Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a rich, comforting side dish that transforms simple frozen corn into something irresistibly decadent.
Sweet kernels are coated in melted butter and honey, then finished with cream cheese for a silky, indulgent texture that balances sweet and savory beautifully.
Quick to prepare yet full of depth, this skillet corn is the kind of crowd-pleasing favorite that disappears fast at family dinners, holiday tables, and casual gatherings alike.
Why People Will Love Honey Butter Skillet Corn:
Irresistible sweet-and-savory balance – Honey enhances the natural sweetness of corn, while butter and cream cheese add rich, savory depth that keeps the dish perfectly balanced.
Ultra-creamy texture – Melted cream cheese coats every kernel, creating a smooth, luscious finish that feels indulgent without being heavy.
Quick and effortless to make – Ready in minutes using simple ingredients, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal prep and cleanup.
Crowd-pleasing comfort food – Familiar flavors and a cozy, buttery profile make it a favorite with both kids and adults.
Versatile side dish – Pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, barbecue, holiday dinners, or casual weeknight meals.
Uses pantry-friendly ingredients – Frozen corn and everyday staples make this dish accessible anytime of year.
Perfect for entertaining – Simple enough for weeknights yet rich and flavorful enough to feel special on a festive table.
Customizable to taste – Easily adjusted with added spice, herbs, or cheese to suit different preferences.
Key Ingredients:
Sweet corn – The star of the dish, sweet corn delivers natural sweetness and a juicy bite, forming the perfect base for the rich, buttery coating.
Salted butter – Melted butter adds richness and savory depth, enhancing the corn’s natural flavor and helping it caramelize slightly in the skillet.
Honey – Honey brings gentle sweetness and subtle floral notes that balance the saltiness of the butter and deepen the overall flavor.
Cream cheese – Softened and melted into the corn, cream cheese creates a luxuriously creamy texture that makes the dish irresistibly smooth.
Salt and black pepper – Simple seasoning that sharpens the sweetness, balances the richness, and ties all the flavors together.
Expert Tips:
Use a wide skillet – A wide pan allows the corn to spread out evenly, helping excess moisture evaporate so the kernels heat through and lightly caramelize instead of steaming.
Let the corn cook undisturbed at first – Allow the corn to sit for a minute or two before stirring to encourage gentle browning and deeper flavor.
Melt butter and honey slowly – Heat them together gently so the honey doesn’t scorch and the butter emulsifies smoothly, creating a glossy base.
Add cream cheese in pieces – Cut the cream cheese into small cubes so it melts evenly and blends smoothly into the corn without clumping.
Lower the heat when adding cream cheese – Reducing the heat prevents the sauce from separating and keeps the texture silky.
Season at the end – Butter and cream cheese already contain salt, so taste before adding more to avoid over-seasoning.
Balance sweetness carefully – If your corn is very sweet, reduce the honey slightly; if it’s less sweet, a drizzle more can enhance the flavor.
Finish with gentle heat – Once the sauce is creamy, avoid high heat to prevent scorching or oil separation.
Serve immediately for best texture – The dish is at its creamiest and glossiest right off the stove.
Adjust consistency if needed – If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk or cream to loosen it.
Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Ingredients:
680 grams 24 ounces of sweet corn, frozen
113 grams ½ stick salted butter
37.5 grams 2 ½ tablespoons honey
113 grams 4 ounces cream cheese
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
In a large skillet, melt the butter and honey together over medium-high heat.
Add the frozen corn to the skillet and stir continuously for 6 to 8 minutes, until the corn is heated through and starts to caramelize slightly.
Incorporate the cream cheese into the skillet and continue cooking for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and blend with the corn.
Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences.
Serve the Honey Butter Skillet Corn immediately while it’s hot and enjoy its creamy, sweet, and savory goodness.
Important Notes When Making Honey Butter Skillet Corn:
Frozen corn works exceptionally well – Frozen corn is picked and frozen at peak sweetness, making it ideal for this recipe and often more consistent than out-of-season fresh corn.
