Skillet Corn with Cream Cheese is a savory side dish combining sweet corn with creamy, tangy cheese. It’s quick, easy, and flavorful.
This delightful recipe brings out the natural sweetness of corn while adding a rich, creamy texture through cream cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, this dish requires minimal ingredients and effort. Fresh or frozen corn kernels work equally well, making it versatile and convenient.
The cream cheese blends seamlessly, creating a luscious, velvety sauce that coats each kernel. With just a hint of seasoning, this dish enhances the corn’s natural flavor without overpowering it. Skillet Corn with Cream Cheese pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or can even stand alone as a comforting treat.
Introduction To Skillet Corn
Skillet Corn with Cream Cheese is a tasty side dish. This recipe brings comfort and flavor to your table. The creamy texture and sweet corn blend perfectly.
You can make this dish quickly and easily. It pairs well with many main courses, making it a versatile choice. Let’s explore why this dish is a classic and perfect for any meal.
A Classic Side Dish
Skillet Corn has been a favorite for generations. Its simple ingredients and rich taste make it timeless. With just a few items, you can create a delightful dish.
The combination of corn and cream cheese is unbeatable. This dish offers a cozy and satisfying taste. It’s a go-to choice for family gatherings and holidays.
Perfect For Any Meal
Skillet Corn fits well with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Its versatility is one of its best features. You can serve it with eggs, steak, or even a fresh salad.
Here are some meal ideas:
- Breakfast: Serve with scrambled eggs and bacon.
- Lunch: Pair with a chicken sandwich.
- Dinner: Complement a steak or grilled chicken.
It’s also great for potlucks and picnics. Everyone will love its creamy, sweet taste. Plus, it’s easy to reheat and enjoy later.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Corn | 2 cups |
| Cream Cheese | 4 oz |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Pepper | 1/2 tsp |
With these simple ingredients, you can make a delicious dish. The preparation is quick and easy, perfect for any busy day.
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Ingredients Needed
Making Skillet Corn with Cream Cheese is fun and easy. The ingredients are simple, yet they create a delicious dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
Fresh Or Frozen Corn
You can use either fresh corn or frozen corn. Fresh corn has a sweet flavor that shines through. If using fresh, you’ll need to shuck the corn and remove the kernels. Frozen corn is convenient and works well too. It saves time and effort.
Cream Cheese And Seasonings
Cream cheese adds a creamy texture to the dish. It blends well with the corn, making it rich and smooth. You will also need some butter to sauté the corn. Salt and pepper are musts for seasoning. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh or Frozen Corn | 4 cups |
| Cream Cheese | 4 oz |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Garlic Powder | 1/4 tsp |
With these simple ingredients, you can make a delightful dish. It’s perfect for any meal. Enjoy the creamy, savory taste of skillet corn!
Preparing The Corn
Preparing the corn is the first and most important step for Skillet Corn With Cream Cheese. Fresh corn is best for this recipe. You will learn how to shuck, clean, and cut corn.
Shucking And Cleaning
Start by removing the husks. Peel back the green layers until you see the corn. Carefully pull off the silk threads. These threads can stick, so be patient. Rinse the corn under cold water. This helps remove any remaining silk.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Peel back the husks |
| 2 | Remove silk threads |
| 3 | Rinse under cold water |
Cutting Off The Kernels
Place the corn on a cutting board. Hold it upright by the stalk. Use a sharp knife to cut down the sides. Make sure you cut close to the cob. Turn the corn and repeat until all kernels are off. Be careful with the knife to avoid accidents.
- Hold corn upright
- Cut kernels close to the cob
- Turn and repeat
After cutting, you have fresh kernels for your skillet corn. These steps ensure the corn is clean and ready. Enjoy the process and have fun!
Cooking Techniques
Mastering the cooking techniques for Skillet Corn With Cream Cheese can elevate your dish. With the right methods, you can achieve a rich and creamy flavor. Let’s dive into the essential techniques to perfect this recipe.
Choosing The Right Skillet
Picking the right skillet is crucial for this dish. A well-seasoned cast iron skillet distributes heat evenly. This ensures your corn cooks uniformly. Stainless steel skillets also work well. They offer excellent heat retention and distribution. Avoid non-stick skillets as they may not provide the best sear.
Here’s a quick comparison table:
| Skillet Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Cast Iron | Even heat distribution, great for searing | Heavy, requires seasoning |
| Stainless Steel | Retains heat well, durable | Can be prone to sticking |
| Non-stick | Easy to clean, lightweight | Poor searing, not as durable |
Achieving The Perfect Sauté
To achieve the perfect sauté, heat your skillet first. Add a tablespoon of butter or oil. Wait until it shimmers. Add your corn in a single layer. This helps in even cooking.
Stir the corn occasionally. This prevents it from sticking and ensures even browning. Use a wooden spoon to avoid damaging your skillet.
Once the corn is golden brown, reduce the heat. Stir in the cream cheese until melted and creamy. This creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats every kernel.
Follow these steps for the perfect sauté:
- Heat the skillet.
- Add butter or oil.
- Wait for it to shimmer.
- Add corn in a single layer.
- Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon.
- Reduce heat and add cream cheese.
- Stir until creamy and smooth.
These techniques ensure your skillet corn is deliciously creamy and perfectly cooked.
Adding Cream Cheese
Skillet corn gets a delicious twist with the addition of cream cheese. This creamy ingredient adds richness and depth to the dish, making it a family favorite. Below, we delve into how cream cheese enhances your skillet corn.
Incorporating Smoothness
Cream cheese brings a smooth texture to your skillet corn. Melt it gently into the corn for a creamy finish. Ensure the cheese is evenly distributed for the best results. The smoothness makes every bite delightful.
