Honey Butter Skillet Corn is one of those simple side dishes that manages to steal the show at any dinner table. Sweet, creamy, buttery, and irresistibly satisfying, it brings out the natural sweetness of corn and combines it with the richness of butter and the floral notes of honey. Whether you’re serving grilled meats, holiday hams, or everyday dinners, this easy and flavorful corn dish is a guaranteed hit.
In this article, you’ll discover everything from the best ingredients and step-by-step instructions to variations, make-ahead tips, and how to serve it. It’s comfort food at its best — made with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Incredible Flavor – The combination of sweet honey, creamy butter, and golden corn is simply irresistible.
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Easy to Make – One skillet, a handful of ingredients, and less than 20 minutes.
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Perfect for Any Occasion – From weeknight dinners to holiday feasts and cookouts.
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Family Friendly – Even picky eaters love this mildly sweet, buttery dish.
What Is Honey Butter Skillet Corn?
Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a stove-top side dish where corn is sautéed in a rich mixture of butter, honey, and cream cheese or milk. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and has a wonderful buttery finish. It’s a quick upgrade to plain corn and gives you that cozy comfort food feel without much prep.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need for a classic honey butter skillet corn recipe:
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4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned – drained)
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 tablespoons honey
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4 ounces cream cheese, cubed (or ¼ cup heavy cream for a looser texture)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme
Ingredient Notes
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Corn: Frozen sweet corn works great, especially during off-seasons. Thaw it fully and pat dry.
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Honey: Use good quality honey for the best flavor. Local raw honey adds richness.
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Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness.
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Cream Cheese: Adds creamy texture; soften it before using for smooth melting.
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Optional Add-ins: Garlic powder, shredded parmesan, or chili flakes for variation.
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
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Total Time: 15–17 minutes
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Servings: 4–6 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions for Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Step 1: Prep the Corn
If using frozen corn, thaw completely and pat dry. If using canned, drain and rinse. Fresh corn should be cut off the cob.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Honey
In a large skillet (preferably cast iron or non-stick), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the honey and stir until well combined.
Step 3: Add the Corn
Add the corn kernels to the skillet. Stir to coat them evenly with the honey-butter mixture. Let it cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through and starting to brown slightly in spots.
Step 4: Add Cream Cheese
Add the cubed cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Serve the corn hot, garnished with chopped herbs if desired. It’s best straight from the skillet!
Pro Tips for Success
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Use a wide skillet: This gives more surface area for browning and keeps the corn from steaming.
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Don’t rush the melting: Let the cream cheese melt gently into the corn without overheating.
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Use fresh herbs last: Add parsley or chives at the very end to preserve their bright flavor.
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Balance the sweetness: Adjust the honey amount depending on your taste preference.
Variations to Try
1. Cheesy Honey Butter Corn
Add shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan during the last 2 minutes for an extra cheesy version.
2. Spicy Honey Corn
Stir in cayenne, chili flakes, or diced jalapeños to add a subtle heat that balances the sweetness.
3. Garlic Herb Honey Corn
Add 1 minced garlic clove to the butter before adding corn. Finish with chopped thyme or rosemary.
4. Honey Butter Elote-Inspired Corn
Add cotija cheese, lime juice, and a dash of chili powder for a Mexican street corn twist.
5. Bacon Honey Corn
Add crumbled cooked bacon at the end for smoky, salty crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Honey Butter Skillet Corn pairs wonderfully with:
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Grilled meats like chicken, pork chops, or steak
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Roast turkey or ham during holiday meals
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Barbecue dishes such as ribs or pulled pork
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Southern mains like fried chicken or meatloaf
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Hearty vegetarian mains like baked sweet potatoes or black bean burgers
It’s a crowd-pleasing side that can elevate any meal, simple or special.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Make-Ahead
You can prep this dish a day in advance. Follow all steps and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.
Storage
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
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Avoid freezing due to the cream cheese; the texture may break upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of milk or butter if it looks too thick.
Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)
Estimated values for 1 of 6 servings:
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Calories: ~210
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Fat: 12g
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Carbohydrates: 24g
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Sugars: 9g
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Protein: 3g
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Fiber: 2g
Note: Actual values may vary depending on the ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn?
Absolutely! Fresh sweet corn off the cob is ideal during the summer months. Scrape the cobs for extra flavor.
Can I make it without cream cheese?
Yes. Substitute with ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter, pourable sauce.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your cream cheese and butter labels if you’re cooking for someone with allergies.
Can I use honey substitutes?
Maple syrup or agave nectar can work in place of honey, though they’ll slightly change the flavor profile.
What’s the best skillet to use?
A non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet works best for this recipe.
How to Scale the Recipe
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For a crowd: Double or triple the recipe, but cook in batches if your skillet isn’t big enough to hold all the corn at once.
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For smaller servings: Halve the ingredients, but keep the same technique.
Fun Ways to Serve Honey Butter Corn
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As a topping for baked potatoes
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Stuffed into tacos or wraps with grilled veggies
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Served over rice or quinoa for a meatless bowl
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As a brunch side dish alongside eggs and biscuits
This dish is more versatile than it seems—and the flavors blend well with many cuisines.
Conclusion
Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a must-try recipe that brings together the best of both worlds—sweet and savory. It’s fast, flexible, and flavorful, making it a go-to side for busy weeknights or festive gatherings.
From backyard BBQs to Thanksgiving dinners, this creamy corn dish fits in beautifully with any menu. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.