Irresistible Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe for Sweet Success

Summer cookouts buzz with excitement when this honey butter skillet corn arrives at the table.

Kernels glisten with golden sweetness, promising a delectable side dish that everyone craves.

Creamy butter and natural honey create a magical blend that elevates simple corn into something extraordinary.

Southern kitchens know the secret of transforming fresh ingredients into memorable moments.

Farm-fresh corn kernels caramelize beautifully in a hot skillet, developing rich, complex flavors.

Crisp edges and tender centers make this recipe irresistible for picnics, potlucks, and family dinners.

Skillet Corn With Sweet Honey Butter Flavor

  • Quick Weeknight Savior: Whips up a delicious side dish in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy families needing a fast and tasty solution.
  • Creamy Comfort Twist: Transforms ordinary frozen corn into a luxurious, rich side dish with cream cheese, honey, and butter creating an irresistible flavor combination.
  • Kid-Friendly Veggie Win: Adds sweetness from honey that makes corn appealing to children who might typically avoid vegetables, making mealtime easier for parents.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires only 5 simple ingredients and one skillet, reducing kitchen cleanup and making cooking stress-free for home chefs of all skill levels.

Skillet Corn with Honey Butter Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

Corn and Dairy:
  • Frozen Corn: Sweet and tender base of the dish, easily accessible year-round.
  • Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps create smooth sauce.
  • Cream Cheese: Provides creamy texture and tangy depth to the corn.
Seasoning and Sweeteners:
  • Honey: Natural sweetener that balances savory elements and adds golden color.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the dish.

Skillet Corn with Honey Butter Instructions

Step 1: Melt The Delicious Base

Grab a skillet and combine butter and honey over medium-high heat.

Swirl the ingredients together until they create a smooth, golden mixture that starts to bubble gently.

Step 2: Introduce The Corn

Pour in the frozen corn kernels directly into the warm honey butter blend.

Stir the corn consistently to ensure each kernel gets coated with the sweet and rich sauce.

Cook for 6-7 minutes, watching the corn transform from icy to perfectly heated.

Step 3: Create The Creamy Sensation

Add these ingredients to the skillet:
  • Cream cheese chunks
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together, allowing the cream cheese to melt and create a luxurious, velvety texture.

Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes, mixing occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

Step 4: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer the hot, creamy corn mixture to a serving dish immediately.

The corn will be glossy, rich, and bursting with sweet and savory flavors.

This side dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as a standalone comfort food.

Step 5: Store Leftovers

Cool any remaining corn completely before transferring to an airtight container.

Refrigerate and consume within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture.

Corn Skillet Tips with Honey Butter Goodness

  • Adjust the cooking time to achieve your preferred corn texture, from slightly crisp to fully tender.
  • Experiment with different honey varieties like clover, wildflower, or lavender for unique taste profiles.
  • Cut cream cheese into small, uniform cubes and allow it to soften at room temperature before adding to the skillet.
  • Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives or coconut cream for a plant-based version of the dish.
  • Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like chives or parsley on top to add color, freshness, and an extra layer of flavor.

Keep Honey Butter Skillet Corn Fresh

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the corn fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Warm the corn in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk to restore creamy texture.
  • Place corn in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
  • Never refreeze previously thawed corn to maintain food safety and prevent texture degradation.

Honey Butter Skillet Corn Meal Matches

  • Pair with Grilled Protein Brilliance: Serve alongside juicy grilled chicken breasts or tender pork chops to complement the sweet and creamy corn's rich flavor profile.
  • Create Southwest Feast: Combine with spicy blackened fish or chipotle-seasoned shrimp to enhance the dish's honey-butter complexity and add exciting texture contrast.
  • Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the corn's sweetness and cut through its creamy richness, elevating the entire dining experience.
  • Elevate with Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a light green salad with citrus vinaigrette to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the corn's decadent and indulgent character.

Skillet Corn with Honey Butter Spins

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap cream cheese with coconut cream or cashew cream for a plant-based version that maintains the rich, creamy texture.
  • Spicy Southwest Corn: Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, and a sprinkle of chili powder to give the corn a zesty, warm kick.
  • Herb-Infused Option: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like thyme, basil, or chives to bring a bright, garden-fresh flavor to the skillet corn.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace frozen corn with cauliflower or zucchini cubes to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the same creamy, buttery essence.

FAQs

  • Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen corn?

Yes, you can use fresh corn kernels. Simply cut the kernels off the cob and follow the same cooking method in the skillet.

  • Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This honey butter skillet corn is vegetarian-friendly and doesn’t contain any meat ingredients.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare it earlier and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy texture.

  • How can I make this recipe more spicy?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper when seasoning to give the corn a slight kick of heat without overwhelming the sweet honey flavor.

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Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 18 reviews

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

Description

Sweet Southern comfort meets creamy indulgence in this honey butter skillet corn, a mouthwatering side dish that whispers tales of farmhouse kitchens. Golden kernels dance with rich butter and sweet honey, promising comfort in every delectable spoonful you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

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

Seasoning Ingredients:

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

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter (salted preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons honey

Instructions

  1. Warm a skillet over medium-high heat, gently blending butter and honey until they create a smooth, golden liquid.
  2. Pour frozen corn kernels into the shimmering mixture, allowing them to sizzle and transform, stirring periodically to ensure even heating and prevent sticking.
  3. Introduce creamy cheese chunks into the corn, seasoning with a delicate sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
  4. Continue stirring the mixture, watching the cheese melt and integrate with the corn, creating a luxurious, glossy texture that coats each kernel.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat once the corn appears tender and the cheese has completely dissolved, forming a harmonious, glistening side dish.
  6. Transfer the warm, fragrant corn to a serving dish, allowing diners to enjoy the rich, sweet, and savory combination immediately.
  7. Store any remaining portions in a sealed container within the refrigerator, understanding the dish is best consumed while fresh and warm.

Notes

  • Swap frozen corn for fresh corn during summer months for enhanced flavor and texture, providing a more vibrant and seasonal twist to the dish.
  • Reduce honey amount for a less sweet version, perfect for those watching sugar intake or preferring savory corn preparations.
  • Consider adding chopped herbs like chives or parsley for extra brightness and visual appeal, elevating the simple side dish with minimal effort.
  • Use plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese to transform this recipe into a delicious vegan-friendly alternative that maintains the creamy, sweet profile.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Side Dish
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 202
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 116 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 29 mg
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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