Moisture control is essential – Corn releases water as it cooks. Using high heat at first helps evaporate excess moisture, preventing a watery sauce.
Cream cheese creates structure – As it melts, cream cheese thickens the sauce naturally. Overheating can cause separation, so gentle heat is key.
Sweetness should be balanced – The honey enhances corn’s natural sugars, but the final sweetness depends on the corn itself. Adjust honey slightly if needed.
Salt sharpens flavor – Even a small amount of salt is essential to balance the sweetness and richness of the dish.
Best enjoyed fresh – The sauce thickens as it cools, so the texture is creamiest right after cooking.
Reheating requires care – Reheat gently over low heat and stir often to restore smoothness without breaking the sauce.
Not ideal for freezing – Cream cheese–based sauces can separate when frozen and thawed, affecting texture.
Simple dish, big impact – Because the ingredient list is short, quality ingredients make a noticeable difference.
How to Enjoy Honey Butter Skillet Corn After Cooking
Serve immediately for best texture
This dish is at its creamiest and glossiest right off the skillet, when the butter-honey sauce is silky and coats each kernel perfectly.
Enjoy it hot and fresh
Spoon the corn into a serving bowl while warm to fully appreciate the contrast between the sweet corn and rich, savory sauce.
Pair with hearty mains
Serve alongside grilled steak, roasted chicken, barbecue ribs, pork chops, or holiday ham. The sweetness balances savory, smoky flavors beautifully.
Add a simple finishing touch
A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, chopped parsley, or chives adds freshness and visual appeal without overpowering the dish.
Use as a comfort-style side
This corn works especially well with classic comfort foods like meatloaf, mashed potatoes, baked chicken, or casseroles.
Adjust consistency before serving
If the sauce thickens while sitting, stir in a splash of warm milk or cream to restore its creamy texture.
Serve family-style
Bring the skillet straight to the table for a rustic, inviting presentation that encourages sharing.
Reheat gently for leftovers
Warm leftovers over low heat, stirring often. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.
Balance richness with fresh sides
Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to keep the meal from feeling too heavy.
Enjoy as a crowd-pleasing favorite
Perfect for potlucks, holiday tables, and casual dinners, this dish shines as a familiar yet indulgent side everyone reaches for first.
Nutrition Information:
Values are approximate and based on 1 serving, assuming the recipe serves about 6.
Calories: 260 kcal | Total Fat: 16 g | Saturated Fat: 9 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 45 mg | Sodium: 380–520 mg (depending on butter and added salt) | Total Carbohydrates: 27 g | Dietary Fiber: 3 g | Sugars: 12 g | Protein: 4 g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen corn in this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh corn kernels instead of frozen.
Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh corn may cook faster.
Is it necessary to thaw the frozen corn before cooking?
No, you can add the frozen corn directly to the skillet.
Cooking it from frozen helps retain its texture and prevents it from becoming mushy.
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter and adjust the amount of salt added to the dish according to your taste preferences.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?
You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey used.
Start with the recommended amount and add more if desired, or reduce it for a less sweet flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time and reheat it later?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can make the Honey Butter Skillet Corn ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stove before serving.
However, keep in mind that the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
What type of corn is best to use for Honey Butter Skillet Corn?
Sweet corn, whether fresh or frozen, works best for this recipe to achieve that deliciously sweet flavor.
Is there a substitute for cream cheese?
While cream cheese adds creaminess to the dish, you can substitute it with heavy cream or sour cream if desired.
Can I add other seasonings to the dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the flavor by adding herbs like thyme or parsley, or spices like paprika or cayenne pepper.
How do I prevent the corn from sticking to the skillet?
Stirring continuously while cooking helps prevent the corn from sticking to the skillet and ensures even cooking.
What should I serve with Honey Butter Skillet Corn?
This dish pairs well with grilled meats such as chicken, steak, or pork chops, and also complements dishes like barbecue ribs or roasted vegetables.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can make it vegetarian by using plant-based butter instead of regular butter and opting for a vegan cream cheese alternative.