Looking for a side dish that’s creamy, slightly sweet, and takes just 15 minutes to make? This Honey Butter Skillet Corn is exactly what your dinner table needs. Made with frozen corn, cream cheese, and honey, it’s a perfect blend of savory and sweet, delivering comfort in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or just want an easy weeknight addition, this skillet corn is quick to prepare, family-friendly, and impossible to resist.
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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Honey Butter Corn
This recipe isn’t just easy — it checks every box for flavor, texture, and versatility. Using frozen corn means no shucking or slicing. The combination of honey and cream cheese brings out a delightful richness, while butter ties everything together with a smooth finish. It’s ideal for potlucks, Sunday dinners, or when you’re craving something cozy and satisfying.
- Quick & One-Pan: Done in 15 minutes with minimal cleanup.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love the creamy texture and sweet touch.
- Versatile: Works for weeknight meals or festive holiday spreads.
- Customizable: Easy to adjust for sweetness, spice, or dietary needs.
What Goes Into Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Each ingredient in this skillet corn plays a role in creating that creamy, comforting flavor you’ll love.
- Butter: Provides a rich base and helps sauté the corn evenly.
- Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that enhances the corn’s flavor.
- Frozen Corn: The star of the dish; use sweet yellow, white, or gold n’ white corn for best results.
- Cream Cheese: Brings the signature creaminess and a slight tang.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth.
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutes for Any Kitchen
No cream cheese in the fridge or following a dietary restriction? These variations will keep your honey butter skillet corn just as delicious.
- No Cream Cheese: Try sour cream, ricotta, or plain Greek yogurt for a creamy texture.
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter and plant-based cream cheese or cashew cream.
- No Honey?: Maple syrup or agave nectar work as sweet alternatives.
- Fresh Corn: Use about 4 ears of corn, boiled and cut off the cob, for a seasonal twist.
- Canned Corn: Drain and rinse well before using — it cooks quicker than frozen.
How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Follow these easy steps to bring this creamy corn dish to life in under 15 minutes.
- Melt the Base: In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and honey together until fully combined and bubbly.
- Add Corn: Toss in the frozen corn (no need to thaw) and stir to coat. Cook for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through.
- Stir in Creaminess: Add chunks of cream cheese along with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer & Thicken: Let everything cook for another 3–5 minutes, stirring gently until the cream cheese melts and the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Serve Hot: Spoon into a serving bowl and enjoy immediately while it’s creamy and warm.
Pro Tip: If the cream cheese isn’t melting easily, soften it slightly before adding. Avoid low-fat or whipped versions — stick to full-fat block cream cheese for the best texture.
Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Skillet Corn
Getting the perfect honey butter skillet corn is all about the little details. These tips will take it to the next level:
- Use High-Quality Corn: Sweet frozen corn varieties like “gold n’ white” add extra flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: Prefer it less sweet? Use 1 tablespoon honey instead of 2.
- Double the Batch: It disappears fast — consider making extra for guests!
- Reheat Gently: Leftovers reheat best on low heat with a splash of milk to revive the creaminess.
- Add a Kick: A pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes adds a spicy contrast to the sweetness.
Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations
This honey butter skillet corn is incredibly versatile. Here are pairing suggestions and easy ways to change it up.
What to Serve With It
- Grilled chicken, pork chops, or barbecue ribs
- Holiday mains like glazed ham or roasted turkey
- Tex-Mex dishes like enchiladas or tacos
Easy Variations to Try
- Spicy Corn: Stir in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce
- Cheesy Twist: Add shredded cheddar or parmesan at the end
- Bacon Lover’s Dream: Mix in crispy bacon bits before serving
- Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle chopped chives or parsley on top
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free — no swaps needed
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make-Ahead: Prepare ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet with a splash of cream or butter
- Freezing: Not ideal — cream cheese may separate upon thawing
Seasonal Comfort All Year Long
Whether it’s summer corn season or the dead of winter, honey butter skillet corn brings a touch of homemade comfort to your table. Its creamy, buttery sweetness is nostalgic and fresh at the same time. Serve it for Thanksgiving, Easter, or any regular weeknight when you want a dish that gets cleaned out fast. With its dreamy texture and crowd-pleasing flavor, this is the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a family tradition.
So next time you’re staring at a bag of frozen corn, skip the plain boil-and-butter routine. Make this Honey Butter Skillet Corn instead — you’ll never look back.
Conclusion: A Sweet and Creamy Side Worth Repeating
Honey Butter Skillet Corn proves that the simplest ingredients often deliver the biggest flavor. In just 15 minutes, you get a sweet, creamy, buttery side dish that elevates any meal — from a casual weeknight dinner to a festive holiday spread. With its irresistible flavor, crowd-pleasing texture, and easy prep, it’s no surprise this recipe has become a go-to favorite in countless kitchens.
If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy corn that feels both nostalgic and fresh, this is it. Save this recipe, make it your own with fun add-ins, and share it with family and friends — because it’s too good to keep to yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make honey butter skillet corn ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or butter to bring back the creamy texture. For best results, serve fresh for optimal creaminess.
Can I use canned corn instead of frozen?
Absolutely. Canned corn works well in this recipe — just make sure to drain and rinse it thoroughly to remove excess sodium and that canned “taste.” Since it’s already cooked, reduce the cooking time slightly and stir frequently to avoid overcooking.
Is honey butter skillet corn gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free cream cheese and butter (which most are by default). It’s a great side dish option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
More Relevant Recipes
- Cheesy Garlic Ritz Snack Recipe: This cheesy and buttery snack recipe is a great companion to Honey Butter Skillet Corn. Its savory, crunchy texture pairs well with creamy corn dishes, making it a fantastic addition to any comfort food spread.
- Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage: This rich and hearty side dish blends creamy cheese with smoky sausage and soft potatoes — a perfect flavor and texture match for the sweetness and smoothness of honey butter corn.
- Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe: If you love the creamy profile of the skillet corn, this simple garlic pasta offers similar comfort with a savory twist. It’s easy, rich, and makes a satisfying pairing with sweet corn sides.
Honey Butter Skillet Corn
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a quick, creamy, and slightly sweet side dish made with frozen corn, butter, honey, and cream cheese. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a family-friendly recipe perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday meals.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter: adds rich flavor and helps cook the corn
- 2 tablespoons honey: provides natural sweetness and balance
- 1 bag (16 oz) frozen corn: the base of the dish, sweet and tender
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into chunks: adds creaminess and tang
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: enhances overall flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: adds subtle warmth
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and honey together until fully combined.
- Add the frozen corn straight from the bag. Stir to coat in the honey butter and cook for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until corn is heated through.
- Add the cream cheese chunks, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is creamy and smooth, about 3–5 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- No need to thaw frozen corn before cooking.
- Use full-fat block cream cheese for best results; avoid whipped or low-fat versions.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated with a splash of milk or butter.
- Adjust honey to taste for more or less sweetness.
- Canned or fresh corn can be used as alternatives.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 161
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 165mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg