Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a comforting and flavorful side dish that beautifully balances sweetness and richness. This easy recipe transforms simple corn kernels into a decadent treat with honey, butter, and cream. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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

1. Step 1: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
2. Step 2: Add the corn kernels and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to get lightly golden around the edges.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika when stirring in the honey and spices.
• Use fresh corn when in season for the sweetest flavor, but frozen works great year-round.
• Try swapping the cream cheese for sour cream for a tangier sauce.
• Garnish with chopped fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, you can use canned corn. Drain it well before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can thin the sauce.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and replace cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese spread.

Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 114 reviews

Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a luscious and comforting side dish featuring sweet corn kernels sautéed in a rich blend of butter, honey, and cream. Enhanced with cream cheese for extra creaminess and seasoned with salt, pepper, and optional spices, this skillet recipe offers a perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors, ideal for a cozy family meal or holiday table.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Corn and Butter Mixture

• 4 cups frozen or fresh corn kernels
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

Sauce and Seasoning

• 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

1. Heat Butter: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat until fully melted and beginning to bubble.
2. Cook Corn: Add the corn kernels to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the corn to become lightly golden around the edges for enhanced flavor.
3. Add Honey and Seasonings: Stir in the honey, salt, and black pepper, letting the mixture simmer for about 2 minutes so the honey caramelizes slightly with the butter, deepening the sweetness and aroma.
4. Incorporate Cream and Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream and softened cream cheese. Stir constantly until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce thickens, approximately 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or honey if desired.
5. Serve: Serve the creamy honey butter corn hot directly from the skillet. Optionally garnish with a sprinkle of black pepper or fresh herbs such as parsley or chives to enhance presentation and flavor.

Notes

• You can use either fresh or frozen corn kernels; no need to thaw frozen corn before cooking.
• For a subtle kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika when adding honey and seasoning.
• Be sure to stir constantly when adding cream and cream cheese to avoid curdling and to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
• This dish pairs well with grilled meats or roasted vegetables, making it a versatile side for many meals.
• Adjust the amount of honey to suit your sweetness preference, especially depending on the natural sweetness of your corn.

Keywords: creamy corn, honey butter corn, skillet corn side dish, buttery corn recipe, sweet corn skillet, comfort food corn