If you’re on the hunt for a comforting side dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you have to try this Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe. It’s everything you want in a quick, flavorful dish—sweet corn kernels sautéed to perfection in rich butter, then softened even more in luscious heavy cream and subtle honey, creating a silky, slightly sweet, and utterly addictive medley. This recipe turns everyday corn into a star, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite in my kitchen for bringing that perfect balance of creamy and sweet every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines with a handful of simple ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. The freshness of the corn, the richness of butter and heavy cream, and just the right touch of honey come together to create something truly special.
- Corn kernels (3 cups): Fresh is ideal, but frozen or canned work great too; the base of this recipe, offering natural sweetness and a satisfying pop in every bite.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds a silky richness that helps soften the corn and carry flavors beautifully.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Gives the dish its signature creamy texture and mellows the sweetness.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Just enough for a delicate natural sweetness that enhances the corn’s flavor without overpowering it.
- Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and bringing out the sweetness of the corn.
- Cracked black pepper: For garnish; adds a hint of warmth and a pop of visual contrast.
- Fresh thyme: A fragrant finishing touch that brightens up the dish beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding your butter. Let it melt completely—it creates the perfect rich base for the corn and helps develop those lovely golden edges that bring so much flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Corn
Next, toss in your corn kernels. Cook them, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes. This softens the corn and brings out a subtle caramelized note, making every kernel a little golden treasure.
Step 3: Add Heavy Cream and Honey
Once the corn is tender and slightly golden, pour in the heavy cream and honey. Stir thoroughly to combine, allowing the honey to melt into the cream and coat each kernel in creamy sweetness.
Step 4: Simmer Until Thickened
Lower the heat and let the mixture gently simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. This step thickens the sauce slightly and lets all those flavors meld into a silky, luscious finish that clings to the corn perfectly.
Step 5: Season the Dish
Season with salt to taste, tuning the balance between sweet and savory exactly how you like it. Then, remove the skillet from the heat, ready to be garnished and served.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle cracked black pepper and fresh thyme over the top. These garnishes add a lovely aroma and a bite of freshness that elevate this simple dish into a memorable side.
How to Serve Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Garnishes
The garnishes are the final beautiful brushstrokes on this dish. Fresh thyme leaves add a subtle herbaceous lift, while cracked black pepper brings a little peppery kick and visual interest. You could also try a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra depth or a pinch of chili flakes to spice it up.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or fish. It also makes a sweet and creamy companion to BBQ ribs or a hearty vegetarian meal. Its versatility means it can fit right into weeknight dinners or festive family gatherings alike.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the corn in small ramekins topped with a pat of herb butter or a crumble of feta cheese. You can also fold it into warm tortillas with fresh avocado for a quick southwestern-style side or use it as a topping for baked potatoes, turning humble sides into exciting and rich plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy texture holds up well, making it easy to enjoy later without losing any of that delicious flavor.
Freezing
While you can freeze creamy corn, the texture of the cream may change slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for the best taste. Thaw gently in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of cream or milk helps keep it silky and prevents the corn from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen or canned corn for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh corn offers the best texture, but frozen and canned corn work perfectly well and save prep time. Just be sure to drain canned corn well to avoid watery skillet corn.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can use half-and-half, whole milk with a bit of butter, or even coconut milk for a dairy-free twist, although it will slightly change the flavor and texture.
How sweet is this dish?
This recipe balances a gentle sweetness from honey and corn with savory butter and salt. You can always adjust the honey amount if you prefer it sweeter or more savory.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap out butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil, replace heavy cream with coconut or almond milk cream alternatives, and choose maple syrup or agave instead of honey for a fully vegan version.
What other herbs can I use for garnish?
Thyme is classic, but fresh parsley, chives, or even basil can add refreshing herbaceous notes. Experiment to find what suits your taste best!
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe feels like a cozy little celebration of simple ingredients cooked just right. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for adding a touch of indulgence to any meal. I promise once you try it, it’ll earn a permanent spot on your recipe rotation.
Print
Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a quick and delicious side dish featuring sweet corn kernels sautéed in butter, then simmered with heavy cream and honey to create a rich, velvety texture. Topped with cracked black pepper and fresh thyme, this comforting skillet corn adds a sweet and savory touch to any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Salt to taste
Garnish
- Cracked black pepper (for garnish)
- Fresh thyme (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the butter: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter, allowing it to melt completely without browning.
- Sauté the corn: Add the corn kernels to the melted butter and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn softens and develops a slight golden color.
- Add cream and honey: Pour in the heavy cream and honey, stirring the mixture thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer to thicken: Reduce the heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Season the dish: Add salt to taste and remove the skillet from the heat once the desired consistency is reached.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle cracked black pepper and fresh thyme on top before serving to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn kernels based on availability.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, although the texture will be less creamy.
- Adjust the honey amount according to your preferred level of sweetness.
- If fresh thyme is unavailable, dried thyme can be used but add less to avoid overpowering the flavor.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a comforting standalone side.
