Name: Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons salted butter; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 bag (16 oz) frozen corn or corn ribs; 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into chunks; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Honey Butter Skillet Corn is everything you want in a side dish: delightfully sweet, creamy, and just a little bit decadent. Each golden kernel is bathed in a luscious honey-butter glaze, punctuated with a hint of cream cheese, making every bite both rich and satisfying. Whether you’re looking to jazz up your weeknight dinners, impress friends at a barbecue, or whip up something special with minimal fuss, this dish never fails to deliver. It’s truly the secret weapon I turn to when I need something everyone—kids, picky eaters, and foodies alike—will adore.

Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about Honey Butter Skillet Corn is how just a handful of simple ingredients can create such incredible flavor and creamy texture. Each component plays a starring role, so let’s give them their moment to shine!

Butter: The foundation of that silky, savory-sweet sauce; opt for salted butter to really make the flavors pop.
Honey: Brings a touch of natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with both the corn and butter.
Frozen corn or corn ribs (16 oz bag): Super convenient and always perfectly sweet—no need to thaw before cooking!
Cream cheese: Adds an irresistible creaminess that keeps the dish from ever tasting one-note or bland.
Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the flavors and balances the honey’s sweetness lovingly.
Black pepper: A gentle kick rounds out the flavor, stopping things from being too sweet.

How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Honey

Grab your large skillet—if you have cast iron, even better, because it gets nice and hot and gives those sweet corn kernels a subtle, caramelized edge. Over medium-high heat, add the butter and honey, swirling the pan as they melt together. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is bubbling and glossy, filling your kitchen with a warm, sweet aroma that hints at the magic about to happen.

Step 2: Add the Corn

Pour in the frozen corn straight from the bag—no need to defrost! Stir occasionally as the corn cooks in the honey-butter glaze, letting it soak up all those gorgeous flavors. After about 5 to 8 minutes, the kernels will be tender and glistening, just begging for the next round of creamy goodness.

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

Scatter the cream cheese chunks over the warm corn, then add the salt and black pepper. Stir everything together gently so the cream cheese melts into the sauce. Let it cook another 3 to 5 minutes, just until it comes together into a creamy, dreamy cloud that clings to every kernel. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—then marvel at what you’ve created!

Step 4: Serve While It’s Hot

Dish the Honey Butter Skillet Corn right out of the skillet for that rustic, homey vibe. The creamy sauce will thicken slightly as it starts to cool, so I highly recommend serving it immediately while everything is hot and glossy.

How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Garnishes

Sprinkle a handful of chopped fresh herbs over the top for a pop of color and freshness—chives, parsley, or a tiny bit of dill are all lovely. For extra richness, an extra drizzle of honey or a pinch of flaky sea salt adds visual appeal and makes each bite feel special.

Side Dishes

Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a superstar alongside just about anything: grilled chicken, smoky barbecue ribs, seared salmon, or even veggie burgers for a meatless meal. If you’re feeling classic, serve it up with mashed potatoes or a tangy slaw—it all works harmoniously together.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve the corn in individual mini-skillets or ramekins. It also makes an unexpected and crowd-pleasing addition to tacos or spooned over baked potatoes. Layer it as part of a summery grain bowl, or add a little crushed red pepper for heat if you want to shake things up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey Butter Skillet Corn keeps beautifully. Simply pop it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld and deepen, making it just as delicious the next day (if not more so!).

Freezing

While fresh is always best, you can absolutely freeze cooled Honey Butter Skillet Corn if you end up with leftovers. Seal in a freezer-safe container or a ziptop bag, lay it flat, and store for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop the corn back into a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. If the mixture looks a little stiff, add a splash of milk or a small knob of butter to loosen things up and refresh the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you have fresh corn at the peak of summer, slice the kernels off the cob and use them in place of frozen. The result will be even sweeter and more vibrant; just note that you may need to cook them a couple of minutes longer to get the right level of tenderness.

Is there a dairy-free version of Honey Butter Skillet Corn?

Yes! Swap the butter and cream cheese for your favorite plant-based alternatives, and use agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly take. The texture will be slightly different but still deliciously creamy and full of flavor.

Can I make Honey Butter Skillet Corn ahead of time for a party?

You sure can! Prepare the dish as directed, then cool and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven before serving. It’s a fantastic make-ahead side for holidays, potlucks, or family gatherings.

What proteins pair best with Honey Butter Skillet Corn?

This corn side is incredibly versatile. It loves smoky grilled chicken, juicy pork chops, or even salmon. For a vegetarian spread, it shines alongside black bean burgers and roasted portobello mushrooms.

Is it possible to double the recipe?

Definitely! Just use a larger skillet or work in batches if needed. The sauce scales up easily, so you can feed a crowd or ensure you have plenty of leftovers to enjoy later.

Final Thoughts

Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a true gem: quick, comforting, and stunningly delicious. I urge you to give it a try—you might just find it’s the dish everyone wants seconds (and thirds) of at your table!