Expect pure happiness in every spoonful of Honey Butter Skillet Corn—a ridiculously easy side that fuses sweet, salty, creamy, and buttery goodness in just one skillet. This is the kind of quick recipe that’ll have everyone coming back for “just one more scoop.”
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Insanely Quick: Honey Butter Skillet Corn comes together in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal last-minute side for busy nights or holiday feasts.
- Sweet-Savory Bliss: The marriage of honey, cream cheese, and butter transforms simple corn into an irresistible, indulgent treat.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: It’s kid-approved, dinner-guest-devoured, and potluck-famous—no one can resist a second helping.
- One-Skillet Simplicity: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor mean you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Honey Butter Skillet Corn works overtime for taste, texture, and that gorgeous golden hue. There’s nothing fancy here—just a handful of pantry and fridge staples working their magic together.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, salted): Adds a rich, savory foundation that balances the sweetness and gives the corn a luscious, glossy finish. Salted butter amps up flavor—unsalted works if that’s what you have.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Infuses a natural sweetness and sticky shine, making each kernel absolutely crave-worthy. Local or raw honey is especially lovely.
- Frozen Corn (1 bag, 16 oz): The ultimate shortcut—no shucking or cutting required! Frozen corn keeps its sweet pop and vibrant color, but you can use fresh when it’s in season.
- Cream Cheese (2 ounces, cut into chunks): This is the ingredient that surprises and delights—melted in, it adds a perfectly creamy, silky body without being heavy.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Essential for pulling all the flavors together and making both sweet and savory notes sing.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A touch of pepper provides gentle warmth and complexity, rounding out the dish just right.
Variations
Half the fun of Honey Butter Skillet Corn is making it your own! Don’t be afraid to improvise—this is a side that loves to adapt to your favorite flavors, what’s in the fridge, or any dietary tweaks you need.
- Add Bacon: Crisped, crumbled bacon sprinkled into the skillet before serving brings a smoky, salty edge that’s impossible to resist.
- Make it Cheesy: Stir in a small handful of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack alongside the cream cheese for extra gooey richness.
- Kick of Spice: Toss in a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat playing off the honey sweetness.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter for vegan margarine, use a dairy-free cream cheese, and the result is still thoroughly delicious and comforting.
How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Honey
Place your favorite large skillet on medium-high heat. Add the butter and honey together—watch them swirl, melt, and bubble into a golden, fragrant puddle. Stir gently to blend, making sure nothing browns or burns. This buttery-honey base is where the flavor party begins!
Step 2: Cook the Corn
Pour the frozen corn straight into the skillet (no need to thaw!). Stir everything and let the corn cook for 5–8 minutes, until it’s heated through and tender, with a little bit of that glossy honey butter clinging to each kernel. Stir occasionally so it all cooks evenly and nothing sticks.
Step 3: Add Cream Cheese, Salt & Pepper
Drop in the cream cheese chunks and sprinkle on the salt and pepper. Stir slowly as the cream cheese melts, coating the corn in even more luxurious, creamy goodness. Let it all bubble and meld for another 3–5 minutes until every bite looks silky and enticing.
Step 4: Serve and Savor
Turn off the heat and spoon the Honey Butter Skillet Corn into your prettiest bowl or straight onto plates. Serve immediately while it’s hot, creamy, and still shimmering. Now, just let the scooping (and the swooning) begin!
Pro Tips for Making Honey Butter Skillet Corn
- Start with a Hot Skillet: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding butter and honey—this helps everything melt fast and prevents the honey from scorching.
- Use Block Cream Cheese: Regular, full-fat block cream cheese melts the smoothest into the corn, giving you that perfect creamy texture.
- Don’t Overcook: Stop cooking as soon as the cream cheese is melted and everything is glossy—overcooking can make the corn chewy or dull in color.
- Customize Seasoning: Taste just before serving—a pinch more salt or pepper can make every bite sing, depending on your palate and if you used salted or unsalted butter.
How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Garnishes
This dish is gorgeous as-is, but it shines even brighter with a shower of fresh herbs—think chopped chives, parsley, or thyme. A dusting of extra black pepper, or a light sprinkle of smoked paprika, looks (and tastes) fantastic too!
Side Dishes
Honey Butter Skillet Corn plays nicely with just about anything—roast chicken, pulled pork, grilled steak, or a big pan of baked beans or mac and cheese. It’s a guaranteed hit at a barbecue or as a Thanksgiving staple.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon this corn into small ramekins for dinner-party elegance, pile it onto a big platter family-style, or tuck it into tacos or burrito bowls for a seriously unexpected treat. I even love serving leftovers cold as a sweet-and-savory salad topper!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Honey Butter Skillet Corn to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh and creamy for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or a round-two dinner side.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if needed: let the corn cool completely, then pack into a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months, but know the texture may be slightly softer after thawing—still delicious, though!
Reheating
For best results, rewarm Honey Butter Skillet Corn in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently until hot and creamy. Add a splash of milk or a pat of butter if it looks thick. The microwave works in a pinch too—just heat gently and stir midway.
FAQs
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Can I use canned or fresh corn instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh-cut corn is gorgeous in late summer—just shave kernels off the cob and use the same way as frozen. If using canned, drain and rinse well. Canned kernels are a bit softer, so reduce cooking time to avoid mushiness.
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Is there a way to make this dairy-free or vegan?
Yes—use plant-based butter and a vegan cream cheese (such as almond- or cashew-based). The dish will still deliver that sweet, creamy comfort with no dairy, so everyone can enjoy Honey Butter Skillet Corn.
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What’s the best way to double the recipe for a crowd?
Simply double all ingredients and use a large, deep skillet so everything heats evenly. You may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time, but the method remains completely the same. Perfect for potlucks or big family dinners.
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Can I make Honey Butter Skillet Corn in advance?
Yes! You can make it up to a day ahead and store in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce and keep everything creamy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way this Honey Butter Skillet Corn comes together so quickly, packing so much flavor and coziness into every bite. Whether you’re gathering with family or hosting friends, you’ll want to make—and remake—this irresistible skillet corn. Give it a try, and watch how fast it disappears from the table!
Print
Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn recipe is a sweet and savory side dish that is quick and easy to make. Frozen corn is cooked with a luscious honey butter sauce and creamy cream cheese for a flavorful twist.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter (salted)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 bag (16 oz) frozen corn
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into chunks
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Honey: In a skillet pan, over medium-high heat, melt the butter and honey. Once melted, add the frozen corn and cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through.
- Add Cream Cheese and Seasonings: Add the cream cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir together and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve: Serve immediately. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
