Name: Creamy Honey Butter Skillet Corn for Quick Comfort Food
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons Salted Butter (Adds a rich, creamy flavor.); 2 tablespoons Honey (Provides natural sweetness.); 16 ounces Frozen Corn (Quick and nutritious.); 2 ounces Cream Cheese (Adds luscious creaminess.)

There’s something magical about the combination of sweet and savory that can turn a simple meal into a celebration. Enter Honey Butter Skillet Corn—a recipe that transforms tender corn into a creamy dream, enhanced with rich butter and a hint of honey. This one-skillet wonder is perfect for those moments when you’re craving comfort without spending hours in the kitchen. Not only is it quick and easy to whip up, making it a great side dish for weeknight dinners, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser for festive gatherings. Picture this: bringing a bit of Southern charm to your table, where every bite is both luscious and satisfying. Are you ready to elevate your next meal?

Why is Honey Butter Skillet Corn Irresistible?

Unmatched simplicity: This one-pan recipe takes mere minutes to prepare, making it an effortless choice for busy weeknights. Sweet-savory bliss: The combination of butter and honey elevates ordinary corn into a luxurious side dish that complements any meal. Crowd-pleaser: Whether at a family dinner or festive gathering, this dish garners rave reviews from both kids and adults alike. Versatile flavor: Pair it with grilled meats or roasted veggies for a balanced plate, or enjoy it on its own! For more delicious sides, check out my Cajun Honey Butter and Biscuits Hot Honey recipes.

Honey Butter Skillet Corn Ingredients

For the Skillet Dish
• Salted Butter – Adds a rich, creamy flavor and depth; opt for salted to enhance taste but cook gently to avoid burning.
• Honey – Provides natural sweetness with a floral hint; consider alternatives like maple syrup or brown sugar if necessary.
• Frozen Corn – The star of the show; it’s quick and nutritious, but feel free to use fresh or canned corn with adjusted cooking times.
• Cream Cheese – Brings a luscious creaminess to the dish; swap for reduced-fat or dairy-free options for a lighter take.

With these ingredients gathered, you’re just a few steps away from creating the comforting delight of Honey Butter Skillet Corn!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Step 1: Melt Butter
In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of salted butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely, swirling the pan occasionally for even distribution. Look for the butter to become fully liquefied without browning, which will take about 2 minutes. This rich butter base is essential for your Honey Butter Skillet Corn.

Step 2: Add Honey
Once the butter has melted, stir in 2 tablespoons of honey, blending it smoothly into the butter. Keep the heat at medium to ensure the honey dissolves without cooking too rapidly. After about 1 minute of stirring, you’ll have a beautifully fragrant mixture that forms the sweet backbone of your Honey Butter Skillet Corn.

Step 3: Cook Corn
Add a 16 oz bag of frozen corn to the skillet, stirring it into the honey-butter mixture. Continue to cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the corn is heated through and bright yellow. The corn will soak up the sweet, buttery flavors while maintaining a tender bite, making it a star in your dish.

Step 4: Melt Cream Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and add 2 oz of cream cheese cut into chunks to the skillet. Stir gently and allow the cream cheese to melt and combine with the corn and honey butter, which should take around 2-3 minutes. The result will be an enticingly creamy consistency that makes your Honey Butter Skillet Corn truly luxurious.

Step 5: Simmer and Serve
Let the mixture simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes on low heat, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. Keep an eye on the skillet, stirring occasionally, until everything is creamy and well incorporated. Once ready, remove from heat and serve your warm Honey Butter Skillet Corn hot, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired for an extra touch.

What to Serve with Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Elevate your dining experience by pairing this creamy delight with dishes that balance its sweet savoriness.

