Honey Butter Skillet Corn: The Ultimate Comfort Side Dish
Honey Butter Skillet Corn is more than just a side dish—it’s a warm hug on a plate. WELCOME TO homeasyrecipes.com Where Tradition Meets Taste. Hello! I’m Anna, the heart behind HomeasyRecipes, a cozy corner dedicated to celebrating timeless recipes and the warmth of shared meals. Inspired by my beloved grandmother, Mary, this site is a tribute to her wisdom, love, and the unforgettable flavors she brought to our family table.
If you’re anything like me, you love a good recipe that actually works—the kind that doesn’t leave you drowning in dishes or hunting down ingredients you’ve never heard of. That’s what this site is all about. Real recipes, real life, no fluff. I started homeasyrecipes.com because I wanted to make home cooking feel less like a chore and more like something to look forward to. You’ll find everything here—from quick 20-minute meals to comfort food for those slow Sundays. Oh, and plenty of desserts, because… priorities.
Today, I’m sharing a dish that’s simple yet absolutely addictive: Honey Butter Skillet Corn. This creamy, buttery, and slightly sweet corn recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or as a standout holiday side. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Looking for more comforting sides? Check out this Sour Cream Cucumbers Salad for a fresh and tangy complement.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why Honey Butter Skillet Corn Deserves a Spot on Your Table
A Classic Side Dish With Modern Appeal
There’s something undeniably comforting about Honey Butter Skillet Corn. This humble yet flavorful side dish has deep roots in American kitchens, especially in Southern cooking traditions where corn and butter reign supreme. Over the years, it’s been reimagined with a touch of honey and cream cheese, transforming it into a silky, sweet, and savory masterpiece.
What sets this dish apart is how effortlessly it blends simplicity and indulgence. Whether it’s served alongside weeknight dinners or featured on festive holiday spreads, its universal appeal makes it a household favorite.
The Secret Behind Its Popularity
Why do so many home cooks keep coming back to this recipe? The answer lies in its unbeatable combination of creamy texture and balanced sweetness. The honey adds a natural depth that complements the corn’s mild flavor, while the butter infuses every kernel with a rich, velvety finish. Plus, the use of frozen corn means you can enjoy this dish year-round without sacrificing quality.
Even better, this one-skillet wonder comes together in minutes, saving time without compromising taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and satisfying with minimal effort.
Looking for a pairing that takes comfort food to the next level? Try this Sour Cream Cucumbers Salad for a refreshing contrast to the creamy sweetness of Honey Butter Skillet Corn.
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Honey Butter Skillet Corn: The Ultimate Comfort Side Dish
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Honey Butter Skillet Corn is an easy 15-minute side dish made with frozen corn, honey, butter, and cream cheese. Creamy, sweet, and perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 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 over medium-high heat, melt the butter and honey together until fully combined.
- Add the frozen corn to the skillet and stir well to coat. Cook for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through.
- Add the cream cheese chunks, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted and the mixture becomes creamy, about 3–5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use fresh or canned corn as a substitute for frozen if preferred.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and cream cheese.
- Add fresh herbs or crumbled bacon for extra flavor variations.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Honey Butter Skillet Corn, creamy corn side dish, easy corn recipes, skillet corn with cream cheese, sweet corn side dish
Ingredients for Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Simple Pantry Staples You’ll Need
Making Honey Butter Skillet Corn requires only a handful of ingredients, many of which are probably already sitting in your kitchen. This simplicity is part of what makes it such a go-to recipe for busy families and seasoned home cooks alike.
Here’s what y
ou’ll need:Ingredient | 1x Measurement | 2x Measurement | 3x Measurement |
---|---|---|---|
Butter (salted) | 2 tablespoons | 4 tablespoons | 6 tablespoons |
Honey | 2 tablespoons | 4 tablespoons | 6 tablespoons |
Frozen Corn (16 oz bag) | 1 bag (16 oz) | 2 bags (32 oz) | 3 bags (48 oz) |
Cream Cheese (cut chunks) | 2 ounces | 4 ounces | 6 ounces |
Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | 1/2 teaspoon | 3/4 teaspoon |
Black Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon | 1/2 teaspoon | 3/4 teaspoon |
This easy-to-follow table makes scaling up your recipe for larger gatherings a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, the rich creaminess of this dish remains perfectly balanced.

