Honey Butter Creamy Skillet Corn Recipe

Dreamy Honey Butter Creamy Skillet Corn Recipe for Family Dinners

Creamy skillet corn with honey butter might sound like a simple side dish, but it’s a game-changer for your dinner table.

Sweet kernels burst with incredible flavor in this quick recipe.

Melted butter swirls through golden corn, creating a luxurious texture that feels indulgent.

Summer produce transforms into something magical with just a few ingredients.

Each spoonful promises comfort and warmth, reminiscent of backyard barbecues and lazy afternoons.

Skilled home cooks understand that sometimes the most unassuming dishes pack the most delightful surprises.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this honey butter creamy skillet corn is vegetarian-friendly and contains no meat products.

  • Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?

Absolutely! Frozen corn works perfectly in this recipe. Just thaw and drain excess water before cooking.

  • What type of cream should I use if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce might be slightly less rich and creamy.

  • How do I know when the corn is cooked properly?

The corn should look tender and slightly golden after sautéing for about 5 minutes. The texture will be soft but not mushy, with a slight bite to it.

What’s To Love About Honey Butter Skillet Corn

  • Quick and Convenient: Prepare a delicious side in just minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute meal planning.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The sweet honey and rich cream create a creamy, indulgent corn dish that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteed to be a family favorite.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Serve as a luxurious side dish for holidays, barbecues, potlucks, or casual family meals, adding a touch of comfort to any table.

Ingredients For Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Main Ingredients:
  • Corn: Sweet and juicy kernels that create the base of this delicious side dish.
  • Butter: Rich and creamy fat that adds amazing flavor and helps cook the corn.
  • Heavy Cream: Smooth dairy product that makes the corn extra luxurious and rich.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural sweetness of the corn.
  • Honey: Sweet golden syrup that adds a gentle touch of sweetness to the dish.
Optional Garnish:
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that brings a pop of color and light herbal notes to the finished corn.

Honey Butter Skillet Corn Prep Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet

Place a large skillet on the stovetop and set the heat to medium.

Allow the pan to warm up gently while you prepare your ingredients.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Drop the butter into the heated skillet and watch it melt smoothly, creating a golden, bubbling base for your corn dish.

Step 3: Introduce the Corn

  • Fresh or frozen corn kernels

Add the corn to the melted butter and start stirring.

Cook the corn for about 5 minutes, moving it around the skillet to ensure even heating and slight caramelization.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

  • Honey
  • Heavy cream

Pour in the honey and heavy cream, blending them with the corn.

Let the mixture simmer and thicken, stirring occasionally for another 5 minutes.

The liquid will start to reduce and create a luxurious coating on the corn.

Step 5: Season and Finish

Sprinkle salt and pepper into the skillet, tasting and adjusting the seasoning to your preference.

Give everything a final gentle stir to distribute the flavors evenly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

If you want an extra touch of freshness, scatter some chopped parsley over the top of the corn.

Transfer the creamy skillet corn to a serving dish and enjoy while it’s warm and inviting.

Tips For Honey Butter Skillet Corn Success

  • Use unsalted butter to control salt levels and allow a gentle golden color that enhances the corn's natural sweetness.
  • Stir continuously during the final 5 minutes to prevent cream from scorching and ensure a smooth, velvety texture.
  • Select fresh corn kernels directly cut from the cob for maximum flavor and a more authentic, farm-fresh taste.
  • Maintain medium heat to prevent burning and allow ingredients to blend harmoniously without losing their individual characteristics.
  • Choose fresh parsley for garnishing to add a bright, crisp element that complements the rich, creamy corn dish.

How To Store Honey Butter Skillet Corn

  • Store leftover corn in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and maintain creamy texture.
  • This dish doesn't freeze well due to cream's tendency to separate, so enjoy within the recommended refrigeration timeframe.

Pair It With Honey Butter Skillet Corn

  • Pair with Roasted Chicken: Creamy corn complements the crispy, savory texture of roasted chicken, creating a balanced and comforting meal that highlights the sweetness of honey.
  • Match with Grilled Pork Chops: The rich, buttery corn provides a delightful contrast to the smoky and slightly charred flavor of grilled pork chops, offering a perfect harmony of textures.
  • Serve with Chardonnay: The buttery, creamy notes of the corn blend beautifully with the smooth, oak-aged characteristics of a crisp Chardonnay, enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Complement with Fresh Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the corn's richness, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy side dish.

Honey Butter Skillet Corn Serving Ideas

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Delight: Replace corn with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that maintains the creamy, sweet profile.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use plant-based butter to create a rich, allergen-friendly side dish.
  • Vegan Sweet Corn Skillet: Use maple syrup instead of honey, replace butter with olive oil, and substitute cream with cashew cream for a completely plant-based option.
  • Spicy Mexican-Inspired Corn: Add diced jalapeños, sprinkle chili powder, and garnish with fresh cilantro to transform the classic recipe into a zesty side dish.
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Honey Butter Creamy Skillet Corn Recipe

Honey Butter Creamy Skillet Corn Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

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

Description

Sweet Southern corn luxuriates in creamy honey butter, creating a mouthwatering side dish that whispers comfort and nostalgia. Skillet magic brings fresh kernels to life, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this irresistible, golden-hued delicacy.


Ingredients

Scale

Corn:

  • 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels

Fats and Sweeteners:

  • 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick or 56 grams) butter
  • 2 tablespoons honey

Dairy and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat a spacious skillet over medium temperature, allowing butter to melt and create a golden, silky base.
  2. Gently introduce fresh corn kernels into the skillet, stirring frequently to ensure even coating and prevent sticking.
  3. Allow corn to dance and soften for approximately 5 minutes, developing a tender texture and releasing its natural sweetness.
  4. Cascade honey and rich heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious, glossy coating that envelops each kernel.
  5. Reduce heat slightly and continue cooking, intermittently stirring the mixture to prevent scorching and promote uniform heating.
  6. Delicately sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting seasoning to elevate the corn’s inherent flavors.
  7. Once the sauce thickens and corn reaches a perfect creamy consistency, remove from heat.
  8. Optional: Scatter finely chopped fresh parsley across the surface for a vibrant, herbaceous finishing touch.
  9. Transfer to a serving dish, allowing the golden, glistening corn to tempt eager diners.

Notes

  • Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter, healthier version that still maintains creamy texture.
  • Use fresh corn kernels directly cut from the cob for maximum sweetness and farm-fresh flavor during summer months.
  • Control honey quantity based on preferred sweetness level, starting with less and gradually adding more to balance corn’s natural sugars.
  • Enhance dish by adding a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for subtle heat and complex flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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