Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a delightful side dish that combines sweet honey and rich butter with tender corn kernels. Easy to prepare and full of comforting flavors, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.
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, enhancing the 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 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
- Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle spicy kick.
- Use fresh corn in season for the best texture and sweetness.
- Swap cream cheese for mascarpone for a slightly different creamy texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid breaking the creamy sauce.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, but drain the canned corn well before cooking to prevent excess liquid from thinning the sauce.
Is this dish suitable for a dairy-free diet?
This recipe relies on butter, cream, and cream cheese for its creamy texture and flavor, so it’s not dairy-free as is. You could experiment with dairy-free substitutes like plant-based butter and cream alternatives, but the texture and taste will differ.
PrintCreamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a rich and comforting side dish featuring sweet corn kernels sautéed in butter and honey, then simmered with creamy heavy cream and cream cheese. This easy stovetop recipe delivers a luscious, slightly caramelized flavor with a hint of sweetness and a smooth, velvety texture, perfect for pairing with a variety of meals.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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 Seasoning
- Pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a little heat
Instructions
- Melt the butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat to get a rich base for cooking the corn.
- Cook the corn: Add the corn kernels to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to develop a lightly golden color around the edges, enhancing their sweetness and texture.
- Add honey and seasoning: Stir in the honey, salt, and black pepper, allowing the mixture to simmer for about 2 minutes so the honey slightly caramelizes with the butter, giving a deep, rich flavor to the corn.
- 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, which should take about 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt or honey if desired.
- Serve: Serve the creamy honey butter corn hot directly from the skillet. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of black pepper or fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a fresh, colorful touch.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen corn kernels depending on availability; fresh corn yields the best natural sweetness.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika during seasoning.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to blend smoothly and avoid lumps in the sauce.
- This recipe works wonderfully as a side for grilled meats, roasted chicken, or vegetarian dishes.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently on the stovetop to avoid curdling the cream sauce.
Keywords: creamy corn, honey butter corn, skillet corn, side dish, easy corn recipe, buttery corn, sweet corn skillet
