You know those kitchen moments when you’re not trying to make anything fancy—just something comforting, warm, and maybe a little sweet? That was the vibe one Sunday afternoon when I stumbled into making this Honey Butter Skillet Corn.
I’d been doing some cleanup, and in the back of the freezer was a lonely bag of frozen corn. I wasn’t in the mood for the usual steamed version, so I leaned into the “let’s jazz it up” energy and reached for butter, honey, and a block of cream cheese. No game plan—just instinct.
The first sizzle of butter and honey was promising. That aroma alone made me pause. Then, once the corn hit the skillet and started soaking up that golden mixture, I knew I had something special. But it was the cream cheese that sealed the deal—turning everything from buttery and sweet to creamy and indulgent, without being too heavy.
It’s one of those recipes that now lives on a sticky note stuck to the fridge. Easy to make, hard to mess up, and absolutely impossible to stop eating. Whether I’m pairing it with grilled chicken or just sneaking a spoonful straight from the pan, this side dish has become a new favorite in my house.
Short Description
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a quick and creamy side dish made with frozen corn, honey, butter, and cream cheese. Sweet, savory, and ready in under 15 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday tables.
Key Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 bag (16 oz) frozen corn
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Tools Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring spoons
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Honey
Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and honey, stirring until melted and smooth. The mix should bubble slightly and smell warm and inviting.
Step 2: Cook the Corn
Add the frozen corn straight into the skillet. Stir occasionally and let it cook for 5–8 minutes. The kernels should be hot, coated, and starting to turn golden in spots.
Step 3: Add Cream Cheese and Seasonings
Add the cubed cream cheese. Sprinkle in salt and pepper. Stir gently until the cream cheese melts completely and blends into a silky sauce.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer to a serving bowl or serve directly from the pan. The corn should be glossy, creamy, and gently sweet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy: Done in 15 minutes—great for busy days.
Flavorful and rich: Sweet from the honey, creamy from the cheese, savory from the butter and seasoning.
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will scoop seconds.
Minimal cleanup: One skillet is all you need.
Versatile: Perfect for holiday meals or casual dinners.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Using low-fat cream cheese: It won’t melt as smoothly. Stick to full-fat for best texture.
Overcooking the corn: This dries it out. Stick to the 5–8 minute window and stir often.
Skipping the honey-butter melt step: Melting them together first creates that sweet caramelized base.
Not stirring after adding cream cheese: You need to mix until everything is fully blended and creamy.
Seasoning too late: Add salt and pepper after cream cheese goes in so the seasoning distributes evenly.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
– Serve as a side with roast chicken, BBQ ribs, or grilled salmon
– Pair with mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete comfort meal
– Great addition to Thanksgiving or holiday spreads
– For casual dinners, spoon it over rice or use as a taco filling base
– Can be served family-style or plated individually
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat on stove: Place in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or milk. Stir until creamy again
Microwave: Reheat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each to prevent drying out
Avoid freezing: The cream cheese can separate and affect the texture
FAQs
1. Can I use canned corn instead of frozen?
Yes, but drain it well and reduce the cooking time to 3–4 minutes since it’s already cooked.
2. Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes—just add a pinch more salt to taste.
3. Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
You can use vegan butter and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, though the flavor may vary.
4. What if I don’t have honey?
Maple syrup works well, offering a different kind of sweetness that’s still delicious.
5. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely. Just use a larger skillet or cook in two batches to ensure even heating.
Tips & Tricks
– Let the cream cheese come to room temperature for quicker melting.
– Stir continuously during the last few minutes for a smoother finish.
– Want it spicier? Add a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
– Fresh corn works too—just cut from the cob and cook an extra 2–3 minutes.
– Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for extra color.
Recipe Variations
Cheesy Jalapeño Corn
Add ½ cup shredded cheddar and 1 finely diced jalapeño after the cream cheese melts.
Stir until the cheddar is melted and everything is combined.
Result: A spicy, cheesy twist with great texture.
Garlic Herb Corn
Sauté 1 minced garlic clove in the butter and honey mix.
Add 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley with the cream cheese.
Flavor profile: Savory, herby, and aromatic.
Mexican-Inspired Corn
Use Cotija instead of cream cheese, add lime juice, and top with chili powder or Tajín.
Stir in chopped cilantro at the end.
Flavor: Zesty, bold, and perfect for taco nights.
Smoky Bacon Corn
Cook 2 strips of bacon until crispy, crumble, and stir in before serving.
Adds a smoky, salty crunch to balance the sweetness.
Final Thoughts
Some dishes sneak into your life and become instant classics—this is one of them. It’s not just easy; it’s the kind of recipe that brings comfort with every bite. That silky, buttery sauce wrapped around tender corn feels like something you’d get at a cozy dinner table, shared with people you love.
It’s flexible, too. You can spice it up, load it with cheese, or keep it simple and pure. Whatever the twist, that honey-butter combo does all the heavy lifting. I’ve served it on lazy nights and at big gatherings—it’s always a hit. If you haven’t tried this yet, you’re missing out on a sweet, savory gem.
Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 bag (16 oz) frozen corn
- 2 ounces cream cheese cubed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add butter and honey, stirring until smooth and slightly bubbling.
- Add frozen corn to the skillet. Stir occasionally and cook for 5–8 minutes until hot and lightly golden.
- Stir in cubed cream cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until the cheese is fully melted and creamy.
- Transfer to a bowl or serve straight from the pan. The corn should be creamy, glossy, and sweet.
