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

Nothing quite beats the cozy, sweet-savory magic of this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe. It’s that golden, buttery corn with just the right touch of honey that makes it feel both homey and a little special—perfect for any time you want a comforting side that’s quick to whip up.

The image shows a close-up of a creamy corn dish with bright yellow corn kernels mixed with a white creamy sauce and small bits of green herbs scattered throughout. The creamy sauce lightly coats the corn, making it look smooth and moist. A spoon is scooping a portion of the corn from a white dish, highlighting the thick texture and creamy appearance of the mixture. The background surface is a white marbled texture. 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 more times than I can count, and it never fails to wow guests and family alike. It’s ridiculously easy but tastes like you spent hours simmering goodness on the stove. Let me tell you why it’s become a staple in my kitchen.

Effortlessly delicious: This side takes just about 15 minutes but delivers so much flavor.
Sweet and savory balance: Honey and butter perfectly complement the natural sweetness of corn.
Comfort food vibe: Cream cheese adds that melty, creamy texture everybody loves.
Versatile and customizable: You can easily tweak the sweetness or add smoky spices like paprika for a personal twist.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a role in building that silky, sweet, and buttery experience. I recommend using quality unsalted butter to control salt levels and fresh cream cheese for creaminess. And those canned sweet corn kernels? They’re a time-saving gem when fresh isn’t in season.

Flat lay of a small pile of unsalted butter cubes, two white ceramic bowls—one filled with bright yellow sweet corn kernels, another with golden honey, a few cubes of creamy white cream cheese arranged neatly, a small bunch of fresh green chives, a small white bowl containing coarse salt and black peppercorns, and a tiny white bowl with deep red smoked paprika powder, all 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: Melts smoothly to coat the corn and provides a rich base flavor without extra salt.
Sweet yellow corn kernels: Gives natural sweetness and texture; drained and patted dry to avoid sogginess.
Honey: Adds a gentle, floral sweetness that enhances the corn’s natural sugars.
Cream cheese: Melts into a luscious creaminess, binding the flavors together beautifully.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing sweetness and rounding out the flavor.
Chives: Fresh herb garnish that adds a mild oniony pop and a fresh green color.
Smoked paprika (optional): Introduces a subtle smoky warmth that elevates the dish.

📝

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 often switch things up with this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe to keep it interesting. Whether you want it sweeter, a bit smoky, or spiced up, it adapts beautifully. Feel free to play around—you’ll find the best combo that suits your taste buds.

Variation: Once I added a dash of cayenne pepper for a slight kick, turning this into a sweet-spicy delight perfect for game day snacks.
Dairy-free option: Swap the butter and cream cheese with vegan alternatives to keep it creamy without dairy.
Fresh corn swap: In summer, I love using fresh cut corn right off the cob—it lends a wonderful freshness but requires a bit more cooking time.

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

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with bright yellow corn kernels mixed with a light cream sauce, giving the kernels a shiny and smooth texture. Small pieces of green chopped chives are sprinkled evenly throughout, adding a fresh color contrast. A shiny golden spoon is partially visible on the right side inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface that adds a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Melt Butter and Warm Corn

Start by melting 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once it’s melted and shimmering, add the drained and well-patted-dry corn kernels. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them warmed through and slightly toasted but not soggy—if there’s extra moisture, gently blot with a paper towel. This step is crucial to prevent watery corn later.

Step 2: Add Cream Cheese and Honey

Next, toss in the cream cheese cubes and 2 to 3 tablespoons of honey—start with less, then adjust to your ideal sweetness level. Stir everything continuously for 2 to 3 minutes as the cream cheese melts and transforms into a creamy sauce coating every kernel. This is when the magic happens! Make sure the heat is moderate so nothing burns but simmers to silky perfection.

Step 3: Season and Garnish

Season your skillet corn with salt and pepper to taste. If you're feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of smoked paprika adds a smoky depth that I absolutely adore. Finish with fresh chopped chives for a pop of color and mild onion flavor. A quick drizzle of extra honey at the end doesn't hurt either, especially if you like a sweeter bite.

Top Tip

From cooking this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe many times, I’ve learned some tricks that take it from good to unforgettable. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and get that perfect texture and flavor every time.

Dry your corn well: Excess moisture can make the dish watery, so I always pat my canned corn with paper towels before adding it to the skillet.
Low and slow melting: When adding cream cheese, keep the heat medium or lower to prevent curdling and allow gradual, smooth melting.
Adjust honey to taste: Honey varies in sweetness, so start small and add more as you go—your taste buds know best!
Optional smoky twist: Don’t skip the smoked paprika if you enjoy a little warm complexity—it transforms the dish beautifully.

How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishing, I love scattering freshly chopped chives or even thinly sliced green onions on top. They add brightness and a fresh bite that balances the sweetness. Sometimes, a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving really enhances the flavors, making each spoonful pop.

Side Dishes

This skillet corn pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted pork, or your favorite barbecue ribs. On casual nights, I serve it alongside mashed potatoes and a crisp green salad for a wholesome, comforting meal that’s easy and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets or ramekins to make each place setting feel special. A light sprinkle of red pepper flakes or edible flowers adds a festive flair that guests always comment on.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover skillet corn in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It holds up well but can thicken as it cools, so stirring in a teaspoon of milk or butter when reheating helps bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

Freezing this dish isn’t my preferred route because the cream cheese and corn texture change after thawing, sometimes becoming slightly grainy. If you want to try, freeze in a tightly sealed container and use within a month, but expect some texture differences.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too—just cover loosely and heat in short intervals to avoid drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh corn instead of canned for the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh corn adds a wonderful sweetness and texture. Just cut the kernels from the cob and cook them a little longer, about 7-8 minutes, since fresh corn has more moisture.

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

Start by adding 2 tablespoons of honey and taste as you go. You can always add more if you want it sweeter. The balance between honey, butter, and salt is what makes the flavor shine.

Can I make this dish vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives to keep it creamy and buttery without dairy. Maple syrup or agave can replace the honey for a strict vegan version.

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

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Microwaving on medium power in short bursts also works well.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe has earned its place as one of my all-time favorite quick sides. It’s that perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and buttery goodness that makes even simple dinners feel like a treat. I genuinely hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s like a little hug from the kitchen with every bite.