This Honey Butter Skillet Corn recipe combines sweet corn, butter, honey, and cream cheese for a rich, creamy, and irresistible side dish—ready in 15 minutes!
You ever make a recipe on a whim, thinking, Eh, it’ll be fine… only to find yourself scraping the skillet clean with a spoon? Yeah. That’s exactly how this Honey Butter Skillet Corn happened for me.
It was one of those “what’s-in-the-freezer” nights. I had leftover grilled chicken (a bit dry, honestly) and needed something to make it feel like a real meal. I spotted a bag of frozen corn and thought, Alright, this will have to do.
But then, I got a little creative. I melted some butter (because butter makes everything better), added a drizzle of honey (sweet corn deserves sweet vibes, right?), and tossed in cream cheese for a creamy twist.
Oh. My. Goodness.
The corn was buttery, sweet—but not too sweet—and so velvety, I couldn’t stop sneaking bites straight from the skillet. Even my husband, who normally ignores side dishes, asked for seconds.
And now? It’s basically a must for every family dinner, BBQ, and especially Thanksgiving. Trust me—this one’s a keeper.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe?
If you’re still not convinced (or maybe just need a gentle nudge), here’s why this corn needs to be on your table:
- Quick & Easy: 15 minutes, 6 ingredients, minimal cleanup.
- Rich & Velvety: That cream cheese + butter combo? Magic.
- Perfect Sweetness: The honey adds just the right touch of sweetness.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Seriously, everyone—kids, picky eaters, your mother-in-law—loves this.
- Weeknight & Holiday Ready: Works for casual dinners and festive feasts.
- Comfort Food Done Right: Creamy, sweet, buttery… need I say more?
Ingredient Notes:
The magic of this dish is how simple it is—just a handful of ingredients that really shine together.
- Sweet Corn: Frozen corn works great here. It’s sweet, easy, and always available. If you have fresh corn? Even better. Just shave it straight off the cob.
- Butter: Salted butter adds richness. If you’ve only got unsalted, just add a pinch more salt.
- Honey: The sweetness here feels natural and cozy. Maple syrup could work too—but honey’s the star.
- Cream Cheese: This takes the whole dish to another level. It’s creamy, slightly tangy, and just melts into the corn.
- Salt & Pepper: Just enough to balance the sweetness without overpowering the dish.
How To Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn?
This recipe is so easy you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it forever.
Step 1. Melt the Butter & Honey:
Start by melting the butter and honey together in a large skillet over medium heat. Let them melt into a golden, glossy mixture. And yes, it already smells amazing.
Step 2. Add the Corn:
Toss in the corn (straight from the freezer is fine!). Stir it around so every kernel gets coated in that buttery, honey goodness. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. The corn should be tender but not mushy.
Step 3. Melt the Cream Cheese:
Cut the cream cheese into small cubes (trust me, it melts faster this way) and add it to the skillet. Stir gently until it melts into the corn, creating a creamy, dreamy sauce. It might look a bit thick at first—just keep stirring.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 4. Season It Up:
Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper. Taste it! Need a touch more salt? Go for it. Too sweet? A pinch more pepper can balance that out.
Step 5. Serve It Hot:
Spoon it straight from the skillet—no need for fancy serving bowls. Though, if you’re feeling extra, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives makes it pop.
Storage Options:
I’ll be honest—leftovers don’t happen often with this dish. But if they do:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: It can be frozen, but the texture might change slightly because of the cream cheese.
- Reheating Tip: Warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to restore the creaminess.
Variations and Substitutions:
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn is perfect as written—but hey, why not mix things up?
- Spicy Honey Corn: Add a pinch of cayenne or a drizzle of hot honey for some heat.
- Cheesy Corn: Stir in some shredded cheddar or Parmesan for extra richness.
- Savory Herb Twist: Add chopped fresh thyme or rosemary to balance the sweetness.
- Vegan-Friendly: Use dairy-free butter, coconut cream instead of cream cheese, and agave instead of honey.
- Maple Corn: Swap the honey for pure maple syrup for a fall-inspired twist.
What to Serve with Honey Butter Skillet Corn?
This side dish is the MVP of comfort food pairings. Try it with:
- BBQ Chicken or Ribs: Sweet corn + smoky BBQ? Yes, please.
- Steak Night: The sweetness balances a perfectly seared steak beautifully.
- Mashed Potatoes: Because carbs on carbs is always a win.
- Holiday Turkey: Trust me—this corn belongs on the Thanksgiving table.
- Fresh Salad: A light, crisp salad cuts through the richness perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use canned corn instead of frozen?
Totally! Just drain it well and reduce the cooking time slightly since it’s already cooked.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best fresh. If you need to make it ahead, reheat it gently with a splash of milk.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
Mascarpone works beautifully, or even a splash of heavy cream for a lighter version.
So, there you have it—my favorite Honey Butter Skillet Corn recipe that started as a total accident and is now basically a non-negotiable at every family dinner.
It’s cozy, buttery, just sweet enough, and ridiculously easy to make. Seriously, if you try this, I need to know—did you stick to the recipe or throw in your own twist? Drop a comment below and tell me how it turned out!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Ingredients
- 24 ounces of sweet corn frozen
- ½ stick of salted butter
- 2 ½ tablespoons of honey
- 4 ounces of cream cheese
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of salt
Instructions
- Melt the butter and honey together. Start by melting half a stick of butter and 2 ½ tablespoons of honey in a large skillet, over medium heat. Let the two ingredients blend into a mixture.
- Next, introduce 24 ounces of frozen sweet corn to the skillet. Gently stir to ensure that every kernel is coated evenly with the butter-honey blend. Allow it to cook for about 6 to 8 minutes allowing the corn to soak up all those flavors.
- Now it's time to add 4 ounces of cream cheese to the skillet. Continue stirring as the cream cheese melts into the corn creating a luxurious texture. Let it cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle in one teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper. These seasonings will enhance all the flavors. Provide a balance, with the sweetness of honey and corn. Adjust them according to your taste preferences.
- Keep in mind that as time goes on this dish will naturally thicken up a bit. If you prefer a lighter texture you can consider reducing the amount of cream cheese used.
- With its enticing aroma filling up your kitchen carefully scoop out portions onto serving plates. Your Honey Butter Skillet Corn is now ready for you and your guests to enjoy this side dish.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
