Sweet Buttery Skillet Corn

This honey butter skillet corn transforms the humble frozen corn into a luxurious side dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. The combination of sweet honey and rich butter creates a glaze that coats each kernel perfectly, while the cream cheese adds an unexpected creaminess that elevates this dish beyond ordinary corn sides.

I first made this recipe when I needed a quick side dish for an impromptu dinner party. The empty skillet and requests for the recipe convinced me this simple corn would become a staple in my cooking rotation.

Ingredients

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create the glossy sauce that coats each kernel. I prefer salted butter as it enhances the flavor profile
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness that caramelizes slightly during cooking, creating depth beyond just sweetness
• Frozen corn: Makes this dish possible year-round. Gold and white variety offers beautiful color contrast
• Cream cheese: Creates a velvety texture that transforms this from basic corn to something special
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors
• Black pepper: Adds subtle heat that counterpoints the sweet elements

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create The Sweet Base:

Melt butter and honey together in a skillet over medium-high heat until they form a bubbling golden mixture. This takes about 1 minute, and the honey will become more liquid as it heats.

Add Frozen Corn:

Add the entire bag of frozen corn directly to the hot honey-butter mixture. The pan will sizzle dramatically but keep stirring occasionally for 5-8 minutes until the corn is heated through and beginning to take on a slight golden color at the edges.

Incorporate Creaminess:

Add chunks of cream cheese, salt, and pepper to the hot corn. Stir gently but consistently as the cream cheese melts, coating the corn kernels. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and every piece of corn is glossy with sauce.

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The cream cheese is my secret weapon in this recipe. When I first tried making honey butter corn, it was delicious but missing something. Adding just a touch of cream cheese created that restaurant-quality richness that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient might be.

Perfect Make-Ahead Side Dish

This corn reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or holiday planning. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to restore the creamy texture.

Seasonal Variations

While frozen corn makes this a year-round possibility, fresh summer corn cut from the cob creates an exceptionally sweet version. Use 4 cups of fresh corn kernels (about 5-6 ears) and reduce cooking time to just 4-5 minutes since fresh corn needs less time to heat through. During late summer, try mixing in a handful of diced fresh tomatoes and basil during the final minute of cooking.

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Serving Suggestions

This versatile corn complements nearly any main dish but shines particularly alongside grilled meats, roasted chicken, or holiday ham. The sweet-savory profile makes it especially popular at potlucks and family gatherings. For a complete meal that comes together quickly, serve alongside grilled chicken and a simple salad. The honey butter sauce is so good that many people enjoy using bread to soak up any remaining sauce from their plates.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Yes, you can substitute fresh corn cut from the cob. You'll need about 3-4 cups of corn kernels. The cooking time may vary slightly, so test for tenderness as you go. Fresh corn will add a wonderful seasonal flavor during summer months.

→ How long does Honey Butter Skillet Corn stay fresh in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftovers will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water if needed to restore creaminess.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time for a party?

Yes, you can prepare this dish a day ahead. Store it covered in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving. You might need to add a small amount of butter when reheating to refresh the consistency.

→ What can I substitute for cream cheese?

If you don't have cream cheese, you can substitute mascarpone for a similar creamy texture, or use 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream. For a dairy-free version, try using coconut cream or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.

→ What herbs or additions pair well with Honey Butter Skillet Corn?

This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with fresh herbs like chives, basil, or thyme. For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon bits, diced bell peppers, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. For heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño.

→ Can I freeze leftover Honey Butter Skillet Corn?

While it's possible to freeze leftover corn, the creamy texture may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly, adding a bit of butter to restore creaminess.