Grilled Chicken: The smoky char from the grill complements the sweet creaminess, creating a flavorful contrast that’s hard to resist.
BBQ Ribs: Savory, tangy ribs harmonize beautifully with the sweetness of the corn, making it the perfect match for summer cookouts.
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of veggies adds a delightful crunch and earthiness, enhancing the comfort of the Honey Butter Skillet Corn.
Baked Ham: The saltiness of baked ham pairs splendidly with the sweet notes in the corn, making every bite an unforgettable experience.
Fresh Green Salad: Crisp greens with a light vinaigrette provide a refreshing balance, cutting through the richness of the dish.
Cornbread: For a comforting Southern twist, serve with a fluffy slice of cornbread that echoes the flavors of the corn itself.
Chardonnay: A glass of chilled Chardonnay brings out the buttery notes while keeping the overall meal refreshing.
Apple Pie: For dessert, a warm slice of apple pie adds a sweet finale that echoes the honey in the corn while introducing a touch of spice.

Honey Butter Skillet Corn Customizations

Feel free to let your creativity shine by personalizing this dish with fun twists and substitutions!

Fresh Herbs: Add chopped chives or parsley to elevate flavor while adding a pop of color.
Maple Syrup Substitute: Swap honey for maple syrup for a unique twist that maintains sweetness.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in some chili flakes or black pepper to inject a little heat into your dish.
Add Cheese: Stir in crumbled feta or grated Parmesan before serving for a cheesy delight that complements the sweetness.
Creamy Cauliflower: For a low-carb version, mix in some steamed, mashed cauliflower to create a creamy texture without all the carbs.
Lemon Zest Brightness: A touch of lemon zest or juice can elevate the flavors, adding a refreshing note to this sweet-savory dish.
Bacon Crumbles: For a smoky, savory twist, sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top just before serving. This adds a delightful crunch and depth.
Coconut Cream Swap: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, replace cream cheese with coconut cream for a tropical flair in your Honey Butter Skillet Corn.

As you explore these variations, remember that sharing meals is about creating joy. Let your loved ones experience your unique takes on this comforting side!

Make Ahead Options

These Honey Butter Skillet Corn are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the corn mixture (butter, honey, and corn) up to 3 days in advance. Simply cook the corn with the sweet honey-butter mixture and let it cool before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat it on medium-low heat and add the cream cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. This method ensures the dish remains just as delicious while saving you time on busy weeknights or holiday gatherings—making your life in the kitchen a little easier!

How to Store and Freeze Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Fridge: Store leftover Honey Butter Skillet Corn in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on medium-low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Freezer: If you want to freeze this dish, transfer the cooled Honey Butter Skillet Corn to freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be kept for up to 2 months; just make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.

Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for the best results, then reheat following the fridge instructions.

Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the corn mixture ahead of time without cream cheese, then add it just before serving for the freshest taste.

Expert Tips for Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Perfect Butter Melting: Ensure the butter melts gently over medium heat to avoid burning, which can affect the flavor of your Honey Butter Skillet Corn.

Adjust Cooking Times: If using fresh corn instead of frozen, be mindful to cook it for a shorter time to ensure it retains its crunch and flavor.

Flavor Essentials: Don’t skip the cream cheese! It adds the silky texture that brings your Honey Butter Skillet Corn to life; consider adding a touch of garlic powder for extra depth.

Control Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey according to your taste. If it seems too sweet, balance it out with a pinch of salt or fresh herbs.

Reheat Wisely: When storing leftovers, reheat gently on medium-low heat with a splash of milk to retain that creamy consistency.

Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe FAQs

What type of corn is best for Honey Butter Skillet Corn?
I recommend using frozen corn for convenience and consistent texture. However, fresh corn can be a delightful alternative—just make sure to adjust your cooking time as fresh corn will take about 3-5 minutes less to cook than frozen.

How do I store leftovers of Honey Butter Skillet Corn?
Store any leftover Honey Butter Skillet Corn in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, do so on medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk to maintain its creamy texture.

Can I freeze Honey Butter Skillet Corn?
Absolutely! To freeze, first allow the Honey Butter Skillet Corn to cool completely. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. It can be stored for up to 2 months.

What is the best way to reheat frozen Honey Butter Skillet Corn?
When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen corn, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk to help restore its creamy texture.

Is Honey Butter Skillet Corn safe for those with dietary restrictions?
The recipe contains butter, honey, and cream cheese, which may not be suitable for some individuals, especially those with dairy allergies. For a dairy-free option, you can use dairy-free cream cheese and replace the butter with a plant-based alternative. Always check for allergies before serving.