Few dishes define pure comfort and flavor quite like this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe. Imagine sweet kernels of golden corn sizzled in buttery richness, kissed with silky honey, and blended with cream cheese for a lush, irresistible finish. It’s simple enough for weekdays but feels special enough to serve at a holiday table, making it a beloved side you’ll keep coming back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in how straightforward every ingredient is—each one packs a punch of taste or brings a perfect texture. With just six required items, you’ll transform a handful of staples into a dish that radiates color, creaminess, and pure joy in every bite.
- Corn kernels: Choose fresh, frozen, or even drained canned corn—whatever you have will work beautifully for sweet, juicy bites.
- Unsalted butter: Melts into the skillet and coats every kernel, adding unforgettable richness.
- Honey: Just a drizzle brings out the corn’s natural sweetness and adds a lovely glossy finish.
- Cream cheese: The secret ingredient that makes the sauce creamy and velvety—don’t skip it!
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for sharpening the flavors and balancing all that savory and sweet goodness.
- Optional garnishes: Toss on chives, a pinch of red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or Parmesan to give your Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe your own personal touch.
How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Grab your favorite large skillet and set it over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt until it’s sizzling and beginning to foam—this is when butter’s flavor is at its best and it’s ready to work magic on the corn.
Step 2: Sauté the Corn
Add the corn kernels to the pan, stirring gently to ensure every piece is gleaming with melted butter. Let them cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, resisting the urge to stir too much; you want some of those kernels to get a lovely, caramelized color for max flavor.
Step 3: Sweeten with Honey
Drizzle the honey over your sizzling corn, then give it a good stir. Let the honey bubble in the pan, coating the kernels and boosting the sweetness—the aroma at this point is absolutely dreamy!
Step 4: Add Cream Cheese
Drop in the cream cheese by spoonfuls, letting it melt and swirl throughout the pan. Stir until everything is totally creamy and luscious, making each bite silky smooth. This step is where the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe becomes truly decadent.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Give your skillet a finishing sprinkle of salt and black pepper, tasting as you go until it’s just right for you. Pile the creamy corn into a serving dish (or serve right from the skillet!), and get ready to garnish, if you wish.
How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Garnishes
Turn up the wow factor by topping your corn with a shower of chopped chives for freshness, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for kick, a dusting of smoked paprika for smoky depth, or a handful of Parmesan for salty umami. These little extras make the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe feel extra festive and inviting.
Side Dishes
This dish is a natural alongside anything from grilled chicken to Thanksgiving turkey, barbecued ribs, or baked salmon. Pair it with mashed potatoes, crisp salads, or steamy baked beans—the creamy, sweet-savory notes will shine whatever you serve.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon it into small ramekins for individual servings at a party, mound it in a big rustic bowl at a family dinner, or use it as a bed for seared scallops or spicy shrimp. The Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is endlessly versatile and always looks (and tastes) spectacular.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra, transfer the corn to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to three days, making it a terrific leftover for quick lunches or as a speedy, satisfying side throughout the week.
Freezing
This recipe actually freezes surprisingly well! Let the corn cool completely, then freeze in a zip-top bag or sturdy container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
The easiest way to reheat your Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave works—just stir halfway through to ensure an even, creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use canned corn for the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to drain the canned corn very well and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps avoid excess moisture and allows the corn to caramelize in the skillet for the best flavor.
Is there a vegan version of this dish?
Yes! You can easily swap in vegan butter and plant-based cream cheese, and use agave nectar instead of honey. The result is just as creamy and delicious, making the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe perfect for almost any diet.
What’s the best way to get caramelized corn?
The secret is not to move the corn too much as it cooks—let it sit in the hot butter so the sugars can caramelize against the skillet. Give it a stir only once or twice while cooking for the best golden-brown bits.
Can I make Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare it fully, let it cool, and store in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat gently, stirring often to bring back its creamy texture and serve hot.
Are there fun add-ins for this recipe?
So many! Try tossing in crispy crumbled bacon, a handful of sautéed jalapeños, diced red bell pepper, or fresh herbs for a twist on the classic Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the combination of sweet corn, honey, and butter—it never fails to win hearts. If you’re looking for a crave-worthy new side to add some joy to your next meal, this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is hands-down a winner. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how quickly it disappears from your table!
PrintHoney Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Sweet, buttery, and luxuriously creamy, this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is a quick, one-skillet side dish that pairs perfectly with everything from grilled meats to holiday roasts. With just a few ingredients and 15 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and completely irresistible.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Corn:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
Butter Mixture:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped chives
- Red pepper flakes
- Smoked paprika
- Shredded Parmesan
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until sizzling.
- Cook Corn: Add the corn and stir to coat in the butter. Cook for 4–5 minutes, allowing some kernels to lightly caramelize.
- Add Honey: Drizzle in the honey and stir well, letting it bubble and coat the corn.
- Stir in Cream Cheese: Add cream cheese in small dollops, stirring until fully melted and the mixture becomes creamy.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, straight from the skillet, garnished as desired.
Notes
- Use canned corn if needed—just be sure to drain and pat dry first.
- Make it vegan with dairy-free butter, vegan cream cheese, and agave instead of honey.
- Add-ins like crumbled bacon or jalapeños can bring a fun twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg