If you ever find yourself craving a sweet, buttery, and irresistibly creamy side that steals the spotlight, Honey Butter Skillet Corn is the answer. This dish transforms everyday corn into something truly special: the allure of honey, melted with rich butter and tangy cream cheese, makes for a mouthful that surprises everyone at the table. Whether you’re jazzing up a family dinner or searching for your new go-to potluck hit, Honey Butter Skillet Corn lets you whip up a crowd-pleasing favorite with ridiculously little effort and every bite delivers comfort and a little wow-factor, too.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simple staples that pack a big payoff. Every ingredient has a starring role in the flavor and texture, so don’t skip or skimp—they each add something wonderful to the end result!
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy foundation and lets you control the saltiness of your Honey Butter Skillet Corn.
- Honey: Adds a floral sweetness and golden sheen that pairs perfectly with sweet corn.
- Frozen sweet corn: Easy, accessible, and always reliably sweet—just thaw and drain before use for the best texture.
- Cream cheese: This is the secret to ultra-creamy, slightly tangy corn; cut it into cubes for faster melting.
- Salt: A touch sharpens and balances the sweetness, making each bite addictive.
- Black pepper: Brings just enough warmth and contrast to elevate the flavors in your skillet.
How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Honey
Start by placing a large skillet over medium heat. Add your butter and honey, letting them slowly melt together. Stir the mixture occasionally as it begins to bubble and turn glossy—this is where the sweet and savory base of your Honey Butter Skillet Corn comes to life. The aroma alone is a sure sign something magical is about to happen!
Step 2: Add the Corn
Once your butter and honey are smoothly combined, toss in all the thawed and drained sweet corn. Use a spatula to stir and coat each kernel evenly. Give everything 5–6 minutes to heat through, stirring occasionally, so the corn soaks in every bit of that honey-butter flavor.
Step 3: Cream Cheese, Salt, and Pepper Time
Add in your cubed cream cheese, salt, and black pepper. Keep stirring gently—those cream cheese cubes will melt into a decadent sauce, turning your Honey Butter Skillet Corn silky and rich. Make sure everything is well combined and the mixture turns perfectly creamy.
Step 4: Serve it Up!
When your skillet corn looks glossy and irresistibly creamy, you’re ready. Spoon it straight from the skillet while it’s piping hot, catching every last golden bit. This dish is all about quick gratification, so don’t wait around—dig in straight away!
How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Garnishes
The simplest garnish—fresh chopped parsley or chives—adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy corn. If you like a little heat, a sprinkle of smoked paprika or even a smattering of red chili flakes is fabulous. These little extras make Honey Butter Skillet Corn camera-ready and inviting.
Side Dishes
This dreamy corn dish pairs beautifully with just about everything. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a hearty vegetarian chili. It also works wonderfully next to barbecued ribs or as part of an indulgent Thanksgiving spread. The sweet-and-savory flavor holds its own no matter what’s on the main plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Ladle Honey Butter Skillet Corn into mini cast iron pans for a rustic feel, or scoop it into colorful bowls for a casual buffet. For a fun appetizer, try spooning it onto crostini, or use as a filling for savory crepes. No matter how you serve it, guests will keep coming back for seconds (and thirds—trust me!).
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep any extra Honey Butter Skillet Corn fresh, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to three days, tasting just as good with a quick reheat the next day.
Freezing
If you need to freeze leftovers, let the corn cool completely before scooping it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Press out any excess air to prevent ice crystals, label with the date, and freeze for up to two months for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your corn gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to keep it creamy. If needed, add just a splash of milk or an extra dab of butter to revive the textures and flavors. Microwave reheating is fine too—just heat in intervals and stir to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use canned or fresh corn instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh or canned corn works seamlessly in this recipe. Just make sure to drain canned corn very well and pat dry, or use freshly shucked corn for an extra pop of sweetness. Adjust the cook time slightly as fresh corn will cook a bit faster than frozen.
What’s the best way to thaw frozen corn?
The quickest method is to run the frozen corn under cool tap water in a colander, then drain thoroughly. You can also thaw it overnight in the fridge. The important thing is to remove as much moisture as possible before adding it to the skillet for the best Honey Butter Skillet Corn texture.
How can I make this even creamier?
If you want over-the-top creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn, simply add an extra ounce or two of cream cheese and let it melt completely, or toss in a big splash of heavy cream with the cream cheese. Be sure to adjust seasoning if you add more dairy!
Is this side dish gluten free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten free provided you use plain cream cheese and check that your corn and other ingredients are free from added gluten-containing stabilizers or flavorings.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just use a larger skillet or work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, and allow a little extra time for melting and stirring. Doubling Honey Butter Skillet Corn is perfect for potlucks, parties, or big family feasts.
Final Thoughts
From the sizzling first smell right up to the last creamy spoonful, Honey Butter Skillet Corn is comfort food—made irresistibly easy. I hope you’ll give it a try and watch as your family and friends become instant fans. It’s a dish worth sharing, again and again!
Print
Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Honey Butter Skillet Corn. This creamy and sweet side dish is a perfect addition to any meal, combining the natural sweetness of corn with the luxurious richness of honey and cream cheese.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 4 cups frozen sweet corn (thawed and drained)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (cut into cubes)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Honey: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and honey together until smooth and bubbling.
- Add Corn: Add the corn and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through.
- Combine Cream Cheese: Add the cream cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Serve: Serve warm directly from the skillet.
Notes
- For added flavor, sprinkle in a pinch of smoked paprika or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
- Fresh or canned corn can be used in place of frozen—just drain well before adding.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg