Honey Butter Skillet Corn: A Sweet & Savory Side That Steals the Show

There’s something undeniably comforting about the blend of warm, buttery corn with a touch of sweetness. Picture this: a cozy evening with the scent of honey and butter filling your kitchen as golden kernels sizzle in a skillet. Whether you’re hosting a festive holiday dinner, preparing a summer barbecue, or simply craving a delicious side dish for a weeknight meal, Honey Butter Skillet Corn is the kind of dish that brings everyone back for seconds.

Inspired by the Southern tradition of using simple ingredients to create bold flavors, this dish is a beautiful blend of sweet and savory. It’s a nostalgic throwback to childhood dinners at grandma’s, yet modern enough to impress dinner guests. Let’s dive into why this easy, 15-minute recipe deserves a permanent place in your cooking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love Honey Butter Skillet Corn

With thousands of side dishes out there, why choose this one? Let us count the ways:

✅ Quick & Easy

This entire recipe comes together in just about 15 minutes. With minimal prep and simple steps, it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights or when you’re trying to juggle multiple dishes during a holiday meal.

✅ Only 6 Ingredients

All pantry staples or easy freezer finds. Nothing fancy or hard to pronounce—just good, honest ingredients that deliver big flavor.

✅ Perfectly Sweet & Savory

The combination of honey, butter, and cream cheese gives the corn an irresistible balance of flavors—comforting yet indulgent.

✅ Crowd-Pleaser

From toddlers to grandparents, this dish gets rave reviews. It complements just about any main dish and always disappears fast.

✅ Versatile Side

Serve it alongside grilled meats, roasted chicken, holiday ham, or even tacos. It’s the kind of recipe that works year-round.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down the short but impactful list of ingredients and their roles in making this dish a standout:

2 tablespoons butter (salted preferred) – Adds richness and helps caramelize the corn.
2 tablespoons honey – Brings a natural sweetness that complements the corn’s flavor.
1 bag (16 oz) frozen corn – The star of the dish! Frozen corn is convenient and works beautifully when cooked this way.
2 ounces cream cheese, cut into chunks – The secret ingredient! Cream cheese melts into the corn, creating a luxurious, slightly tangy sauce.
1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a subtle warmth and balances the sweetness.

Pro Tip: Want to take it up a notch? Add a pinch of cayenne for heat or some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a fresh finish.

How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn (Step-by-Step)

This recipe is incredibly simple, but a few pro tips will ensure it turns out perfect every time.

🔥 Step 1: Melt the Butter & Honey

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter and 2 tablespoons of honey. Stir them together until fully melted and bubbling slightly. This fragrant mix is what sets the flavor tone for the whole dish.

🌽 Step 2: Add the Corn

Add 16 oz of frozen corn straight into the skillet—no need to thaw! Stir well to coat every kernel with that honey-butter mixture. Cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through and slightly golden in spots.

🧀 Step 3: Cream Cheese Magic

Add the 2 ounces of cream cheese (cut into chunks), along with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir well until the cream cheese melts and forms a creamy coating over the corn. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

🍽️ Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

Serve the honey butter skillet corn immediately while it’s warm and creamy. Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of chopped herbs if desired.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair It With

Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a chameleon of a side dish—it plays nicely with everything. Here are a few pairing ideas:

🍗 With Meats:

Grilled chicken or steak – The sweetness complements the char.
Pulled pork sandwiches – A match made in BBQ heaven.
Roasted turkey or ham – A must-have on any holiday table.

🥗 With Vegetarian Meals:

Stuffed bell peppers
Veggie burgers
Grilled portobello mushrooms

🥘 In a Southern-Inspired Meal:

Fried chicken
Buttermilk biscuits
Mashed potatoes
Collard greens

You can also serve it cold or room temperature on a summer picnic plate next to watermelon slices and potato salad.

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them:

📦 Storage:

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

🔥 Reheating:

Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round.
If it thickens too much, add a splash of milk or a small pat of butter to loosen it up.

❄️ Freezing Tip:

While technically freezable, the cream cheese might slightly change texture after thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.

Customization Ideas: Make It Your Own

Feeling creative in the kitchen? This recipe is a perfect canvas for customizing to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

🔥 Spicy Kick:

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
Stir in diced jalapeños or red chili flakes.

🧄 More Savory Depth:

Sauté some minced garlic or shallots in the butter before adding corn.
Toss in some crispy bacon bits or cooked pancetta for added richness.

🧀 Extra Cheese Please:

Sprinkle in some Parmesan, shredded cheddar, or even crumbled feta for more complexity.

🌱 Add Freshness:

Stir in chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives.
Squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the top for brightness.

Make It for a Crowd (Doubling the Recipe)

Hosting a party or family dinner? This recipe is easily scalable.

🍳 To Double the Recipe:

Use a larger skillet or a Dutch oven.
Double all ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter, 4 tablespoons honey, 32 oz corn, 4 oz cream cheese, etc.
Cooking time might increase slightly when doubling, especially when heating the corn evenly. Stir frequently to ensure even heating.

This is a great make-ahead side dish for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.

Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving Estimate)

Note: This is a general estimate and may vary based on ingredient brands.

Calories: ~180
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 2g

This side dish is naturally gluten-free and can be made vegetarian as is. For a dairy-free version, try using plant-based butter and vegan cream cheese.

Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Try This Recipe

Honey Butter Skillet Corn is the kind of recipe that sneaks up on you. It’s deceptively simple but leaves a lasting impression—a little sweet, a little creamy, a lot comforting.

It’s the perfect last-minute side when you’re short on time but want something homemade and heartfelt. It’s also a reliable go-to that’s sure to get recipe requests at any gathering.

So the next time you’re staring into your fridge wondering what to make with that bag of frozen corn—remember this recipe. It may just become your new signature dish.

Pin, Share, and Save!

If you loved this recipe or plan to try it soon, don’t forget to:

📌 Pin it on Pinterest
📤 Share it on social media
💬 Leave a comment with your twist on it!

Print-Friendly Recipe Card

Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter (salted preferred)
2 tablespoons honey
1 bag (16 oz) frozen corn
2 ounces cream cheese, cut into chunks
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

In a skillet pan, melt the butter and honey over medium-high heat.
Add frozen corn; cook 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add cream cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until cream cheese melts and is well combined (3–5 minutes).
Serve hot. Store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge.