Name: Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 (15-ounce) cans sweet yellow corn kernels, drained and patted dry; 2 to 3 tablespoons honey, to taste; 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed; Salt and pepper, to taste; Chives, for garnish; Smoked paprika, optional

There’s something incredibly comforting about sweet, buttery corn sizzling gently in a skillet, and that’s exactly what makes this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe stand out. It’s simple, downright delicious, and perfect when you want a side dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

The image shows a close-up of bright yellow corn kernels mixed with a creamy white sauce, which gives a thick, smooth texture. Small green herbs are scattered throughout, adding a fresh touch of color. The dish is scooped up by a metal spoon that is partially visible on the right. The background shows more of the same creamy corn mixture on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe countless times, and the thing I love most is how quickly it comes together with pantry staples yet tastes like something special. It’s sweet and creamy, with just enough buttery richness to keep you coming back for more.

Effortlessly delicious: Takes only about 15 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights or holiday feasts.
Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything in your fridge and pantry.
Versatile flavor: Sweet honey and cream cheese add creaminess and balance the buttery corn beautifully.
Great for any occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive get-together, this skillet side never disappoints.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is all about how the ingredients come together to create that perfect sweet, creamy, and buttery combo. Choosing good quality butter and fresh corn (or quality canned corn) really makes a difference here.

Flat lay of a small pile of bright yellow sweet corn kernels, a few thick cubes of creamy white cream cheese, a pat of golden unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with amber honey, a few fresh green chive sprigs, coarse sea salt crystals scattered, freshly ground black peppercorns, and a pinch of deep red smoked paprika powder all arranged symmetrically with perfect proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted butter: Gives a rich, creamy base that helps everything meld perfectly.
Sweet yellow corn kernels: I like using canned corn for ease, but fresh or frozen works too; just make sure to pat it dry so it doesn’t get watery.
Honey: Sweetens naturally and complements the corn’s flavor without overpowering it.
Cream cheese: Adds a luscious creaminess and smooth texture; cube it for faster melting.
Salt and pepper: Essential to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors.
Chives: Provide a fresh, mild onion note and a pop of color as a garnish.
Smoked paprika (optional): Adds a subtle smoky depth that’s delightful if you want to jazz it up.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing it up sometimes by playing with the seasonings or adding extras that suit my mood or the occasion—this recipe is your canvas, really. Feel free to adjust the honey depending on how sweet you like it or experiment with herbs.

Variation: I often sprinkle a little crumbled feta or sharp cheddar on top right before serving for a salty contrast that’s irresistible.
Spice it up: When I’m craving something with a kick, a pinch of cayenne or chili powder blends beautifully with the honey butter base.
Dairy-free: Swap butter with a plant-based alternative and skip cream cheese for mashed avocado stirred in at the end—still creamy and tasty!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a bowl filled with bright yellow corn kernels mixed with small green chive pieces. The corn looks shiny and slightly creamy, with the mixture sitting in a smooth layer inside a white bowl. A gold spoon is partially visible on the right side, resting inside the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and fresh look to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Melt Butter and Warm the Corn

Start by melting the unsalted butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. As soon as it’s melted and foaming, add your drained and thoroughly patted dry corn. Cooking the corn this way for about 5 minutes helps it warm through and develop a slight sweetness from the heat. Pro tip: Keep stirring occasionally to avoid sticking and check if the corn releases too much water—if it does, just drain or dab it with a paper towel.

Step 2: Add Cream Cheese and Honey

Next up, toss in the cubed cream cheese along with 2 to 3 tablespoons of honey, depending on how sweet you want it. Stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes as the cream cheese melts fully and the honey blends in, creating a rich, creamy coating. This part transforms the corn into something wonderfully indulgent. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and if you're feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of smoked paprika adds a gorgeous smoky note.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve Warm

Finally, scatter fresh chives on top for that vibrant color and mild onion flavor. A few extra grinds of black pepper and even a little more honey drizzled over the top take it over the edge. Serve it right away while it’s warm and creamy. This dish really shines fresh from the skillet!

Top Tip

One thing I’ve learned after making this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe many times? Drying the corn as much as possible before cooking is a game changer. It prevents the dish from getting watery and helps you get that creamy, not soggy, texture we all crave.

Thorough draining: Always pat your corn dry after draining cans to avoid excess moisture.
Don’t rush melting the cream cheese: Keep the heat moderate and stir gently so it melts smoothly and doesn’t clump.
Keep the skillet moving: Stir often to prevent sticking and to distribute heat evenly.
Fresh chives on top: They add not just color but a fresh lift that balances the richness perfectly.

How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe

Garnishes

I stick to fresh chives because they’re light and fresh, but sometimes I toss on crispy bacon bits, a sprinkle of sharp cheddar, or even a dash of smoked paprika for a bit of smoky warmth. A tiny drizzle of extra honey right before serving always feels indulgent and makes the flavors pop.

Side Dishes

This Honey Butter Skillet Corn pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, pork chops, or even a big juicy burger. For a holiday feast, it’s a perfect side alongside roasted turkey or ham and mashed potatoes. I also love it next to spicy dishes since its sweetness balances heat so nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve this corn right in the skillet on a wooden board, garnished with whole chive stems and tiny edible flowers for a rustic yet elegant look. It’s a great conversation starter and keeps things warm longer at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy them chilled or reheated the next day. The corn holds its creaminess surprisingly well, though the texture softens a bit, so it’s best eaten within 2 days.

Freezing

Freezing this dish isn’t my favorite option as the cream cheese and butter can separate slightly, changing the texture. If you need to freeze it, do so in small portions and thaw gently in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

I gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat to prevent scorching, adding a tiny splash of milk or cream if it feels too thick. Stir until warmed through and creamy once again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh or frozen corn instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh corn cut off the cob or frozen corn works wonderfully. Just make sure the corn is rinsed and thoroughly drained to avoid excess moisture in the skillet. Cooking times might vary slightly depending on moisture content.

How do I adjust the sweetness in the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe?

Start with 2 tablespoons of honey and add more gradually after tasting. Everyone’s preference for sweetness differs, so adjusting little by little helps you hit the perfect balance between sweet and buttery for your palate.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Replace unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. Instead of cream cheese, try mashed avocado or a dairy-free cream cheese substitute to achieve creaminess while keeping the sweet and buttery essence.

What’s the best way to serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn?

Serve it warm straight from the skillet, garnished with fresh chives and an extra drizzle of honey if you like. It pairs brilliantly with grilled meats, roasted poultry, or even as a comforting side for vegetarian meals. Presentation in the skillet keeps it cozy and inviting at the table.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is one of those little kitchen treasures that’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for company. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s sweet, buttery, and so satisfying. Next time you want a side dish that feels cozy and delicious, give this a try and watch it become a staple you rely on again and again.