that highlights the corn's rich buttery sweetness.
  • Complement with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the cream cheese and provide a refreshing contrast to the honey's sweetness.
  • Create Barbecue Sidekick: Serve alongside classic barbecue favorites like pulled pork, beef brisket, or grilled ribs where the corn's creamy texture and subtle sweetness will enhance the robust meat flavors.
  • Match with Zesty Salad: Combine this skillet corn with a light, tangy green salad dressed in a citrus vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and add a bright, fresh element to the meal.

Ways To Flavor Honey Butter Skillet Corn Differently

  • Spicy Southwestern Corn: Add diced jalapeños and a sprinkle of chili powder for a kick. Mix in crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro for extra flavor complexity.
  • Mediterranean Herb Corn: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh oregano. Drizzle with olive oil and add a touch of lemon zest for a bright, aromatic profile.
  • Bacon Lover's Corn: Crisp up diced bacon before sautéing the corn. Fold in the crispy bacon bits and use some bacon grease for additional richness. Top with green onions for freshness.
  • Cajun-Style Corn: Blend in Cajun seasoning and diced bell peppers. Stir in some andouille sausage pieces for a hearty, spicy version that brings New Orleans flair to the table.

Honey Butter Skillet Corn FAQs

FAQs for Honey Butter Skillet Corn

  • Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn kernels?

Absolutely! Frozen corn works perfectly. Just thaw it first and pat dry to remove excess moisture before cooking.

  • Is this recipe good for people who don't like super sweet dishes?

Yes, the honey adds just a subtle sweetness that balances nicely with the savory cream cheese and butter. It’s not an overpowering sweet flavor.

  • What type of cream cheese works best in this recipe?

Any standard block-style cream cheese will work great. Full-fat versions tend to melt more smoothly and create a richer texture.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare it and keep warm in a low oven for about 30 minutes before serving. Just be careful not to overcook the corn.

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

Southern comfort meets creamy indulgence in this Honey Butter Skillet Corn, where sweet kernels mingle with rich, golden butter. Crowd-pleasing side dishes don’t get more delicious than this simple, irresistible recipe that welcomes you to savor each delectable spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives or scallions

Instructions

  1. Prepare a spacious nonstick skillet by melting butter over medium-high temperature, creating a golden sizzling surface for the corn kernels.
  2. Gently introduce corn kernels into the heated butter, allowing them to dance and caramelize while stirring intermittently, ensuring even heating and developing rich, golden edges.
  3. Lower the skillet’s temperature to medium, creating a gentle environment for incorporating honey and cream cheese, which will transform the corn into a luxurious, velvety mixture.
  4. Continuously fold and stir the ingredients, watching the cream cheese dissolve and merge seamlessly with the sweet honey and golden corn, creating a glossy, integrated texture.
  5. Season the corn with delicate sprinkles of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, allowing each kernel to absorb the nuanced flavors.
  6. Transfer the glistening, creamy corn to a serving vessel, presenting a vibrant and inviting side dish that promises rich, comforting taste.
  7. Elevate the visual appeal and add a fresh, sharp note by garnishing with finely chopped chives or scallions, providing a delicate green contrast to the golden corn.

Notes

  • Choose fresh, sweet corn kernels for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure smoother, faster melting into the corn mixture.
  • Adjust honey quantity based on corn’s natural sweetness and personal preference for sweetness level.
  • For a lighter version, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Side Dish
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 170 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

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