Honey Butter Skillet Corn
A Sweet, Creamy, and Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish
If you’re looking for a side dish that checks all the boxes — easy, quick, buttery, sweet, and incredibly delicious — look no further than Honey Butter Skillet Corn. With just a few simple ingredients like frozen corn, honey, butter, and a touch of cream cheese, this recipe delivers a luscious and velvety texture that upgrades traditional corn into something unforgettable.
Whether you’re pairing it with a comforting weeknight dinner or serving it alongside holiday favorites like roasted turkey or glazed ham, Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a guaranteed hit with the whole family. It cooks in under 15 minutes and uses ingredients you likely already have in your fridge and freezer. From picky eaters to seasoned food lovers, everyone will be scooping seconds.
In this post, we’ll go through everything you need to know to make the best Honey Butter Skillet Corn — from variations and flavor upgrades to storage tips, FAQs, serving suggestions, and more. And don’t forget to read through to the bottom for the full printable recipe card!
Why You’ll Love This Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
This skillet corn has become a go-to side dish for home cooks for many reasons:
✔ Only 4 simple ingredients
✔ Ready in less than 15 minutes
✔ Pairs with nearly every meal
✔ Rich, creamy, buttery sweetness
✔ Made entirely on the stovetop
✔ Family-friendly with customizable flavors
The combination of honey and butter gives a perfect sweet-savory balance, while the cream cheese melts into the corn, creating a silky and decadent sauce coating every kernel.
If you love creamed corn or sweet corn casseroles, this will quickly become one of your favorite side dishes.
What Is Honey Butter Skillet Corn?
Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a stovetop side dish made by cooking corn in a mixture of melted butter and honey, then stirring in cream cheese to make it extra creamy. It originated as a quick alternative to creamed corn and has grown in popularity thanks to its delicious simplicity and versatility.
Think of it as a sweet-savory creamed corn — without the cream and without the fuss. All you need is a skillet!
Ingredients for Honey Butter Skillet Corn
You won’t believe how short this ingredient list is for the flavor payoff you get:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Salted Butter | Adds richness and that classic buttery flavor |
| Honey | Natural sweetness that balances the corn |
| Frozen Corn | Easy, accessible, and always sweet |
| Cream Cheese | Creates a smooth, velvety finish |
Full Ingredient Measurements
Scale: 1x, 2x, or 3x
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2 tablespoons salted butter
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2 tablespoons honey
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1 bag (16 oz) frozen corn
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2 oz cream cheese, cut into small chunks
Optional additional seasoning:
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Pinch of salt (if needed)
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Pinch of pepper or red pepper flakes for a bit of spice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple cooking steps to create the perfect skillet corn:
1️⃣ Melt the Butter
Place a medium skillet over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt completely, coating the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Add the Honey
Stir the honey into the melted butter. This forms the sweet, creamy base that infuses into every kernel.
3️⃣ Cook the Corn
Add the frozen corn and stir to coat with the honey-butter mixture. Cook for 5–7 minutes or until hot and tender.
4️⃣ Add Cream Cheese
Reduce heat to low and add cream cheese cubes. Stir gently as they melt into a smooth and creamy sauce.
5️⃣ Simmer and Serve
Let everything simmer for 2–3 more minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet, buttery goodness.
Recipe Tips for Success
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Avoid high heat — corn may dry out or burn.
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Stir frequently so every kernel gets coated.
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Serve immediately — this dish is best when hot and creamy.
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If sauce thickens too quickly, add a splash of milk to loosen it.
Flavor Variations
You can customize this Honey Butter Skillet Corn in countless ways depending on your meal:
Add a flavor kick
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Crushed red pepper flakes
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Chili powder
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Smoked paprika
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Black pepper
Add savory depth
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Finely diced cooked bacon
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Shredded Parmesan or cheddar
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Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives
Add seasonal touches
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Fresh lime juice and cilantro for a summer barbecue twist
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Pumpkin pie spice and extra honey for fall gatherings
Fresh vs Frozen vs Canned Corn
One of the best things about Honey Butter Skillet Corn is how flexible it is:
| Type of Corn | Texture | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen (recommended) | Tender, keeps shape | Reliable sweetness year-round |
| Fresh | Crisp, juicy | Add 2–3 extra minutes to soften |
| Canned | Softer | Drain very well to avoid watery sauce |
Frozen corn has the best consistency, but feel free to use what you have on hand — this dish is very forgiving.
What to Serve with Honey Butter Skillet Corn
This versatile side dish pairs beautifully with:
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Rotisserie or roasted chicken
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Grilled steak or BBQ ribs
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Pork chops or ham
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Thanksgiving and holiday dinners
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Crispy chicken sandwiches
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Fried fish or shrimp
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Weeknight casseroles
It’s perfect for potlucks, cookouts, and holiday parties because it travels well and doesn’t require reheating right away.
Storage and Reheating
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers:
Store:
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat:
Warm in a skillet or microwave in short intervals, stirring each time.
Add a small splash of milk if sauce thickens.
Can You Freeze It?
Technically yes — but the cream cheese may cause slight texture change when thawed. If freezing:
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Let cool completely
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Store in freezer-safe container up to 2 months
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Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating
FAQs
Q: Can I double or triple the recipe?
Absolutely — use a larger skillet and stir often to ensure even heating.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Try plant-based butter and vegan cream cheese. Honey may be swapped for maple syrup.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare up to 24 hours in advance and warm gently before serving.
Honey Butter Skillet Corn
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn is creamy, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It turns simple frozen corn into a velvety, buttery side dish your family will request again and again! Ready in just 10 minutes using a single skillet — perfect for holidays, weeknight dinners, BBQs, or potlucks.
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons salted butter
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2 tablespoons honey
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1 bag (16 oz) frozen corn
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2 oz cream cheese, cut into chunks
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(Optional) Pinch of salt or black pepper to balance sweetness
Instructions
1️⃣ Melt the Butter
Heat butter in a medium skillet over medium heat until fully melted.
2️⃣ Add Honey
Stir in honey until smooth and combined with the butter.
3️⃣ Cook the Corn
Add frozen corn and stir to coat.
Cook 5–7 minutes, until heated through.
4️⃣ Add Cream Cheese
Reduce heat to low, add the cream cheese chunks, and stir until melted and creamy.
5️⃣ Simmer & Serve
Let everything heat through for 2–3 more minutes while stirring occasionally.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
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Fresh or Canned Corn works too — adjust by adding 1–2 extra minutes of cook time.
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Add red pepper flakes or black pepper for a sweet-and-spicy finish.
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Swap honey for maple syrup for a cozy autumn flavor.
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Try a sprinkle of bacon bits or green onions for added texture.
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Want extra richness? Add 1 more ounce of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
Nutrition Information (per serving – estimate)
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Calories: 185
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Fat: 10g
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Carbohydrates: 25g
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Sugars: 9g
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Protein: 4g
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Sodium: Varies by butter brand
Final Thoughts
When it comes to easy comfort sides, Honey Butter Skillet Corn may just be the winner. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this dish works for busy weeknights just as well as it does for special occasions. The honey adds a delicate sweetness that makes every bite irresistible, while the cream cheese creates a richness that feels indulgent and satisfying.
If you’re craving a side dish that everyone will rave about — from kids to adults — this Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a must-try. Save it to your weekly rotation, share it at family dinners, and watch how quickly it becomes a new tradition.
