If there’s one side dish that always gets devoured at our table, it’s Honey Butter Skillet Corn. Imagine sweet, juicy corn kernels kissed with buttery honey and turned luxuriously creamy thanks to a swirl of melting cream cheese. This ridiculously easy recipe takes basic corn to dreamy new heights—and it’s ready in under 15 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Just 15 Minutes: You can whip up this Honey Butter Skillet Corn in less time than it takes to set the table—no oven or fancy tricks required.
- Irresistibly Creamy: The cream cheese takes humble corn and transforms it into a luscious, ultra-satisfying dish that rivals any restaurant side.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Buttery sweetness and a subtle tang make this a comfort food everyone will reach for—kids and adults alike!
- Year-Round Easy: No need to wait for corn season; frozen corn makes this recipe possible (and delicious!) any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Honey Butter Skillet Corn is that it calls for just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients—each one playing a starring role in creating that irresistible sweet-buttery-creamy flavor. Don’t skip or swap them unnecessarily; they each add their own spark to the final dish!
- Butter: Opt for salted butter for richer flavor, or use unsalted and add an extra pinch of salt if you prefer. Butter provides that silky mouthfeel and golden gloss!
- Honey: The sweetness ties everything together and caramelizes slightly in the pan for craveable depth. Any mild honey works beautifully.
- Frozen Corn: No need to thaw! Frozen sweet corn is easy, tasty, and gives you vibrant kernels year-round.
- Cream Cheese: This is the secret to that dreamy, creamy texture. Cut it into chunks for faster melting.
- Salt: Just a little brings out the natural sweetness and keeps the flavors balanced.
- Black Pepper: A dash of pepper adds the perfect hint of warmth and subtle bite.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Honey Butter Skillet Corn is just how easy it is to make your own! You can swap, add, or tweak ingredients to suit different occasions, dietary restrictions, or simply the cravings of the day.
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeno right in with the corn for a pop of heat that balances the honey sweetness.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute vegan butter and a plant-based cream cheese for a luscious, non-dairy version that everyone can enjoy.
- Herbaceous Twist: Stir in fresh chopped chives, parsley, or a bit of basil at the end for a hint of color and freshness.
- Cheesy Corn: Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar or Parmesan on top just before serving for a gooey, melty finish.
How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Step 1: Sauté Butter and Honey
Place your favorite large skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter along with the honey. Let them melt together—stir gently until you smell that glorious sweet aroma and the mixture is bubbling with promise!
Step 2: Add Frozen Corn
Right from the freezer, pour your corn kernels into the skillet. There’s no need to thaw—just give everything a good toss so the corn is coated with that glossy honey butter. Cook for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is hot and tender.
Step 3: Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat to medium, then add the cream cheese (cut into chunks). Sprinkle over the salt and black pepper. Stir continuously as the cream cheese melts, turning everything into a silky, creamy skillet of pure gold—about 3–5 more minutes.
Step 4: Serve and Savor
Once the creaminess is just right and the corn is heated through, remove from the heat. Spoon the Honey Butter Skillet Corn straight from pan to plate! Serve immediately while it’s bubbling and delicious.
Pro Tips for Making Honey Butter Skillet Corn
- Use Chilled Cream Cheese: Cutting your cream cheese into small chunks straight from the fridge helps it melt slowly and evenly, creating the ideal creamy texture without any lumps.
- Don’t Overcook: Stop cooking as soon as the corn is hot and the mixture looks glossy and creamy—overcooking can make the corn tough or the sauce separate.
- Customize the Sweetness: Taste before serving and add a drizzle of extra honey if you like yours on the sweeter side, or a pinch more salt for extra balance.
- Skillet Matters: Use a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat—this helps the honey and butter caramelize ever-so-slightly before adding the corn.
How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley brings a pop of color and just the right hint of freshness. For a southern accent, add a pinch of smoked paprika or crumbled crispy bacon over the top right before serving—pure magic!
Side Dishes
Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a match made in heaven alongside anything from roast chicken and barbecue ribs to a cozy pot of chili. It’s also wonderful as part of a holiday spread, brightening up classic mains with a fun, flavorful twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Honey Butter Skillet Corn in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or heap it up family-style straight from the skillet for that oh-so-homey vibe. Leftovers are also amazing spooned over baked potatoes or inside tacos for an unexpectedly fun pop of sweet creamed corn!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Honey Butter Skillet Corn to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and creamy for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully for a next-day treat.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a zip-top freezer bag or a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to let the corn cool before freezing, and press out as much air as possible for the best texture on reheating.
Reheating
Gently rewarm the corn in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring often until creamy and hot. If it seems too thick, add a splash of milk or water, and a tiny knob of butter to revive that creamy shine!
FAQs
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Can I use canned corn instead of frozen in Honey Butter Skillet Corn?
Yes! Simply drain the canned corn well before adding it to the skillet. Because canned corn is already cooked, you’ll only need to heat it through—watch closely so it doesn’t become mushy.
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Is there a way to make Honey Butter Skillet Corn ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Prepare the recipe as written, let it cool, and refrigerate. Just reheat gently on the stove, stirring with a splash of milk if needed. It stays creamy and dreamy even after reheating.
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Can I lighten up this recipe?
If you want a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and go lighter on the butter. The corn will still be delicious, though the final dish will be a little less rich.
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What main dishes go best with Honey Butter Skillet Corn?
This corn pairs beautifully with roasted meats, fried chicken, grilled fish, hearty stews, or really any homestyle, savory main. It’s the perfect sweet and creamy side to round out almost any meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s both comforting and totally crowd-pleasing, make this Honey Butter Skillet Corn your new go-to. I can’t wait for you to taste the creamy sweetness in every bite—don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!
Print
Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn recipe is a delightful side dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the richness of butter, creating a flavorful and creamy corn dish that is perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter, salted
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 bag (16 oz) frozen corn
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into chunks
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Honey: In a skillet pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter and honey. Once melted, add the frozen corn and cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until cooked through.
- Add Cream Cheese and Seasoning: Add the cream cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir together and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve: Serve immediately. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in a covered container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
