Get ready to meet your new favorite side dish. This Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, transforming simple corn into a truly unforgettable dish. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this incredibly delicious, crowd-pleasing side that pairs perfectly with almost any main course. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s packed with flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
We combine sweet corn with a rich, velvety sauce made from butter, honey, and a touch of cream cheese for extra creaminess. A hint of garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes add a layer of complexity that elevates this dish from simple to spectacular. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this skillet corn is guaranteed to be a star.
Why This Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is a Must-Try
You’re going to absolutely love this recipe, and here’s why. First, it’s incredibly fast. From skillet to table in about 15 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Second, it uses simple, common ingredients you likely already have on hand. There’s no need for a special trip to the grocery store. Most importantly, the flavor is out of this world. The honey butter sauce creates a caramelized, creamy coating on every kernel of corn that is simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients to create its signature creamy texture and sweet, buttery flavor.
For the Skillet Corn
- Corn: You can use frozen, canned, or fresh corn. About 4 cups (or two 15-ounce cans, drained).
- Butter: Salted butter adds a rich base flavor.
- Cream Cheese: This is the secret to an extra creamy, luscious sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Just a splash to bring the sauce together.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a tiny bit of background heat to balance the sweetness. Optional, but recommended.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for a fresh garnish.
For the Honey Butter Sauce
- Butter: More butter, because this is a honey butter dish!
- Honey: The star of the show, providing that signature sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Skillet Corn
Making this Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn is as easy as it gets. Follow these simple steps for a perfect side dish every time.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Corn: Add the corn to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the corn is heated through and slightly golden.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese, heavy cream, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the Honey: Stir in the honey until it is well combined with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
A few simple tips can take your skillet corn from great to absolutely amazing.
- Don’t Scorch the Garlic: Cook the garlic for just 30 seconds before adding the corn. Burnt garlic can make the entire dish bitter.
- Use Full-Fat Dairy: For the creamiest, richest sauce, use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce before serving. You can add a little more honey if you prefer it sweeter or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten it up.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn is fantastic as is, you can easily customize it to your liking.
- Add Some Spice: For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños along with the garlic.
- Make it Cheesy: Stir in some shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese at the end for an extra cheesy version. For another cheesy side dish, you can’t go wrong with a classic baked macaroni and cheese.
- Include Bacon: Add some crispy, crumbled bacon at the end for a smoky, salty crunch.
What to Serve with Your Honey Butter Corn
This versatile side dish pairs wonderfully with a wide range of main courses. It’s a perfect companion for grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops. It also complements other comfort food classics. We love serving it alongside dishes like honey butter chicken bites for a doubly delicious meal or some savory crispy roasted potatoes. The creamy texture also works well with pasta dishes like this simple garlic butter chicken pasta.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover skillet corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely! This recipe works perfectly with frozen, canned (make sure to drain it well), or fresh corn off the cob. The cooking time might vary slightly, but the results will be just as delicious.
To add a spicy kick, you can add finely diced jalapeños along with the garlic at the beginning of the recipe. You can also increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms up.
The cream cheese is what gives the sauce its signature rich and creamy texture. If you don’t have it, you can increase the heavy cream slightly, but the sauce won’t be as thick or luscious.
For a slightly lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk. The sauce may be a bit thinner but will still be creamy and flavorful.
Get the Recipe!
Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn (The Ultimate 15-Minute Side Dish!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the corn to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the corn is heated through and slightly golden.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese, heavy cream, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the honey until it is well combined with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Adjust the amount of honey to your personal preference for sweetness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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