Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe

Sweet & Buttery Skillet Corn Recipe: Farm-Fresh Comfort Magic

Corn kernels dancing in a rich honey butter skillet create a mouthwatering side dish that promises pure comfort.

Sweet golden niblets glisten with a delectable golden sheen that beckons you closer.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this simple yet magical combination of ingredients.

Melted butter caramelizes each kernel into a tender, glossy treat that sparks memories of summer gatherings.

Local farmers’ markets provide the freshest corn for this irresistible recipe.

Creamy, sweet, and incredibly simple, this dish transforms ordinary corn into an extraordinary experience.

You won’t be able to resist taking seconds of this delightful skillet sensation.

Honey Butter Skillet Corn That Melts in Your Mouth

  • Craft Creamy Comfort: Discover a side dish that transforms simple frozen corn into a luxurious, velvety experience with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare this delectable corn in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute side dish cravings.
  • Sweet Meets Savory Delight: Blend honey's natural sweetness with rich cream cheese and butter, creating a flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults at the dinner table.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Elevate any meal from casual family dinners to potluck gatherings with this irresistible corn side that requires only a few ingredients and one skillet.

Ingredients for Honey Butter Skillet Corn

For the Base:
  • Frozen Corn: A sweet and tender vegetable that provides the main body of the dish.
  • Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that adds depth and smooth texture to the corn.
  • Honey: A natural sweetener that brings a delightful golden sweetness to the recipe.
For the Creaminess:
  • Cream Cheese: A soft, tangy cheese that creates a luxurious and velvety consistency.
For the Seasonings:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor and bring balance to the sweet and creamy corn.

How to Make Honey Butter Corn in Skillet

Step 1: Warm Up The Skillet

Grab your favorite skillet and place it on the stove. Turn the heat to medium-high and let the pan get toasty warm.

  • Butter
  • Honey

Swirl these two ingredients together until they create a smooth, golden mixture that smells absolutely delightful.

Step 2: Introduce The Corn

Toss the frozen corn directly into the buttery honey blend.

Let the kernels dance around the pan, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 5-8 minutes until the corn transforms into a light golden color and feels perfectly heated through.

Step 3: Create A Creamy Sensation

Drop in the cream cheese cubes and sprinkle some salt and black pepper over the corn. Stir everything together with enthusiasm, watching the cream cheese melt and coat each kernel with a luxurious, velvety texture.

Step 4: Plate And Celebrate

Scoop the magical corn mixture into a beautiful serving dish. The corn will glisten with a sweet and savory sheen, ready to become the star side dish of your meal.

Serve immediately while it’s warm and irresistible.

Pro Tip: This corn works wonderfully alongside grilled chicken, roasted meats, or as a standalone comfort food that’ll make everyone at the table smile.

Tips for Perfect Honey Butter Skillet Corn

  • Use low-medium heat to prevent burning and ensure smooth, even blending of butter and honey.
  • Stir frequently during cooking to avoid burning and create an even golden color across all kernels.
  • Cut cream cheese into small cubes for faster, more uniform melting and smoother sauce consistency.
  • Sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder to add extra complexity and richness to the dish.
  • Reduce honey amount for less sweetness or swap with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

Variations on Honey Butter Skillet Corn

  • Spicy Southwest Corn: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and a dash of cayenne for a fiery kick that transforms the classic recipe into a zesty side dish.
  • Herbed Parmesan Corn: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil, thyme, and grated parmesan cheese for an aromatic and rich flavor profile that elevates the corn's natural sweetness.
  • Bacon Ranch Corn: Crisp up some bacon bits and mix in ranch seasoning to create a savory version that adds smoky depth and tangy complexity to the original recipe.
  • Garlic Herb Mediterranean Corn: Incorporate minced garlic, dried oregano, and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired variation that brings bright, bold flavors to the skillet corn.

Pairings That Work with Skillet Corn

  • Grill Juicy Proteins: Pair with grilled chicken breasts or pork chops to balance the corn's sweet and creamy profile, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
  • Refresh with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the richness and enhance the corn's subtle sweetness with its bright, zesty notes.
  • Boost with Herbal Accents: Sprinkle fresh chopped chives or thyme on top to add a light, aromatic layer that elevates the dish's complexity and provides a fresh green element.

How to Store Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the corn dish sealed to maintain its flavor and prevent absorption of other food odors.

Warm the corn in a microwave-safe dish, covering with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming and prevent drying out.

Revive the corn’s creamy texture by reheating in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore moisture and prevent sticking.

Pack cooled corn in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

FAQs

  • Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen corn?

Yes, you can use fresh corn kernels. Just cut them off the cob and follow the same cooking method in the skillet.

  • Is cream cheese necessary for this recipe?

Cream cheese adds richness and creaminess, but you can substitute it with sour cream or heavy cream if you prefer.

  • What makes the honey butter corn special?

The combination of sweet honey and butter creates a delicious glaze that elevates the corn’s natural flavor, making it a crowd-pleasing side dish.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the corn and reheat it gently in the skillet or microwave just before serving to maintain its creamy texture.

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Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe

Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe


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4.9 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy honey butter skillet corn elevates simple side dishes with Southern charm. Golden kernels mingle with rich butter and sweet honey, creating a comforting companion perfect for family dinners that you’ll want to savor to the last delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 bag (16 ounces/454 grams) frozen corn
  • 2 ounces (57 grams) cream cheese, cubed

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 tablespoons honey

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, combine honey and butter, heating over medium-high temperature until completely melted and blended into a glossy, aromatic mixture.
  2. Introduce frozen corn kernels into the skillet, allowing them to sizzle and roast for 6-7 minutes, stirring periodically to ensure even heating and developing a gentle golden caramelization.
  3. Gently fold cream cheese cubes into the corn, sprinkling salt and freshly ground black pepper across the surface, continuously stirring until the cheese transforms into a silky, smooth coating that envelops each kernel.
  4. Once the cream cheese has fully integrated and created a luxurious sauce, remove the skillet from heat and transfer the corn to a warm serving dish, presenting a rich, decadent side dish bursting with sweet and savory flavors.
  5. Garnish with optional fresh herbs or additional cracked pepper if desired, and serve immediately while the corn remains warm and invitingly creamy.

Notes

  • Ensure even coating by stirring the corn continuously during cooking, preventing any kernels from burning or sticking to the pan.
  • Select high-quality frozen corn for the best texture and flavor, avoiding brands with added preservatives or ice crystals.
  • Adjust the honey and cream cheese amounts to create a personalized sweetness and richness that suits your taste preferences.
  • For a lighter version, substitute regular cream cheese with low-fat alternatives or use Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-packed twist.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 190 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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