Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, rich and comforting. It’s a quick and easy side dish that adds warmth and flavor to any meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen or fresh corn kernels
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a little heat
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Add the corn kernels and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to get lightly golden around the edges.
- Step 3: Stir in the honey, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 2 minutes so the honey slightly caramelizes with the butter, giving a rich flavor.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir constantly until the cream cheese melts and the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning — add a little more salt or honey if needed.
- Step 5: Serve the corn hot, directly from the skillet. Garnish with a sprinkle of black pepper or fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a beautiful finish.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoky twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the corn while cooking.
- Use fresh corn in season for best flavor, but frozen works well too—just thaw it before cooking if you can.
- Substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for an even creamier texture.
- To make this dish dairy-free, use a plant-based butter and cream alternative.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce thickens too much on reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, canned corn can be used in a pinch. Drain it well before cooking to avoid excess moisture. The texture will be softer, but the flavor remains delicious.
Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely. It reheats well and can be part of a make-ahead side dish. Just keep it refrigerated and reheat gently to preserve the creaminess.
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Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a rich and flavorful side dish featuring tender corn kernels cooked with butter, honey, and cream cheese to create a luscious, velvety sauce. Perfectly seasoned with salt, pepper, and an optional hint of heat, this easy recipe brings a comforting, slightly sweet touch to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen or fresh corn kernels
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a little heat
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat until fully melted and slightly bubbling.
- Cook Corn: Add the corn kernels to the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow the corn to develop a light golden color around the edges for a slight caramelized flavor.
- Add Honey and Seasonings: Stir in the honey, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 2 minutes to allow the honey to caramelize and blend with the butter, enhancing the richness.
- Add Cream and Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add the heavy cream and softened cream cheese. Stir constantly until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or honey if desired.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy honey butter corn hot right from the skillet. Optionally garnish with a sprinkle of black pepper or fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for added color and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen corn kernels according to availability; fresh corn adds extra sweetness and texture.
- For a spicy variation, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika when adding the honey and seasonings.
- Softened cream cheese blends easier and prevents lumps in the sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated on the stovetop to retain creaminess.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a comforting side to any meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamy skillet corn, honey butter corn, corn side dish, quick corn recipe, buttery corn, sweet corn skillet