Ingredient Substitutions for Dietary Needs
Even though the traditional Honey Butter Skillet Corn calls for butter and cream cheese, there are easy swaps to make it fit dietary preferences:
- Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives.
- Lower Sugar Option: Reduce the honey slightly or replace it with agave nectar for a milder sweetness.
- Fresh or Canned Corn: You can use fresh corn kernels (about 4 cups) or two 15 oz cans of drained corn in place of frozen.
These tweaks ensure
everyone can enjoy this comforting side dish without compromise.Step-by-Step Instructions for Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Preparing Your Skillet for Success
The beauty of Honey Butter Skillet Corn lies in its simplicity, but the secret to achieving that signature creamy texture starts with your skillet. For best results, use a heavy-bottomed skillet or a cast-iron pan. This ensures even heat distribution and prevents the corn from sticking or burning.
Begin by placing your skillet over medium-high heat. Allow it to warm up for a minute or two before adding ingredients. This quick step creates the ideal cooking environment for your honey and butter to meld perfectly.
-
Melt the Butter and Honey Together
Add 2 tablespoons of salted butter and 2 tablespoons of honey to the heated skillet. Stir gently as they melt, creating a golden, aromatic base that will coat every kernel with flavor.

-
Incorporate the Frozen Corn
Pour in your bag of frozen corn (16 oz) straight from the freezer. Stir it into the honey-butter mixture, ensuring every kernel is well coated. Cook for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the corn is tender and slightly caramelized at the edges. -
Add Cream Cheese and Seasonings
Drop in 2 ounces of cream cheese (cut into chunks), 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir continuously as the cream cheese melts and blends with the honey butter, transforming the corn into a luscious, creamy side dish. -
Finish and Serve
Once the mixture reaches your desired creaminess (about 3–5 minutes), remove it from heat and serve immediately. The result is a rich, velvety dish with just the right balance of sweetness and savory notes.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain that creamy consistency.
Looking for more qui
ck stovetop recipes? Discover Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe for an irresistible main dish pairing.Creative Twists on Honey Butter Skillet Corn
How to Customize Your Honey Butter Skillet Corn
While the classic recipe for Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a favorite for its creamy sweetness, there’s plenty of room to make it your own. Small additions can bring bold flavors or subtle new notes that keep this dish exciting every time you make it.
Here are a few ideas to spark your creativity:
- Cheesy Goodness: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese right before serving for a rich, melty finish.
- Add Some Heat: Dice up fresh jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes for a gentle spicy kick that complements the sweet honey.
- Fresh Herbs Upgrade: Fold in chopped basil, thyme, or parsley for a pop of color and herbal aroma.
Each variation enhan
ces the creamy base of Honey Butter Skillet Corn while keeping its comforting essence intact.Dairy-Free and Vegan Options
Adapting this dish for dairy-free or vegan eaters is surprisingly easy. Here’s how you can maintain the luscious creaminess without traditional dairy:
- Butter Substitute: Use vegan margarine or olive oil in place of butter.
- Dairy-Free Cream Cheese: Try almond or cashew-based cream cheese for the same silky texture.
- Sweetener Swap: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a plant-based alternative.
With these changes,
your vegan Honey Butter Skillet Corn will still deliver the signature richness and flavor that makes it irresistible.For a refreshing side to complement this dish, don’t miss our Sour Cream Cucumbers Salad, perfect for balancing creamy and crisp flavors.
Pairing Honey Butter Skillet Corn With Meals
Best Main Dishes to Serve With
Honey Butter Skillet Corn shines as a side dish because it pairs beautifully with a wide variety of mains. Its creamy texture and subtle sweetness balance rich, hearty proteins and light, fresh dishes alike. Here are a few perfect partners: