Best honey butter skillet corn

If you haven’t tried honey butter skillet corn, you’re about to discover your new favorite side dish—trust me, I’ve made it at least a dozen times, and it’s basically corn royalty in my kitchen.

Honey butter skillet corn brings together the sweetness of honey, the richness of butter, and the creamy goodness of cream cheese in one irresistible skillet creation.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a can-of-corn connoisseur, honey butter skillet corn will have your friends and family begging for seconds (and possibly thirds, no judgment).

The first time I whipped up honey butter skillet corn for Thanksgiving, I had people sneaking into the kitchen for “taste tests” before dinner was even ready—no one can resist that buttery glaze.

If you love simple, crowd-pleasing recipes or just want an excuse to eat more corn (because, why not?), keep reading to find out why honey butter skillet corn deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

7 Reasons Honey Butter Skillet Corn Is the Best Thing You’ll Make This Year

Why is honey butter skillet corn a total game changer? Let me count the ways—it’s the perfect storm of sweet, creamy, and savory, all in a single pan.

This dish is lightning-fast: you go from freezer to table in about 15 minutes, and even your busiest weeknight dinner can have golden, glossy corn without breaking a sweat.

Have picky eaters or skeptical relatives? The combo of honey, butter, and cream cheese practically guarantees everyone will wipe their plates clean (and you might catch them licking the skillet—true story from my family BBQ last summer).

If you’re geeky about food origins, you’ll love learning more about corn’s rich history as a staple crop. Read more about the history of maize and you might even drop some fun facts at the dinner table.

Honey butter skillet corn also wins at potlucks, holiday spreads, and cozy weeknights—its golden color and creamy texture make every meal feel extra special.

Versatility is king: you can jazz it up with herbs, spice it up with jalapeños, or make it with fresh, frozen, or even canned corn. There’s literally no wrong way to make it your own.

And best of all, there are no fancy chef skills required—just a skillet and a love for seriously good food featuring honey butter skillet corn.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (or salted, adjust salt later)
• 3 tablespoons honey (use local if you can for extra flavor!)
• 24 ounces frozen sweet corn (about 5 cups; fresh or canned also work)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (half a block)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely.
2. Once the butter is melted, add the honey. Stir together until you have a golden, bubbly honey-butter swirl.
3. Pour in the frozen corn. Stir so every kernel is coated in that glorious honey butter. Cook for 5–8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the corn is hot and glossy.
4. Add the cream cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir gently as the cream cheese melts and transforms everything into a creamy, silky sauce. (If you want to speed this up, cube the cream cheese first so it melts evenly.)
5. Once the sauce is smooth and no lumps remain (about 3–5 minutes), do a quick taste test—add a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper if you’d like.
6. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives if you’re feeling fancy. Serve hot and watch it disappear!

Expert Storage and Reheating Hacks for Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Leftovers? Honey butter skillet corn stores like a dream. For more ideas, check out our guide on Coconut Cream Dream Bundt Cake. Place in an airtight container—refrigerate for up to 4 days without losing flavor or creaminess.

Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore that creamy texture. The microwave works too—just stir halfway through to keep things even.

Freezer tip: For make-ahead magic, freeze portions in sealed bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove. It’s a meal-prep win for holidays or lazy nights.

7 Game-Changing Benefits of Honey Butter Skillet Corn

• Quick and easy: From freezer to table in 15 minutes—faster than a pizza delivery.
• Crowd-pleaser: Kids, adults, and even your picky cousin will ask for seconds of honey butter skillet corn.
• Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable pantry staples you probably have already.
• Versatile: Pairs with BBQ, holiday roasts, tacos, or even a veggie bowl.
• Customizable: Add jalapeños for heat, swap in vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese for plant-based eaters.
• Year-round freshness: Use fresh, frozen, or canned corn—no need to wait for corn season.
• Nutritious: Honey and corn offer natural sweetness and vitamins for feel-good eating. Check out these corn nutrition facts for the science behind the goodness.

5 Pitfalls to Watch Out for When Making Skillet Corn

• Don’t crank the heat too high—honey burns fast, and burnt honey = NOPE.
• Adding cream cheese too soon? You’ll end up with lumpy sauce. Wait until the corn is hot.
• Using frozen corn straight from the bag can lower your skillet temp. Thaw first for best results.
• Under-seasoning is the enemy—taste and add salt as needed for maximum flavor pop.
• Walking away from the skillet (to check Instagram, TBH) is a rookie move. Stir often for the creamiest honey butter skillet corn!

Alternatives and Variations for Every Craving

If you’re out of cream cheese, swap in Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter, tangy twist—they both keep things creamy without the extra richness.

Want to dial up the flavor? Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a squeeze of fresh lime to your honey butter skillet corn. A sprinkle of Parmesan at the end is never a bad idea either.

Dairy-free friends, don’t worry: Vegan butter and plant-based cream cheese work beautifully. Canned corn (drained) or fresh-off-the-cob kernels are totally fair game, too.

Final Thoughts

Once you make honey butter skillet corn, you’ll understand why it’s taken over dinner tables everywhere—sweet, creamy, and downright irresistible, it’s comfort food done right.

If you haven’t put honey butter skillet corn on your menu yet, IMO, you’re missing out on pure happiness. Try it tonight and watch everyone turn into corn lovers for life!

For more creative side dish inspiration, check out this expert-approved creamed corn guide—your next feast deserves the best.

Ready to impress? Whip up honey butter skillet corn and share your results. Who knows, it might just become your signature dish!