Honey Butter Skillet Corn is that comforting, vibrant side dish you find yourself sneaking spoonfuls of straight from the pan. Each bite is blissfully sweet, creamy, and buttery, with pop-in-your-mouth kernels coated in a dreamy glaze. Whether you’re hosting a laid-back weekend dinner or want to transform a regular weeknight meal, this easy recipe is proof that the simplest ingredients can create the most memorable flavors. Get ready to find your new go-to side dish!

Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Honey Butter Skillet Corn lies in its short, no-fuss ingredients list. Every element plays a starring role, bringing something special for both flavor and texture—proof that a little goes a long way when you combine the right things!

Frozen corn: No need to thaw—frozen corn makes this dish easy, fast, and ultra-sweet all year round. If it’s summer, fresh off-the-cob is fantastic too!
Unsalted butter: Melts into the pan for a rich, velvety base that clings to every kernel.
Honey: Lends a touch of golden sweetness, perfectly balancing the richness from the butter and cream cheese.
Cream cheese: Cubed for easy melting, it creates an irresistibly creamy sauce that pulls the dish together.
Salt: Just a pinch brightens all those sweet and creamy flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle pop of warmth, rounding out every bite.

How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Honey

Start by setting a large skillet over medium heat. Drop in the butter and honey together and watch them mingle and bubble as they melt. A quick swirl with your spoon creates a glossy golden pool that smells downright heavenly—this sets the stage for all that wonderful flavor!

Step 2: Add the Corn

Tumble the frozen corn straight into the skillet; no need to thaw first, which makes for a super speedy prep. Stir to coat every kernel in the buttery honey glaze. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, giving an occasional stir, until the corn is thoroughly warmed and just beginning to pop with color.

Step 3: Stir in Cream Cheese, Salt, and Pepper

Lower the heat to keep things gentle, then add the cream cheese cubes, salt, and black pepper. Keep stirring as the cream cheese melts into luscious ribbons, turning the corn glossy and creamy. In less than a minute, everything will be silky and perfectly coated.

Step 4: Serve Warm

Once the sauce is smooth and the corn is piping hot, it’s time to scoop it onto your favorite platter or right into bowls for immediate snacking. Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn while it’s still warm and creamy for the very best experience.

How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Garnishes

For a pop of color and even more flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped chives or green onions on top just before serving. If you’re craving a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick that plays well with the sweetness. Finish with a quick grind of black pepper for that extra touch of pizzazz.

Side Dishes

This irresistible corn pairs beautifully with just about anything! Serve it alongside classic barbecue dishes, roasted chicken, or even a holiday roast. It plays especially well with other comfort sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a tangy coleslaw.

Creative Ways to Present

Take Honey Butter Skillet Corn over the top by serving it in individual ramekins for an elegant touch, or create a layered bowl with corn on the bottom, pulled pork or shredded chicken on top, and a sprinkle of scallions. You can even spoon it over baked potatoes or mix it into a Tex-Mex grain bowl for a sweet-salty upgrade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Honey Butter Skillet Corn (lucky you!), let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a great meal prep option or next-day side.

Freezing

Corn’s vibrant texture actually holds up well in the freezer. Portion the cooled Honey Butter Skillet Corn into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out as much air as possible. It’ll stay tasty for up to 2 months—just note that it may be a touch softer after thawing but will still be delicious.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your corn gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring to revive its signature creaminess. You can add a splash of milk or a small knob of butter to refresh the sauce if needed. The microwave also works for a quick fix—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you’ve got fresh corn in season, cut the kernels right off the cob and use it in place of frozen. The flavor is especially sweet and vibrant—just reduce the cook time by a minute or two, since fresh corn cooks faster.

Is there a dairy-free way to make Honey Butter Skillet Corn?

Yes! Swap the butter for a good-quality plant-based margarine and choose your favorite non-dairy cream cheese. The honey keeps things sweet, but if you’re vegan, opt for maple syrup or agave for that same lovely glaze.

Will canned corn work in a pinch?

Canned corn can be used if that’s what you have on hand; just drain it really well first. You’ll want to reduce the cooking time a little since canned corn is already soft and cooked—just heat through before adding the cream cheese.

How can I make it spicier?

To bring some heat, add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter and honey as they melt together, or stir in a little diced jalapeño with the corn. Hot sauce on the table is never a bad idea either!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, Honey Butter Skillet Corn is perfect for sharing! Just use a larger skillet or cook in batches so the corn sears instead of steams—this helps maintain its pop and texture. Double (or triple!) all ingredients as needed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s incredibly simple, always crowd-pleasing, and brings just the right touch of sweetness, Honey Butter Skillet Corn is the answer. It’s honestly hard to resist second helpings, and I hope your table loves every bite as much as mine does—give it a try and see for yourself how fast it disappears!

Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

This Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a delightful side dish that combines the sweetness of honey with creamy butter and corn. It’s easy to make and perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Corn:

4 cups frozen corn (no need to thaw)

Butter Mixture:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons honey

Additional Ingredients:

2 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Melt Butter and Honey: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and honey together.
Cook Corn: Add the frozen corn and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Add Cream Cheese and Seasonings: Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream cheese, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and the corn is creamy and well coated.
Serve: Serve warm.

Notes

You can use fresh corn cut from the cob when in season.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy twist, or stir in chopped chives for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American