If you are craving a side dish that’s bursting with comfort and a touch of sweetness, look no further than this Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe. Imagine tender corn kernels cooked to perfection in a rich, buttery sauce sweetened delicately with honey and mellowed with cream and cream cheese. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining simple ingredients into a luxurious, velvety delight that everyone will love at the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe just right starts with a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each adds its own magic—whether it’s the sweetness of honey, the richness of butter, or the creamy tang from cream cheese—that makes this dish stand out.
- Corn kernels: Whether fresh or frozen, these are the star of the dish, bringing natural sweetness and a satisfying bite.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich base to sauté the corn and build that luscious buttery flavor.
- Honey: Adds a gentle sweetness that perfectly balances the savory and creamy notes.
- Heavy cream: Delivers the silky smooth texture that makes the corn absolutely irresistible.
- Cream cheese: Softened and stirred in to add tanginess and extra creaminess.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavors and brings out the natural sweetness of the corn.
- Black pepper: A subtle kick that cuts through the richness without overpowering it.
- Cayenne or smoked paprika (optional): For those who like a little warmth or smoky undertone, just a pinch elevates the dish beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Corn
Start by melting unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes. This step brings out the natural sweetness and allows the corn to develop a slight caramelized flavor that will complement the creamy sauce perfectly.
Step 2: Add Honey and Creamy Ingredients
Next, stir in the honey, heavy cream, softened cream cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until the cream cheese melts into the sauce, creating a smooth, velvety consistency that coats each kernel beautifully. Let it cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, so all the flavors mingle and the corn absorbs that incredible creamy, sweet richness.
Step 3: Finish with a Touch of Spice
For a little surprise that takes the dish up a notch, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika if you like a hint of heat or smoky depth. This optional step really personalizes the dish and adds an exciting flavor twist. Stir it in well, and your Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is ready to serve.
How to Serve Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped fresh parsley or chives add a fresh, green pop of color and a mild herbaceous note. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta can also complement the creaminess, while a few red pepper flakes cater to those who like a little spice alongside their sweet and buttery corn.
Side Dishes
This creamy corn pairs perfectly with grilled meats such as chicken, steak, or pork chops. It’s also a fantastic companion to barbecue dishes or rustic roasted vegetables. For a comforting meal, serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice for a truly satisfying combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe in small, rustic cast-iron skillets to keep it warm and give it a charming, homey presentation. Another lovely idea is to spoon it over toasted bread or inside soft dinner rolls to create a delightful corn bruschetta or slider filling that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy honey butter corn can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen when chilled overnight, making it a great side to prepare ahead of time and reheat when needed.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Keep in mind that the texture may slightly change upon thawing due to the dairy content, so gentle reheating is recommended.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the corn slowly over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or curdling. Adding a splash of cream or milk can help restore the creamy texture. Microwave reheating works too—heat in short intervals and stir in between.
FAQs
Can I use canned corn for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you use canned corn, be sure to drain it well. While fresh or frozen corn tends to provide a fresher texture and sweetness, canned corn will still work deliciously in this creamy skillet dish.
Is this recipe very sweet because of the honey?
The honey adds just a mild sweetness that balances the savory butter and cream flavors without overwhelming the dish. If you prefer a less sweet side, you can reduce the honey slightly or omit it altogether.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and opt for a dairy-free cream cheese. The texture and flavor will be a bit different but should still be delicious.
How spicy is the dish if I add cayenne or smoked paprika?
The spice level is very mild when using just a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. It is intended to enhance the flavor subtly without making the dish overly spicy. You can always omit or adjust to your preference.
Can this be made ahead for a party or gathering?
Yes! The Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is a great make-ahead side. Prepare it earlier in the day, refrigerate, and gently reheat before serving. It holds up well and tastes just as wonderful warming up.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is truly one of those dishes that transforms humble ingredients into something special and comforting. It’s quick to make, irresistibly creamy, and perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to your meal. I encourage you to give it a try—once you do, this will become one of your favorite go-to sides to brighten up any dinner!
Print
Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a rich and flavorful side dish featuring tender corn kernels cooked in a luscious blend of butter, honey, cream, and cream cheese, with a hint of spice for an optional kick. Perfectly creamy and sweet, this easy skillet recipe elevates simple corn to a comforting, crowd-pleasing delight.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups corn kernels (frozen or fresh)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pinch cayenne or smoked paprika (optional for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the skillet and melt butter: In a skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until fully melted and slightly bubbling to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the corn: Add the corn kernels to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the corn to warm through and begin to soften.
- Add creamy ingredients and seasonings: Stir in the honey, heavy cream, softened cream cheese, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients smoothly.
- Simmer until heated through: Continue cooking the mixture in the skillet for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is hot, creamy, and slightly thickened.
- Enhance with optional spice: If desired, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika over the corn and stir to incorporate, adding a gentle heat and smoky flavor to the dish.
Notes
- Use fresh corn when in season for the best natural sweetness and texture, or thaw frozen corn before cooking for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of honey to suit your preferred level of sweetness.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the dish will be less rich and creamy.
- To keep the corn vegan, replace butter with plant-based margarine and use a non-dairy cream substitute.
- Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated on the stovetop.
