Honey Butter Skillet Corn

If you’re looking for a side dish that brings smiles to the dinner table, look no further than Honey Butter Skillet Corn. This delightful recipe has a way of transforming simple frozen corn into a sweet and savory treat that feels special without being complicated. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying, but it also shines at family gatherings or barbecues.

What I love most about this dish is its comforting texture and rich flavor. The creamy glaze coats each tender kernel of corn, making it a favorite among both kids and adults alike. Trust me, once you serve this Honey Butter Skillet Corn, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute dinners.
• Family-Friendly: Kids adore the sweet taste while parents appreciate the wholesome ingredients.
• Versatile Side Dish: It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can stand alone as a hearty vegetarian option.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve!
• Mouthwatering Flavor: The combination of honey and butter creates an irresistible glaze that enhances the corn’s natural sweetness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Honey Butter Skillet Corn uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Let’s gather everything we need to create this delicious side dish!

• 2 tablespoons butter (salted preferred)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 bag (16 oz) frozen corn or corn ribs
• 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 it can be! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add some spice: Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Mix in veggies: Add some diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
• Use different cheeses: Swap out cream cheese for feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
• Try fresh corn: If it’s summer, use fresh corn on the cob instead of frozen for even better flavor.

How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Honey

In a skillet pan (I prefer cast-iron), melt the butter and honey over medium-high heat. This step is crucial because melting them together allows their flavors to combine beautifully before adding the corn. Once melted, add your bag of frozen corn or corn ribs. Cook for about 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the corn is heated through.

Step 2: Add Cream Cheese and Seasoning

Next, toss in the chunks of cream cheese, along with the salt and black pepper. Stir everything together gently. Cooking this mixture for another 3-5 minutes lets the cream cheese melt into that luscious glaze we love so much. Keep stirring occasionally until everything is well combined; this step ensures every kernel gets coated in that delightful honey butter goodness!

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy!

Now it’s time to serve your delicious Honey Butter Skillet Corn! Take it off the heat and transfer it to your favorite serving dish. Enjoy it warm—trust me, everyone will want seconds! If there are any leftovers, store them in a covered container in the fridge; they make for tasty reheated lunches too.

With just a few simple steps, you’ve created a comforting side dish that is sure to impress at any meal!

Pro Tips for Making Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Making Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a breeze, but a few tips can take your dish to the next level!

• Choose fresh or frozen corn: While frozen corn is super convenient, using fresh corn on the cob can enhance the flavor and texture. If you opt for fresh, simply cut the kernels off the cob and adjust cooking time accordingly.

• Adjust sweetness: Depending on your taste preference, feel free to modify the amount of honey. A little more honey will give you a sweeter dish, while less will let the natural corn flavors shine through.

• Experiment with spices: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a hint of spiciness. These spices can elevate the flavor profile and add a delightful twist.

• Use room temperature cream cheese: For easier mixing, let your cream cheese sit out for a bit before adding it to the skillet. This helps it melt smoothly into the corn mixture.

• Serve immediately: Honey Butter Skillet Corn is best enjoyed right after cooking when it’s warm and creamy. The texture tends to change as it cools down.

How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn

This delectable side dish not only tastes fantastic but also looks great on any dinner table! Here are some ideas for serving it beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley or cilantro can add a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Chili flakes: A sprinkle of red chili flakes adds not just color but also a subtle heat that complements the sweetness of the corn.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken breasts seasoned with herbs make for a hearty main course that pairs perfectly with the sweet and buttery corn.
• Vegetable Medley: A colorful mix of sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots adds crunch and nutrition to your meal.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of Honey Butter Skillet Corn.
• Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes complements the honey butter flavor beautifully and adds another layer of comfort to your meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress your family or guests with this deliciously sweet and savory side dish! Enjoy every bite of your Honey Butter Skillet Corn!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Honey Butter Skillet Corn is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later, making your weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.

Freezing

• Let the Honey Butter Skillet Corn cool before portioning it into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• You can also reheat in the microwave; cover loosely and heat in 30-second increments until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

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

Absolutely! If you have fresh corn on hand, simply remove the kernels from the cob and cook them in the same way. This will add a wonderful freshness to your dish!

How do I make Honey Butter Skillet Corn ahead of time?

You can prepare it ahead by following all cooking steps and storing it in the fridge. Just remember to reheat gently before serving!

Can I substitute any ingredients in Honey Butter Skillet Corn?

Yes! You can swap cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative or try using maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweet flavor profile.

How long does Honey Butter Skillet Corn last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this dish lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

Honey Butter Skillet Corn is truly a comforting addition to any meal. Its sweet and savory flavors will surely warm your heart and delight your taste buds. I hope you find joy in preparing this dish as much as I do! Give it a try, and don’t hesitate to share your experience – I can’t wait to hear how you loved it!