Introduction

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, buttery side dish that comes together in minutes—especially on busy nights when you just want an easy dinner recipe that makes the whole table smile. This Honey Butter Skillet Corn delivers exactly that: simple ingredients, soothing flavors, and a creamy texture that feels like a hug.

Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or adding one more dish to a holiday spread, this recipe brings the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and rich creaminess. It’s quick enough for weeknights but special enough for Sunday dinner, which makes it a true “keep forever” kind of recipe.

Every bite blends sweet honey, melted butter, and tender corn coated in silky cream cheese. It’s the kind of family-friendly comfort food that goes with everything—baked chicken, slow cooker meals, grilled steak, or a cozy plate of mashed potatoes. If you love easy sides that taste restaurant-worthy without the work, this will become a go-to.

 

What You Need

Main Ingredients

• Butter – Salted butter melts into the honey to create a rich, glossy base.
• Honey – Adds natural sweetness and helps caramelize the corn slightly.
• Frozen Corn (16 oz) – Any variety works; gold n’ white corn gives great flavor.
• Cream Cheese – Creates the creamy, velvety finish.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Simple seasoning that brings everything together.

 

How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn

1. Melt the butter and honey in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the frozen corn and cook 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
3. Add the cream cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir and cook another 3–5 minutes until the cream cheese melts and coats the corn.
5. Serve warm and enjoy! Leftovers keep well in the fridge.

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & easy – Done in under 15 minutes.
• Budget-friendly – Simple ingredients, big flavor.
• Kid-approved – Sweet, creamy, familiar, and comforting.
• Pairs with everything – BBQ, roasted meats, casseroles, slow cooker meals, and more.
• Perfect for holidays or weeknights – Flexible and dependable.

 

Tips

• Use high-quality butter for the richest flavor.
• Don’t skip the honey—it adds shine and balances the creaminess.
• If you want thicker creaminess, add an extra tablespoon of cream cheese.
• Stir gently so the corn stays plump.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Corn – Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes.
• Cheesy Corn – Stir in shredded cheddar at the end.
• Garlic Butter Corn – Add 1–2 cloves minced garlic with the butter.
• Herbed Corn – Toss in fresh parsley or chives before serving.
• Maple Butter Corn – Swap honey for pure maple syrup.

Substitutions

• Butter → Olive oil for a lighter option.
• Cream cheese → Mascarpone for a richer, smoother finish.
• Frozen corn → Fresh or canned corn (drained well).

 

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead?
   Yes! It reheats beautifully on the stovetop.
2. Can I use canned corn?
   Absolutely—just drain it well.
3. How long does it last?
   About 3 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
4. Can I freeze it?
   Not recommended—the cream cheese can separate.
5. Can I make it lighter?
   Use reduced-fat cream cheese.
6. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, just use a larger skillet.
7. Does it taste very sweet?
   It’s lightly sweet—balanced, not sugary.
8. Is it good for potlucks?
   Perfect! It stays creamy and reheats easily.
9. Can I add spices?
   Yes—paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder work well.
10. Can I make it dairy-free?
    Use vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese.

 

Health Benefits

• Corn provides fiber and natural energy.
• Cream cheese adds satisfying richness in small amounts.
• Honey is a natural sweetener.
• Great way to add vegetables to family meals.

How to Serve

• With baked chicken or roasted turkey
• Alongside BBQ ribs or pulled pork
• As a quick side for weeknight dinners
• With slow cooker meals for a balanced plate

Make Ahead & Storage

Make Ahead

• Prepare up to 24 hours in advance and reheat gently before serving.

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat

• Warm on the stove over low heat, stirring until creamy.

 

Conclusion

Honey Butter Skillet Corn is one of those simple side dishes that quietly steals the show. It brings together sweet, savory, and creamy flavors in a way that feels comforting and effortless—perfect for busy nights, family gatherings, or holiday tables. With just a few pantry staples and less than 15 minutes of cooking, you can create a dish that tastes like you spent much more time on it.

Whether you’re building a weeknight meal, pairing it with your favorite slow cooker recipes, or adding another cozy option to the dinner spread, this creamy corn always delivers. Keep it in your rotation—you’ll find yourself making it again and again because everyone at the table will ask for more.