Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe

The Dreamiest Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Sweet summer corn meets creamy indulgence in this honey butter skillet corn that will steal the show at any gathering.

Kernels dance with golden richness, creating a side dish that’s both comforting and irresistible.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this simple yet magical combination of fresh corn and velvety butter.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes that complement any main course.

The skillet brings out corn natural sweetness while allowing butter and honey to meld into a luxurious coating.

Fresh ingredients transform an ordinary vegetable into an extraordinary culinary experience.

You’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for every summer potluck and family dinner.

How to Store Honey Butter Skillet Corn

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the corn stays fresh and maintains its creamy texture.
  • Warm the corn in a microwave-safe dish, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent uneven heating and maintain its smooth consistency.
  • Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

FAQs

  • What makes this corn recipe different from other corn dishes?

This skillet corn combines sweet honey, rich butter, and creamy cream cheese for a unique flavor profile that elevates a simple corn side dish into something extraordinary.

  • Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen corn?

Yes, you can use fresh corn kernels, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time. Fresh corn typically requires about 3-5 minutes of cooking instead of 5-8 minutes for frozen corn.

  • Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This honey butter skillet corn is vegetarian-friendly and uses simple ingredients that most vegetarians can enjoy. It’s a great side dish for vegetarian meals.

Why Honey Butter Skillet Corn is Sweet & Savory Perfection

  • Easily adjust seasonings and ingredients to match your taste preferences, making this corn recipe incredibly versatile for different palates and meal styles.
  • Transform ordinary frozen corn into a creamy, sweet, and savory side that will upgrade your dinner table and impress family and friends with minimal cooking effort.
  • Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and family gatherings where you want a crowd-pleasing dish that requires minimal prep and maximum flavor.

Everything Needed for Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Main Ingredients:
  • Corn: Sweet and tender corn kernels that form the base of this delicious side dish.
  • Butter: Rich and creamy butter that provides a smooth, luxurious texture.
  • Honey: Natural sweetener that adds a delightful golden sweetness to the corn.
Dairy and Creamy Components:
  • Cream Cheese: Soft and tangy cheese that creates a rich, velvety sauce when melted.
Seasonings:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the corn dish.

Skillet Corn Tools for Flawless Results

  • Skillet: Large, sturdy pan with high sides for even heat distribution and cooking the corn.
  • Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching the skillet's surface.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure honey, salt, and pepper.
  • Cutting Board: For cubing cream cheese neatly and safely.
  • Sharp Knife: Essential for precise cream cheese cutting.

Cooking Honey Butter Corn on the Stovetop

Step 1: Warm Up The Skillet

Place a large skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat.

This will create the perfect cooking environment for your delicious corn dish.

  • Butter
  • Honey

Gently melt these ingredients together, stirring until they create a smooth, golden mixture that fills your kitchen with a sweet, inviting aroma.

Step 2: Transform Frozen Corn

Toss the frozen corn directly into the bubbling butter-honey blend.

Let the corn dance in the skillet, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and flavor absorption.

Cook for 6-7 minutes until the corn is thoroughly warmed and glistening with a beautiful golden sheen.

Step 3: Create A Creamy Sensation

Time to add some magic to your corn!

Drop in the cream cheese, sprinkling salt and black pepper over the skillet.

Stir continuously, watching the cream cheese melt and blend into a luxurious, velvety sauce that coats every kernel with rich, tangy goodness.

Step 4: Bring The Dish To Life

Scoop the hot, glossy corn into a beautiful serving dish.

The combination of sweet honey, rich butter, and creamy cheese will make this side dish the star of your meal.

Serve immediately while it’s warm and irresistibly delicious.

Tips for Buttery, Tender Skillet Corn

  • Use unsalted butter for better control of the dish's overall saltiness, allowing the honey's sweetness to shine through.
  • Let cream cheese sit at room temperature before cubing to ensure smoother melting and more even distribution throughout the corn.
  • Sprinkle fresh chopped chives or green onions on top for an extra burst of freshness and color that complements the sweet and creamy base.
  • Choose high-quality frozen corn for the best texture and flavor, avoiding brands with added preservatives or ice crystals.
  • Replace cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the dish's rich, creamy profile.

Sweet Corn Variations You’ll Love

  • Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil, use plant-based cream cheese, and swap honey with maple syrup for a completely vegan version.
  • Spicy Southwest Corn: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and a sprinkle of cayenne to give the corn a zesty kick.
  • Herb-Infused Corn Medley: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to elevate the flavor profile with a garden-fresh touch.
  • Cheesy Bacon Corn Boost: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits and swap cream cheese with shredded cheddar for a protein-packed variation.

Serving Honey Butter Corn for Any Meal

  • Sweet Corn Symphony: Pair this creamy, honey-kissed corn with grilled proteins like chicken or steak for a delightful meal contrast.
  • Backyard BBQ Boost: Serve alongside summer barbecue favorites such as pulled pork, burgers, or grilled vegetables to elevate your outdoor dining experience.
  • Thanksgiving Table Star: Bring this comforting corn dish to holiday gatherings as a crowd-pleasing side that adds a touch of sweetness to traditional spreads.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Use as a unique accompaniment to egg dishes, breakfast casseroles, or as a decadent topping for cornbread to add unexpected richness.
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Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe

Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Southern-style honey butter skillet corn brings pure comfort to family dinners with rich, creamy goodness. Golden kernels blend sweet and savory flavors that welcome you to savor each delightful spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 bag (16 ounces / 454 grams) frozen corn
  • 2 ounces (57 grams) cream cheese, cubed

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 tablespoons honey

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, gently combine honey and butter, whisking until they create a smooth, fragrant liquid.
  2. Pour frozen corn into the honey-butter mixture, stirring periodically for 5-7 minutes to ensure even heating and flavor absorption.
  3. Introduce cubed cream cheese, salt, and black pepper to the corn, continuously stirring until the cream cheese melts completely and creates a luxurious, creamy texture.
  4. Transfer the glossy, golden corn to a serving platter, allowing the rich honey-butter sauce to coat each kernel generously.

Notes

  • Choose fresh or frozen corn for optimal flavor and texture, with frozen corn offering convenience without sacrificing taste.
  • Adjust honey quantity based on desired sweetness level, starting with less and gradually adding more to control the final taste profile.
  • Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or chives to enhance the corn’s depth and create a more complex flavor experience.
  • Use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version while maintaining the creamy consistency and rich taste of the original recipe.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Side Dish
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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