Honey Butter Skillet Corn

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When I think of simple comfort food that brings warmth to the table, this Honey Butter Skillet Corn always comes to mind. I’ve made this dish countless times, and every single time it gets devoured. There’s just something about the creamy, sweet, and slightly savory balance that makes it irresistible. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick side dish to bring to a potluck.

I love how quickly it comes together. The sweet corn gets a glossy, golden kiss from butter and honey, and the cream cheese adds just enough richness to coat each kernel beautifully. The result is a side dish that tastes like you spent a lot of time on it, even though it only takes minutes. I always keep a stash of frozen corn just so I can whip this up on a whim.

And let’s talk versatility. Whether I’m serving it next to baked chicken, grilled meats, or even as a companion to hearty casseroles like my Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts or the incredibly popular Marry Me Chicken, this Honey Butter Skillet Corn fits right in. It brings a pop of sweetness and creaminess that pairs with almost anything.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Butter Skillet Corn

You’ll fall in love with Honey Butter Skillet Corn because it’s fast, flavorful, and incredibly easy. It requires minimal ingredients that you likely already have on hand. The sweetness of the honey, the richness of butter, and the slight tang from cream cheese transform everyday corn into something memorable. This is the kind of side dish that earns repeat requests and makes any meal feel special. Plus, it reheats well, making leftovers just as satisfying the next day.

Ingredients

Corn is the star of this dish. I typically use frozen sweet corn because it’s easy and always available, but fresh corn cut from the cob in summer is divine.

Butter is essential for adding a rich, savory base that helps carry the sweetness of the honey and rounds out the flavors.

Honey provides that perfect, natural sweetness that gives this dish its signature taste. It complements the corn beautifully.

Cream Cheese brings the creamy texture that makes this corn so indulgent. It melts into the corn and adds a slight tang.

Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of each ingredient.

How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Start by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Let it fully melt and begin to bubble slightly for extra flavor depth.

Step 2: Add the Corn

Pour in your corn—frozen, fresh, or canned (just make sure it’s drained well). Stir it around so the butter coats every kernel.

Step 3: Stir in the Honey

Drizzle the honey directly over the corn. Mix well to distribute the sweetness evenly.

Step 4: Add Cream Cheese

Add the cream cheese in chunks and stir gently until it’s fully melted and combined. It will create a luscious, creamy coating on the corn.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Finish with a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. Give everything a final stir and serve hot.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

If you’re out of cream cheese, you can swap it with a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream for a similar creamy effect. For a more savory twist, try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or smoked paprika. You could also stir in some cooked, crumbled bacon or a handful of shredded cheddar cheese to take the flavor up a notch.

Want to make it dairy-free? Use vegan butter and a plant-based cream cheese alternative. The result will still be creamy and delicious.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Honey Butter Skillet Corn pairs beautifully with just about anything. I love serving it alongside roasted chicken or grilled pork chops. It’s also an excellent match for hearty dishes like my Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole or Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole. It adds a touch of sweetness that balances out savory mains.

It also works great as part of a holiday spread or summer cookout. It’s vibrant, crowd-pleasing, and easy to make ahead.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing is not recommended as the texture may change, but if you do freeze it, reheat gently and stir well to re-emulsify.

FAQs

Can I make Honey Butter Skillet Corn ahead of time?

Yes, you can! It reheats beautifully on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat before serving.

What kind of corn should I use for Honey Butter Skillet Corn?

Frozen sweet corn is the easiest and most convenient. Fresh corn is fantastic when in season, and canned corn works in a pinch—just drain it thoroughly.

Can I use a different sweetener in Honey Butter Skillet Corn?

Absolutely. Maple syrup or agave nectar can work well if you’re out of honey or want a different flavor profile.

Is Honey Butter Skillet Corn gluten-free?

Yes, it is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your cream cheese and butter brands to be sure they don’t include any hidden gluten.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you enjoyed this Honey Butter Skillet Corn, you have to try my Corn Pudding Recipe. It’s creamy, comforting, and another delicious way to highlight the sweetness of corn. For a savory side, my Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes are always a hit.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Make sure to pin this Honey Butter Skillet Corn recipe to your Pinterest board so you can easily find it next time. Sharing is caring, so don’t forget to pass it along to your friends and family via email or your favorite social media. Whether it’s for a special holiday meal or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is too good to keep to yourself!

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