Golden Corn with Honey Butter in Cast Iron Skillet

Get ready to elevate your summer gatherings with a sensational dish that’s as sweet as it is savory – introducing Honey Butter Skillet Corn! This one-pan wonder strikes the perfect balance between buttery richness and a hint of honey-kissed goodness, making it a crowd-pleaser at any picnic or cookout. Picture creamy corn kernels sizzling in a skillet, infused with the luscious flavors of honey, butter, and a touch of cream cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest!

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve whipped up this Honey Butter Skillet Corn for friends and family, and it never fails to steal the show. The secret lies in how the honey accentuates the natural sweetness of the corn, creating a dish that’s truly irresistible. Whether you’re serving it alongside barbecue classics or as a standalone star, this recipe is a surefire way to add a touch of Southern comfort to your table. So, grab your skillet and get ready to create a side dish that’s bound to disappear within minutes of serving!

Quick Benefits

• Enhances Natural Sweetness: The honey brings out the natural sweetness in the corn, creating a creamy-sweet balance that is irresistible.
• Versatile: Can be served as a side dish for various meals, such as barbecue, roast meats, grilled chicken, or even atop mashed potatoes.
• Creamy Texture: Cream cheese adds a smooth and creamy texture to the dish without overpowering the flavors of the corn and honey.
• Long Shelf Life: Keeps well for up to three days in the fridge, making it a convenient dish to prepare ahead for gatherings or busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Golden Corn with Honey Butter in Cast Iron Skillet Recipe

• Rich and Creamy Texture: The combination of butter, cream cheese, and honey creates a luxuriously creamy texture that will melt in your mouth.
• Balanced Sweetness: The touch of honey enhances the natural sweetness of the corn, creating a perfectly balanced sweet and savory flavor profile.
• Versatile Dish: This recipe is perfect for summer picnics, family cookouts, holidays, or even as a quick weeknight side dish, making it a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its buttery richness and comforting flavors, this honey butter skillet corn is sure to disappear fast at any gathering or potluck, impressing even the pickiest eaters.
• Easy to Customize: You can easily tailor this dish to your preferences by adding ingredients like jalapenos for a spicy kick or smoked paprika for extra warmth, making it customizable to suit different tastes.
• Make-Ahead Option: This corn dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated easily, making it a convenient choice for meal prep or entertaining without sacrificing on flavor or texture.
• Southern Comfort: Inspired by Southern comfort food traditions, this skillet corn embodies the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that will evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze portions of this corn dish for later enjoyment, allowing you to savor this delicious side whenever you crave a taste of summer.

Ingredients for Golden Corn with Honey Butter in Cast Iron Skillet

Main

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons honey

Optional garnishes

• Red pepper flakes
• Shredded Parmesan cheese
• Chopped chives
• Smoked paprika

Pro Tips for Golden Corn with Honey Butter in Cast Iron Skillet

For the best flavor, use fresh corn during the summer when it’s at its sweetest. If using frozen corn, there’s no need to thaw it before adding it to the skillet. Cook the corn undisturbed for a couple of minutes to allow the natural sugars to caramelize and enhance the sweetness of the dish. Experiment with different variations such as adding diced jalapenos for a spicy kick in autumn, a pinch of smoked paprika in winter for warmth, or a splash of maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper flavor twist.

To make this recipe dairy-free, opt for vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. If you’re out of cream cheese, mascarpone or a splash of heavy cream can be used as substitutes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply return the corn to a skillet over low heat, stirring until hot. If the mixture thickens too much, add a splash of milk to revive the creaminess. For longer storage, portion into freezer-safe bags once cooled completely, thaw overnight before reheating, and add a bit of extra milk or cream as it heats to maintain the creamy texture.

How to Make Golden Corn with Honey Butter in Cast Iron Skillet

Step 1: Melt Butter

Place a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter until it starts to sizzle.

Step 2: Cook Corn

Stir corn kernels into skillet with melted butter. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until some kernels are lightly caramelized.

Step 3: Incorporate Honey

Pour the honey over the corn and mix well until evenly coated and bubbling.

Step 4: Add Cream Cheese

Add small dollops of cream cheese to the skillet and stir until fully melted, creating a creamy mixture.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Season to taste with salt and black pepper, and garnish with chopped chives, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or shredded Parmesan before serving.

