Honey Butter Corn
This honey butter skillet corn recipe turns a bag of frozen corn into a creamy, buttery side dish with just a few simple ingredients.
Sweet honey, melted butter, and cream cheese coat every kernel in a rich sauce that pairs with everything from roasted chicken to holiday ham.
It comes together in one skillet in about 20 minutes, making it easy enough for busy weeknights and convenient for Thanksgiving dinner.
You won’t need to turn on the oven or fuss with complicated steps.
Just stir, simmer, and serve a comforting side dish alongside your family’s favorite meals all year.
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Why You’ll Love This Honey Butter Skillet Corn
- Simple ingredients: Frozen corn, butter, honey, and cream cheese do most of the work.
- One-skillet cleanup: Everything cooks together in the same pan.
- Sweet and savory flavor: Honey brings out the corn’s sweetness, while butter and cream cheese add richness.
- Ready in about 20 minutes: An easy side to pull together while your main dish finishes cooking.
- Works for everyday dinners and holidays: Serve it with a weeknight meal or add it to your Thanksgiving spread.
What are the ingredients in honey butter skillet corn?
- Frozen sweet yellow corn – The star of the dish. Frozen corn is convenient, holds its sweetness, and gives the recipe that juicy, crisp-tender bite.
- Salted butter – Adds richness and depth, coating the corn so every kernel has a buttery flavor. The salt balances the sweetness of the honey.
- Honey – Brings a natural sweetness that enhances the corn’s flavor.
- Cream cheese – Creates a creamy, velvety texture that makes the dish indulgent and smooth. It also helps the butter and honey cling to the corn.
- Salt + Black pepper – A simple seasoning duo that balances the sweet, creamy flavors.
How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn
- Melt butter and honey in a skillet, then stir in the corn and cook until heated through.
- Add the cream cheese and let it melt into a creamy sauce. You can adjust the creaminess to your preference. Use less cream cheese if you prefer a lighter sauce, or add a little more for an ultra-creamy version.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve the corn warm.
Make it ahead. This dish reheats well, making it great for holiday meals or weeknight prep.
Don’t Forget To…
- Scroll down to print the full recipe with step-by-step instructions and exact measurements.
- Check out my Kitchen Essentials for the pans, mixing bowls, and baking tools I use to make this recipe a breeze.
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Tips for Creamy Skillet Corn
- Use a roomy skillet. Give the corn enough space to heat evenly and allow excess moisture to evaporate.
- Let extra liquid cook off. If the corn releases a lot of water, let that liquid reduce before adding the cream cheese.
- Cut the cream cheese into cubes. Small pieces melt more easily and blend into the sauce faster.
- Lower the heat for the cream cheese. Gentle heat helps the sauce come together without sticking or scorching.
- Adjust the consistency at the end. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a small splash of milk.
- Taste before adding salt. Salted butter adds seasoning, so you may not need the full amount listed.
Yes, canned corn works too. Drain it thoroughly before adding it to the skillet. Since it’s already cooked, heat it through, then add the cream cheese. The cooking time will be shorter than with frozen corn.
No. Add the corn directly from the freezer. If there are large ice crystals or clumps, break them apart before adding it so the corn cooks more evenly.
Yes! Cut the kernels from the cob and cook them in the butter and honey until tender before adding the cream cheese. Fresh corn may need a different cooking time, so check its tenderness as you go.
Frozen corn can release moisture as it heats. Let excess liquid evaporate before adding the cream cheese. If you’re using canned corn, drain it well first.
No. A large nonstick or stainless steel skillet works too. Use a pan with enough room to stir the corn comfortably, and adjust the heat as needed to prevent sticking.
What to Serve with Honey Butter Corn
This creamy corn pairs well with roasted chicken, pork chops, meatloaf, or pulled pork sandwiches. Its sweetness also complements smoky barbecue dishes and spicy chili.
For a holiday meal, serve it alongside turkey or baked ham with mashed potatoes, green beans, and homemade crescent rolls. Since it cooks on the stovetop, it’s especially handy when your oven is full.
Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Ingredients
- 24 ounces sweet corn frozen
- ½ stick butter salted
- 2 tbsp honey
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt together the butter and honey.
- Add in the frozen corn and stir over the medium high heat for 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add in the cream cheese and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, to allow the cream cheese to melt.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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