Looking for a side dish that’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to steal the show? Meet Honey Butter Skillet Corn — a luscious blend of sweet corn, creamy butter, and rich honey, all cooked to perfection in one skillet. It’s warm, savory-sweet, and so irresistible that it just might outshine the main course.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard BBQs, Thanksgiving, or any time you want something simple and satisfying, this dish is always a crowd favorite. Bonus: it takes less than 15 minutes to make!
Why You’ll Love Honey Butter Skillet Corn
🌽 Uses simple pantry/freezer ingredients
🍯 Combines sweet, salty, and buttery flavors in one bite
🥄 One-skillet recipe — easy cleanup!
⏱️ Ready in under 15 minutes
🧒 Kid-friendly and adult-approved
🔥 Versatile for everyday meals or special occasions
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients to make this delicious side:
- 4 cups frozen corn (or fresh if in season)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 ounces cream cheese (about ¼ of a standard block)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
🔁 You can double the recipe for a larger crowd.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Corn – Frozen corn is convenient, but fresh cut corn or canned (drained) also work
- Honey – Adds sweetness; maple syrup can be substituted for a different twist
- Butter – Use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness
- Cream Cheese – Makes the dish rich and creamy, but can be left out or replaced with a splash of heavy cream or a dairy-free alternative
How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Step 1: Melt the Butter
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat
- Add butter and let it melt completely
Step 2: Cook the Corn
- Add the frozen corn directly into the skillet
- Stir occasionally and cook for 6–8 minutes, until corn is tender and hot
🌽 If using fresh corn, it may need an extra 2–3 minutes to cook through.
Step 3: Add Honey and Cream Cheese
- Stir in the honey and cream cheese
- Keep stirring until the cream cheese is melted and everything is well combined
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
Step 4: Serve Immediately
- Spoon into a serving dish or serve straight from the skillet
- Top with extra black pepper, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of honey if desired
Flavor Boosts & Variations
🍋 Zesty: Add a splash of lime juice or zest for brightness
🌶️ Spicy: Mix in chopped jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or red pepper flakes
🧄 Savory: Add a clove of minced garlic when cooking the corn
🧀 Cheesy: Sprinkle in Parmesan or shredded cheddar at the end
🌿 Herby: Finish with chopped parsley, basil, or chives
🥓 Bacon-Lovers: Stir in crispy crumbled bacon before serving
What to Serve with Honey Butter Skillet Corn
This sweet and savory side goes with just about everything:
🍗 Grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops
🥩 BBQ ribs or pulled pork
🍔 Burgers and hot dogs at cookouts
🥔 Mashed potatoes or mac and cheese
🦃 Thanksgiving turkey or holiday ham
🥗 A simple green salad or roasted veggies
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
🧊 Make Ahead:
- Cook completely and reheat in the skillet or microwave
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days
🔥 Reheat:
- Microwave in 30-second intervals
- Or reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or milk
🧊 Freeze?
- Not ideal due to the cream cheese texture change, but doable
- Reheat slowly to bring back the creamy texture
Nutrition Information (Approx. per serving – 6 servings)
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 20g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
Based on using frozen corn, butter, cream cheese, and honey
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned corn instead of frozen?
Yes! Just drain it well and reduce the cooking time slightly since it’s already soft.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
No problem — you can omit it for a lighter version or replace it with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a splash of heavy cream.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes — all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your butter and cream cheese for additives if you’re sensitive.
Can I double or triple this recipe?
Absolutely. This is a great side for large gatherings. Just use a bigger skillet or work in batches.
Why This Recipe Works
✅ Quick and easy: From freezer to table in under 15 minutes
✅ Flavor-packed: Butter + honey + cream cheese = flavor explosion
✅ Customizable: Works with different spices, cheeses, and herbs
✅ Versatile: Pairs with almost any protein or side
✅ Crowd-pleasing: Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and holiday meals
Final Thoughts: The Side Dish Everyone Will Ask For
Once you try Honey Butter Skillet Corn, it’ll become a permanent part of your dinner rotation. It’s creamy, sweet, and just indulgent enough — perfect for everything from weeknight meals to Thanksgiving spreads. And the best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or extra time.
This is one of those simple recipes that delivers big comfort, big flavor, and big smiles at the table.
Print
Honey Butter Skillet Corn: The Easiest, Most Addictive Side Dish Ever
Ingredients
• 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 6 ears) • 4 tbsp butter • 2 tbsp honey • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped • 1 tsp lemon juice • ¼ tsp salt • ¼ tsp black pepper • 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat
- Add corn kernels and cook 5-7 minutes until tender
- Add butter and honey, stir until butter melts
- Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute
- Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper
- Remove from heat
- Fold in fresh chives and parsley
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
- Serve immediately while warm and buttery
PREP TIME & NUTRITION: Prep Time: 10 mins, Cook Time: 10 mins, Total Time: 20 mins, Servings: 4, Calories: 180, Net Carbs: 25g, Fats: 8g, Protein: 4g