Storage Tips

To store the finished dish of Honey Butter Skillet Corn, allow it to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to reheat, simply return the corn to a skillet over low heat and stir until heated through. If the corn thickens too much, add a splash of milk to bring back the creamy consistency.

For longer storage, portion the cooled corn into freezer-safe bags and freeze. Thaw the corn overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating in a skillet. To maintain the creamy texture, consider stirring in a little extra milk or cream while reheating. This dish is versatile and can be customized with variations like using vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese, or substituting honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Enjoy the comfort and bright flavors of this delicious corn dish at your next gathering or as a delightful weeknight side.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy-free version of this Honey Butter Skillet Corn, consider using a high-quality vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese as substitutes for the unsalted butter and cream cheese. This swap will maintain the creamy texture and richness of the dish while accommodating dietary preferences.

If you prefer a different sweetener, such as maple syrup, you can easily substitute it for the honey in this recipe. Maple syrup will provide a slightly different flavor profile, adding a deeper sweetness to the dish. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your personal taste preferences.

In terms of additional flavor variations, you can customize this dish by adding ingredients like diced jalapenos for a spicy kick, a pinch of smoked paprika for warmth, or even experimenting with different herbs and spices to suit your palate. Don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor the flavors to your liking when preparing this versatile and crowd-pleasing corn dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try turning this honey butter skillet corn into a show-stopping appetizer by spooning it onto small, individual cornbread squares. Top each square with a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese and a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra burst of flavor. These bite-sized treats will be a hit at any party or gathering, offering a delicious twist on traditional cornbread.

Another fun idea is to use the honey butter skillet corn as a filling for mini pastry cups. Simply bake pre-made pastry cups until golden brown, then fill them with the warm corn mixture. Garnish each cup with a touch of chopped chives and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a visually appealing and tasty appetizer that will impress your guests. These mini corn cups are perfect for serving at cocktail parties or as an elegant starter for a dinner party.

FAQs for Golden Corn with Honey Butter in Cast Iron Skillet

Can I use both fresh and frozen corn kernels for this recipe?

Yes, both fresh and frozen corn kernels work well. There is no need to thaw the frozen corn before adding it to the skillet.

Why is cream cheese used in this recipe?

Cream cheese creates a smooth, creamy texture and enriches the overall flavor without overpowering the corn or honey.

How do I achieve the best flavor for the corn?

Cook the corn undisturbed for a couple of minutes in the skillet so the sugars lightly brown and caramelize, enhancing the overall flavor.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this corn dish ahead of time and reheat it gently in the skillet. Add a touch of cream or butter if needed to refresh the creamy texture before serving.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a versatile and delicious side dish that never fails to impress. Its creamy sweetness and rich buttery flavors make it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you serve it alongside grilled meats, atop mashed potatoes, or even on its own, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations, such as adding jalapenos for a spicy kick or using maple syrup for a deeper flavor. This recipe is forgiving and adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your taste preferences. So go ahead, make a batch of Honey Butter Skillet Corn, and watch it disappear before your eyes at your next meal. Enjoy the process of creating this comforting dish and savor the joy it brings to your table.

Golden Corn with Honey Butter in Cast Iron Skillet

Creamy honey butter skillet corn – a sweet and savory side dish featuring the richness of butter, touch of honey, and creamy texture that disappears fast!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time5 min

Cook Time10 min

Total Time15 min

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (Approximately 6 side servings)

Ingredients

Main

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons honey

Optional garnishes

• Red pepper flakes
• Shredded Parmesan cheese
• Chopped chives
• Smoked paprika

Instructions

1. Melt Butter: Place a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter until it starts to sizzle.
2. Cook Corn: Stir corn kernels into skillet with melted butter. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until some kernels are lightly caramelized.
3. Incorporate Honey: Pour the honey over the corn and mix well until evenly coated and bubbling.
4. Add Cream Cheese: Add small dollops of cream cheese to the skillet and stir until fully melted, creating a creamy mixture.
5. Season and Serve: Season to taste with salt and black pepper, and garnish with chopped chives, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or shredded Parmesan before serving.