Honey Butter Skillet Corn: The Sweet & Savory Side Dish You’ll Crave All Year Long

When the weather turns cozy and the holidays are just around the corner, there’s nothing like serving up a warm, buttery dish that brings comfort and nostalgia to the table. Honey Butter Skillet Corn is exactly that recipe—simple, heartwarming, and oh-so-delicious. Whether it’s a festive Thanksgiving side dish, a weeknight dinner in need of something special, or a summer BBQ that could use a sweet surprise, this recipe fits the moment like a glove.

I first discovered this creamy, buttery corn dish at a friend’s fall potluck. It was nestled between the turkey and the stuffing—and to be honest, it stole the show. One bite of that slightly sweet, perfectly creamy corn, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. What’s even better? It’s made in one skillet and uses frozen corn, making it both budget-friendly and ridiculously easy. Let’s dive into why this should be your new go-to side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Butter Skillet Corn

There’s a reason this recipe has become a viral favorite on social media and a staple at dinner tables everywhere. Here are a few reasons why Honey Butter Skillet Corn should make its way into your meal rotation:

Quick & Easy: 15 minutes start to finish. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers.
Minimal Ingredients: Just 6 simple pantry and freezer staples—no hard-to-find items here!
Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweetness; adults appreciate the balance of flavors.
Versatile Side Dish: It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, holiday mains, and even tacos or rice bowls.
Comfort Food Vibes: Creamy, warm, and indulgent—without being too heavy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get into the how-to, let’s break down the ingredients that make this dish so irresistible.

2 tablespoons butter (salted preferred) – Adds richness and depth. Salted butter brings out the natural sweetness of the corn.
2 tablespoons honey – The star sweetener! Adds a natural, floral sweetness that balances the cream.
1 bag (16 oz) frozen corn – No need for fresh corn on the cob. Frozen works perfectly and is available year-round.
2 ounces cream cheese, cut into chunks – For that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a subtle kick and complexity.

How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn

This dish is practically foolproof. Here’s how to make it step-by-step:

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Honey

Start by placing your skillet (a non-stick or cast-iron skillet works great) over medium-high heat. Add the butter and honey together. Stir gently as they melt into a glossy, golden mixture. This forms the luscious base that gives the corn its iconic flavor.

💡 Pro Tip: Let the honey caramelize slightly with the butter before adding the corn—it deepens the flavor!

Step 2: Add the Frozen Corn

Toss in the whole 16 oz bag of frozen corn. No need to thaw it beforehand—just add it straight from the freezer. Stir occasionally for 5–8 minutes, allowing the corn to warm up and absorb that honey-butter goodness.

Step 3: Stir in Cream Cheese, Salt, and Pepper

Next, add your chunks of cream cheese, along with salt and black pepper. Keep stirring as the cream cheese melts and coats the corn, transforming it into a silky, creamy side dish. Let it cook for an additional 3–5 minutes, until everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Spoon the honey butter skillet corn into a serving dish or straight from the skillet. It’s best served hot and fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated the next day.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair With Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Wondering what to serve with this creamy corn delight? Here are some of our favorite pairings:

1. Grilled or Roasted Meats

BBQ Chicken or Pulled Pork
Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Smoked Turkey Breast

2. Holiday Favorites

Roast Turkey or Ham
Mashed Potatoes and Stuffing
Green Bean Casserole

3. Quick Weeknight Meals

Baked Chicken Thighs
Meatloaf and Rice
Tacos or Quesadillas

It also pairs surprisingly well with vegetarian dishes like roasted mushrooms or black bean burritos for a sweet contrast.

Tips for the Best Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Want to take your skillet corn to the next level? Here are a few pro tips:

Use High-Quality Butter

Salted, creamy butter adds an extra dimension of richness. Don’t skimp—go for real butter, not margarine.

Don’t Skip the Honey

Maple syrup can work in a pinch, but honey gives a floral sweetness that complements corn beautifully.

Add a Dash of Spice

For a twist, try adding:

A pinch of cayenne pepper for heat
A sprinkle of smoked paprika
A handful of shredded cheddar cheese

Fresh Corn Option

If fresh corn is in season, feel free to use it! Cut kernels off 4-5 ears and cook just a few minutes longer.

Make It Ahead: Meal Prep & Storage

Honey Butter Skillet Corn can be made ahead and stored easily.

Storage:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently.

Freezing:

This dish does not freeze well due to the cream cheese, which can separate upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge.

Why This Recipe Works (A Bit of Science & Flavor Theory)

This side dish is a perfect example of balanced flavor profiles:

Sweet: Honey and corn naturally bring out sweetness.
Salty: Salted butter and added salt balance the dish and prevent it from becoming dessert-like.
Umami/Creamy: Cream cheese provides mouth-coating richness and that craveable “comfort food” feel.
Aromatic: A hint of pepper gives a gentle lift that keeps the sweetness from becoming flat.

The result? A multi-dimensional dish that hits all the right notes—and keeps people coming back for seconds.

Honey Butter Skillet Corn: FAQs

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese. The flavor will differ slightly but still be delicious.

Can I use canned corn instead of frozen?

You can! Just drain and rinse it first. Reduce the cooking time by 2–3 minutes, as canned corn is already cooked.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just make sure you’re using a large enough skillet to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of sautéing.