Here’s a quick guide to incorporating cream cheese:
- Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing.
- Add it to the pan once the corn is tender.
- Stir continuously until fully melted and combined.
Balancing Flavors
Balancing flavors is key to a perfect skillet corn dish. Cream cheese adds a mild tang that complements the sweetness of the corn. This creates a harmonious blend of flavors.
Follow these tips to balance flavors effectively:
- Season with a pinch of salt to enhance the taste.
- Add a sprinkle of pepper for a slight kick.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness.
Here is a table to summarize the steps:
| Step | Action | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soften cream cheese | Leave at room temperature |
| 2 | Add to skillet | Once corn is tender |
| 3 | Stir continuously | Ensure even melting |
| 4 | Season to taste | Balance with herbs and spices |
Using cream cheese in your skillet corn enhances both texture and flavor. This small addition makes a big difference in the dish’s overall appeal.
Credit: thecookingjar.com
Flavor Enhancements
Enhance the flavor of your skillet corn with cream cheese to make it even more delicious. By adding the right spices, herbs, and optional ingredients, you can elevate this dish to a whole new level. Let’s explore some amazing flavor enhancements that will make your skillet corn irresistible.
Spices And Herbs
Spices and herbs can transform the taste of your skillet corn. Consider adding the following:
- Garlic powder: Adds a rich, savory flavor.
- Onion powder: Enhances the sweetness of the corn.
- Smoked paprika: Introduces a smoky, spicy kick.
- Thyme: Adds a subtle earthiness.
- Chopped parsley: Freshens up the dish with a hint of green.
Mix these spices and herbs into the skillet with the corn and cream cheese. The flavor will be more complex and delicious.
Optional Add-ins
For an extra layer of flavor, try these optional add-ins:
| Ingredient | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|
| Bacon bits | Salty and crunchy |
| Jalapeños | Spicy and tangy |
| Red bell peppers | Sweet and colorful |
| Grated cheddar cheese | Rich and creamy |
| Chopped green onions | Fresh and mild |
Add these ingredients to your skillet corn for a more exciting dish. Each add-in brings a unique taste and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Skillet Corn With Cream Cheese is a versatile side dish. It’s creamy, flavorful, and pairs well with many meals. Here are some suggestions to make your skillet corn even more enjoyable.
Pairing With Main Dishes
This dish complements various main courses. Here are some delicious ideas:
- Grilled Chicken: The creamy corn balances the smoky flavors of grilled chicken.
- Steak: A perfect side to a juicy steak, adding a rich, sweet contrast.
- BBQ Ribs: The creaminess of the corn cools down the spicy ribs.
- Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted veggies for a hearty vegetarian meal.
Presentation Tips
How you present your skillet corn can make it even more appealing. Consider these tips:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color.
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic look.
- Add a Cheese Crust: Broil for a few minutes to create a golden, cheesy top.
- Serve in Individual Dishes: Use small ramekins for an elegant presentation.
Follow these tips to enhance your dining experience. Your guests will love every bite!
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Storing And Reheating
Storing and reheating skillet corn with cream cheese is important. Proper storage keeps the dish tasty and safe. Follow these tips for best results.
Proper Storage Methods
To store skillet corn with cream cheese, use an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents odors. Store the container in the fridge.
For long-term storage, use the freezer. Place the skillet corn in a freezer-safe container. Label it with the date. This helps you track its freshness.
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days |
| Freezer | 2-3 months |
Maintaining Creaminess
Reheating skillet corn with cream cheese can be tricky. Follow these steps to keep it creamy:
- Use low heat on the stove.
- Stir often to prevent sticking.
- Add a splash of milk if it looks dry.
Microwave reheating is another option. Place the corn in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a lid or wrap. Heat on medium power. Stir every 30 seconds. This helps keep the creaminess.
Reheating in the oven is also effective. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the corn in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil. Heat for 15-20 minutes. Stir halfway through to maintain creaminess.
Health Benefits
Skillet Corn with Cream Cheese is not just delicious. It also offers several health benefits. This dish combines the goodness of corn with the creaminess of cheese.
Nutritional Value
Corn is a rich source of essential nutrients. It contains vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Here is a quick look at its nutritional profile:
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 86 kcal |
| Protein | 3.22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 19.02 g |
| Fiber | 2.7 g |
| Vitamin C | 6.8 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.093 mg |
| Magnesium | 37 mg |
Cream cheese adds a touch of protein and calcium. It also provides a creamy texture that enhances the dish.
Moderation And Enjoyment
Enjoying Skillet Corn with Cream Cheese in moderation is key. Here are a few tips:
- Use fresh corn for the best flavor and nutrients.
- Opt for low-fat cream cheese to reduce calorie intake.
- Pair with a green salad for a balanced meal.
This dish can be part of a healthy diet. Balance it with other nutritious foods. Enjoying it occasionally is a treat for your taste buds and health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Ingredients Are Needed For Skillet Corn?
To make skillet corn with cream cheese, you’ll need corn, cream cheese, butter, and some seasoning. Fresh or frozen corn works well.
How Do You Cook Skillet Corn?
Cook the corn in a skillet with butter until tender. Add cream cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
Can I Use Frozen Corn?
Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just make sure to thaw it first. It works just as well as fresh corn.
How Long Does It Take To Cook?
Skillet corn with cream cheese takes about 15 minutes to cook. It’s a quick and easy side dish.
Conclusion
Skillet Corn with Cream Cheese is a delightful and easy dish. It pairs well with many meals. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a family favorite. Try it for your next gathering. This simple recipe will surely impress your guests and bring comfort to your table.
Enjoy cooking!
