Butter Skillet Corn with Honey, Cream, and a Touch of Spice Recipe
Introduction
Butter Skillet Corn is a simple yet irresistibly delicious side dish that brings sweet, creamy, and buttery flavors together in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals, this recipe transforms ordinary corn into a rich and comforting treat.
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, giving a rich 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 — add a little more salt or honey 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
- For a smoky twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper along with the salt and pepper.
- Fresh corn can be used when in season for a sweeter, more vibrant flavor.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and skip the cream cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain the creamy texture. Adding a splash of cream or milk while reheating can help restore creaminess if it thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, canned corn can be used if drained well. Reduce the cooking time slightly since canned corn is already cooked and may be softer.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. It reheats well, making it a convenient side to prepare ahead for busy days. Just reheat slowly to keep the creamy texture perfect.
PrintButter Skillet Corn with Honey, Cream, and a Touch of Spice Recipe
Butter Skillet Corn is a creamy, sweet, and savory side dish that combines tender corn kernels with butter, honey, and a rich creamy sauce. This easy stovetop recipe caramelizes the corn slightly for extra flavor, then finishes with cream and cream cheese for a luscious texture. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 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: pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a little heat
Instructions
- Melting Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat to create a rich, flavorful base.
- Cooking Corn: Add the corn kernels to the melted butter and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn starts to get lightly golden around the edges, enhancing its natural sweetness and texture.
- Adding Honey and Seasoning: Stir in the honey, salt, and black pepper, allowing the mixture to simmer for about 2 minutes so the honey caramelizes slightly with the butter, imparting a deep, rich flavor.
- Incorporating Cream and Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add the heavy cream and softened cream cheese. Stir constantly for 2–3 minutes until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or honey if desired.
- Serving: Serve the buttery, creamy corn hot directly from the skillet, optionally garnishing with a sprinkle of black pepper or fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add color and freshness.
Notes
- You can use either fresh or frozen corn kernels; just ensure frozen corn is thawed before cooking for best results.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika when adding the honey and seasoning.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as a comforting side on its own.
- To make it lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Use unsalted butter to control the salt level more precisely.
Keywords: butter skillet corn, creamy corn recipe, stovetop corn side dish, sweet corn with honey, cream cheese corn, easy corn side dish
