If you’re looking to turn ordinary corn into something utterly irresistible, Honey Butter Skillet Corn is about to become your go-to side dish. Imagine sweet kernels of corn basking in a creamy blend of silky butter, luscious honey, and tangy cream cheese — each bite melting into a delightful harmony of sweet and savory. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or just need a quick veggie upgrade for dinner, this easy, dreamy recipe lifts corn out of the ordinary and guarantees to win hearts at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly magical about Honey Butter Skillet Corn is how just a handful of familiar staples combine to create something spectacular. Each ingredient has a special job, building layers of flavor and texture you don’t want to miss. Here’s why every ingredient matters:
- Unsalted butter: Gives the dish rich, creamy depth while letting you control the seasoning perfectly.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a gorgeous glossy finish — it’s the “secret” that makes this recipe special.
- Frozen corn: Fresh and juicy kernels all year round, and best of all, there’s no need to thaw before cooking.
- Cream cheese: Melts into the corn for a luxurious, perfectly creamy consistency that clings to every kernel.
- Salt: Just the right touch to balance and accentuate all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a warm, gentle spark that cuts through the richness and sweet notes.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness — ideal if you want a little extra flair.
How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Honey Together
Set a medium skillet over medium heat, then toss in the butter and allow it to melt gently. When it’s just about liquid gold, drizzle in the honey and stir the two together, watching as they become blissfully glossy and fragrant. This simple step creates the flavor foundation for your Honey Butter Skillet Corn.
Step 2: Add the Frozen Corn
Pour the frozen corn straight into the skillet — no need to thaw. Give everything a good toss so those golden kernels are beautifully coated in the honey butter mixture. Let them sizzle and soak up those flavors for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally as the corn plumps up and fills your kitchen with comfort-food aromas.
Step 3: Stir in Cream Cheese for Dreamy Creaminess
Add the cream cheese right into the skillet. It will melt easily as you stir, turning the whole mixture irresistibly creamy without any clumps. This is the step that transforms your Honey Butter Skillet Corn from simply delicious to absolutely unforgettable.
Step 4: Season to Perfection
Now, sprinkle in the salt and black pepper, giving everything one last good stir. A minute or two more on the heat ensures every bite is infused with flavor and the sauce hugs the corn perfectly. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed — now’s the time to make it just right for you.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Turn off the heat and if you’d like, shower the skillet with freshly chopped parsley for a splash of color and vibrancy. Your Honey Butter Skillet Corn is now ready, piping hot and so tempting you might want to eat it straight from the skillet!
How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Garnishes
A sprinkle of bright, fresh parsley highlights the cheerful yellow of the corn and adds a mild herbal lift. If you’re feeling fancy, a touch of grated Parmesan or a swoop of extra honey on top can also take this dish up a notch — just a little goes a long way to elevate every scoop.
Side Dishes
Honey Butter Skillet Corn knows how to play well with others! Serve it with barbecue ribs, crispy fried chicken, turkey, or a holiday ham. It’s a natural at a big Sunday dinner, or even right alongside a quick weeknight salmon fillet. Whatever’s on your plate, this corn brightens the whole meal with sweetness and richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not think outside the (skillet) box? Spoon the creamy corn into small ramekins for individual servings at brunch, or fill mini corn tortillas for a sweet-savory taco side. You could even top baked potatoes with Honey Butter Skillet Corn for an indulgent twist, or swirl a couple of spoonfuls through mac and cheese just before serving for a fun and flavorful surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Honey Butter Skillet Corn cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep happily in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop even more as it sits, so tomorrow’s lunch just got tastier!
Freezing
If you have lots left over (lucky you!), pack the cooled corn in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and the creaminess will come right back once it hits the skillet.
Reheating
Simply warm Honey Butter Skillet Corn in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If it seems a touch thick, a splash of milk or cream will bring the luscious texture right back. A quick microwave zap works too for individual portions — just stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh or canned corn instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh corn cut from the cob brings wonderful sweetness and pop. If using canned corn, drain it well before adding; just sauté for a minute less since it’s already cooked.
How can I make this dish even richer?
For decadent flair, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a bit of grated Parmesan cheese when you add the cream cheese. A knob of extra butter never hurts, either!
Is this recipe gluten free?
Yes, Honey Butter Skillet Corn is naturally gluten free as written. It’s a perfect side for gatherings where you want to cater to everyone’s needs.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely. Just use a large skillet and make sure to stir frequently for even heating. It’s just as simple and comes together quickly, even when cooking for a full table.
What can I do if my corn mixture is too thick?
If your corn turns out a little thicker than you like, simply stir in a splash of milk until it reaches your ideal creamy texture. The cream cheese can firm up as it cools, so this trick works like magic for leftovers, too.
Final Thoughts
Honey Butter Skillet Corn might be one of the easiest sides you ever make, but it’s guaranteed to wow absolutely everyone at the table. I can’t wait for you to see how this humble dish becomes the meal’s unexpected star — so go ahead, give it a try and make your next dinner a little sweeter and a whole lot cozier!
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Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn recipe is a deliciously creamy and sweet side dish that is quick and easy to prepare. Frozen corn is cooked with honey, butter, and cream cheese for a rich and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with BBQ, chicken, or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 bag (16 oz) frozen corn (no need to thaw)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Honey: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the honey.
- Cook Corn: Add the frozen corn and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Add Cream Cheese: Stir in the cream cheese until melted and the mixture is creamy.
- Season and Finish: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until everything is well combined and warmed.
- Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
- This side dish pairs well with BBQ, chicken, or holiday meals.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg