Name: Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp honey; 1 (16 oz) bag frozen corn (or about 3 cups fresh corn); 2 oz cream cheese (about ¼ block); Salt & pepper, to taste

This Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a deliciously sweet and creamy side dish that comes together quickly. With a perfect balance of buttery richness, honey sweetness, and creamy cheese, it’s an easy way to elevate simple corn into a comforting treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tbsp unsalted butter

2 tbsp honey

1 (16 oz) bag frozen corn (or about 3 cups fresh corn)

2 oz cream cheese (about ¼ block)

Salt & pepper, to taste

Directions

Melt the butter and honey together in a skillet over medium heat until bubbly.

Stir in the corn (no need to thaw if using frozen) and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Add the cream cheese and cook, stirring until it’s melted and creamy.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another minute or two until everything is well combined.

Serve hot and enjoy the sweet-savory creaminess!

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. From start to finish, it takes roughly 15 minutes to prepare and cook.

Variations

I sometimes like to add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat and smokiness. Another favorite twist is stirring in some fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives at the end for a fresh, bright flavor. For an extra creamy texture, I’ve also added a splash of heavy cream along with the cream cheese. Using fresh corn during the summer months makes this dish even more vibrant.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a small splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture. Microwaving works too but may dry it out slightly without added moisture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh corn works beautifully here. I just cut the kernels off the cob and use about 3 cups. The cooking time remains about the same.

Is cream cheese necessary?

Cream cheese adds that rich, creamy texture and balances the sweetness. If I’m out of cream cheese, I sometimes substitute with mascarpone or a little heavy cream, but the flavor changes slightly.

Can this dish be made dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, I use vegan butter and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. The honey can be swapped for maple syrup if you prefer a vegan option.

How sweet is this dish?

The honey gives a gentle sweetness that complements the corn naturally. If I want it less sweet, I reduce the honey slightly or add more salt to balance.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

I prefer to make it fresh because the creamy texture is best served immediately. However, it can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stove with a splash of liquid to revive the creaminess.

Conclusion

Honey Butter Skillet Corn is one of those recipes I keep coming back to when I want a simple but comforting side. It’s easy to prepare, uses pantry staples, and delivers a satisfying blend of sweet and savory flavors. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a holiday meal, it always feels like a little treat on the plate.

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