If you’re looking for a side dish that’s both sweet and savory, let me introduce you to my favorite recipe: Honey Butter Skillet Corn. This delightful dish brings together tender corn kernels coated in a creamy, buttery glaze that simply melts in your mouth. It’s a comforting treat that can light up any meal, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering. Trust me; once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!

This Honey Butter Skillet Corn is not just about taste; it’s also about the cozy vibes it brings to the table. With its simple preparation and delicious flavor, you’ll find yourself making it over and over again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet corn flavor, so it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Versatile Side Dish: Pair it with grilled meats or serve it as a standalone vegetarian option – either way, it’s fantastic!
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish in advance, saving time when you need it most.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of honey and butter creates an irresistible glaze that enhances the corn’s natural sweetness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is a breeze! You’ll find that they are simple, wholesome items you likely already have on hand. Let’s take a look at what you need:

2 tablespoons butter (salted preferred)
2 tablespoons honey
1 bag (16 oz frozen corn or corn ribs (as shown))
2 ounces cream cheese (cut into chunks)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Variations

One of the best things about Honey Butter Skillet Corn is how flexible this recipe can be! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

Add Fresh Herbs: Toss in some chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to give the dish some heat.
Cheesy Goodness: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese just before serving for an extra cheesy version.
Veggie Boost: Mix in diced bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and nutrients.

How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Honey

In your favorite skillet (I adore using cast iron), melt the butter and honey together over medium-high heat. This step is essential because combining these two ingredients creates that rich, sweet base which will coat our corn beautifully.

Step 2: Cook the Corn

Once your butter and honey are melted, add the frozen corn (or corn ribs if you’re feeling adventurous) right into the skillet. Cook everything for about 5-8 minutes while stirring occasionally. This ensures that each kernel becomes tender and fully cooked through.

Step 3: Add Cream Cheese and Seasonings

Next, it’s time to add those luscious chunks of cream cheese along with salt and black pepper. Stir everything together gently while cooking for another 3-5 minutes until the cream cheese melts completely into the mix. This gives our dish that creamy texture we all love!

Step 4: Serve It Up!

Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve your Honey Butter Skillet Corn immediately. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored in a covered container in the fridge for any leftovers. I promise you’ll want to dig right in!

Pro Tips for Making Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Making Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a breeze, but a few tips can elevate your dish even further!

Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh corn when in season. It adds a burst of flavor that frozen corn might not replicate. If using frozen, make sure it’s high quality to ensure the best taste.
Adjust Sweetness: Experiment with the amount of honey to suit your taste. If you prefer a less sweet dish, start with one tablespoon of honey and adjust from there.
Stir Frequently: Stirring the corn mixture occasionally ensures even cooking and helps prevent it from sticking to the skillet. This way, every kernel gets coated in that delicious honey butter glaze!
Add Spice: For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika while cooking. This enhances the flavors and gives a nice depth to the sweetness.
Let it Sit Before Serving: Allowing the dish to sit for a couple of minutes after cooking can help the flavors meld together beautifully, creating an even richer taste experience.

How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Honey Butter Skillet Corn can be presented in many delightful ways that will impress your family and guests alike! Here are some ideas on how to serve this comforting side dish.

Garnishes

Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side for an optional zesty twist that balances out the sweetness.
Crumbled Feta or Cotija Cheese: A light sprinkle of cheese adds creaminess and tanginess that complements the sweet corn perfectly.

Side Dishes

Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in lemon and herbs provide a protein-packed pairing with sweetness from the corn.
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots offers vibrant colors and textures alongside your corn dish.
Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad tossed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette brings a healthy element that rounds out your meal beautifully.
Baked Beans: The smoky flavor of baked beans contrasts nicely with the sweet honey butter corn, making for a satisfying combination at any barbecue or gathering.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Honey Butter Skillet Corn will not only be delicious but also present beautifully on any table! Enjoy this versatile side dish that delights every palate!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Honey Butter Skillet Corn recipe is fantastic for meal prep! It’s quick to prepare and can easily be stored for later use, making it perfect for busy weeknights or planned gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Consume within 3-4 days for the best flavor and freshness.

Freezing

Allow the Honey Butter Skillet Corn to cool completely before freezing.
Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible.
Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for reference.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
You can also microwave in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring between each, until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious dish.

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen for Honey Butter Skillet Corn?

Absolutely! Fresh corn works beautifully. Just make sure to cook it until tender before adding the cream cheese mixture.

How can I customize my Honey Butter Skillet Corn?

Feel free to add spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick, or toss in some chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra flavor!

Is Honey Butter Skillet Corn a good option for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe is ideal for meal prepping as it stores well and can be enjoyed throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Honey Butter Skillet Corn! Its sweet and savory flavors are sure to delight your taste buds and those of your loved ones. It’s a comforting dish that brings warmth to any table. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share this delightful recipe with friends and family!