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 so comforting about the sweet, buttery goodness of this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and savory that can easily become your go-to side dish for both weeknights and special occasions.

The image shows a close-up of creamy corn mixed with small pieces of green herbs, all on a white marbled surface. The dish contains mostly bright yellow corn kernels covered in a smooth, white creamy sauce. The texture looks soft and moist, with the corn pieces glistening from the sauce. A spoon lifts a scoop of the corn mixture, revealing the thick and rich cream coating the kernels and herbs. 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 every time it just hits the spot. It’s so simple yet feels indulgent and fresh—a real crowd-pleaser that takes just minutes to whip up.

Easy to make: Just a handful of ingredients and about 15 minutes, and you’re ready to serve.
Perfect balance of flavors: The honey adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the corn.
Comfort food with a twist: The cream cheese and butter combo makes it irresistibly creamy and comforting.
Versatile and approachable: It works as a side for casual dinners or a holiday spread—you’ll want to keep this on repeat.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a crucial role in making your Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe come together so effortlessly and deliciously. When you understand why they work, you’ll be more confident whipping it up any time.

Flat lay of unsalted butter in a small block, two small white ceramic bowls—one filled with bright yellow sweet corn kernels, another holding glossy golden honey, cream cheese cut into neat cubes on a simple white plate, whole brown eggs, fresh green chive sprigs arranged neatly, small white bowl with coarse black pepper, small white bowl containing deep red smoked paprika powder, all ingredients fresh and natural, balanced and symmetrical layout, 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 into the perfect silky base, allowing you to control the salt level later.
Sweet yellow corn kernels: Using canned corn saves time; just be sure to drain and dry them well for the best texture.
Honey: Adds warmth and natural sweetness that complements the savory elements beautifully.
Cream cheese: This gives the dish a rich creaminess with just a touch of tanginess.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning staples that round out the flavors perfectly.
Chives: Fresh garnish that adds a subtle oniony brightness at the end.
Smoked paprika (optional): A little dash brings smoky depth and color if you want to jazz it up a bit.

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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

One of my favorite things about this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I like to play around with little add-ins or seasoning changes depending on what I’m serving it with.

Variation: Sometimes I toss in a bit of diced jalapeño for a subtle spicy kick — it balances the sweetness really nicely.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap the butter and cream cheese for vegan alternatives like coconut oil and vegan cream cheese, and it’s still delicious.
Herb Boost: Fresh thyme or parsley also work great if you want a more herbal flavor instead of chives.

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

A close-up image of a white bowl filled with creamy cooked corn kernels, bright yellow in color and mixed with small pieces of white cheese or cream, topped with small chopped green chives scattered evenly on top. A gold spoon is partially visible on the right side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with soft natural lighting highlighting the texture of the melted cream and corn kernels. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Melt and Sizzle the Butter

Start by melting the unsalted butter over medium heat in a skillet. Once it’s melted and starts to bubble, toss in the drained and well-patted dry corn kernels. Cook them gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally — this warms the corn through and helps evaporate any extra moisture.

Step 2: Mix in the Cream Cheese and Honey

Lower the heat a bit and add the cubed cream cheese along with your honey. Stir frequently as the cream cheese melts, creating a creamy coating for each kernel. This should take another 2 to 3 minutes. I always taste here and add more honey if needed — it’s all about your preference for sweetness.

Step 3: Season, Garnish, and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste — a few grinds go a long way. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika here to add a smoky depth. Finish by garnishing with chopped chives, and if you like, a fresh drizzle of honey on top for an extra touch of sweetness. Serve it warm and enjoy!

Top Tip

After making this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe so many times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make it shine. These small tips can help you avoid common pitfalls and get that perfect creamy, slightly sweet corn every time.

Drain and Dry the Corn Well: Excess moisture can make the dish watery, so I always pat the corn really dry with paper towels before cooking.
Don’t Rush the Melting: Give the cream cheese enough time to melt slowly — rushing on high heat can cause lumps.
Adjust Honey Gradually: Start with less and add more as you taste because the sweetness can vary depending on the honey you use.
Use a Heavy Skillet: A good cast iron or heavy pan helps distribute heat evenly, preventing any burning or sticking.

How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve this, I love topping it with fresh chopped chives—they add a fresh, mild onion flavor and brighten the dish. Sometimes I also sprinkle a touch of smoked paprika for color and subtle smoky flavor. A little extra honey drizzle on top is optional but makes it extra special.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or pork chops for a comforting meal. I often throw it on the table alongside mashed potatoes, grilled veggies, or even a fresh green salad to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a holiday table, I’ve served this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe in mini cast iron skillets—everyone loved the cute presentation and it keeps the corn warm. You can also scoop portions into small ramekins and garnish each with a little herb sprig for a fancy touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey Butter Skillet Corn keeps nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I get to it, I always find it’s even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Freezing

I haven’t personally frozen this recipe because the cream cheese can change texture when thawed, but if you want to try, flash freeze it in portions and thaw slowly in the fridge overnight. Just be aware the texture may be a little softer when reheated.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. If it feels too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up and bring back that creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Fresh corn adds a wonderful texture and sweetness. Simply cut the kernels off 4 to 5 ears of corn and use them in place of the canned. Just be sure to cook a bit longer to soften the fresh kernels.

What type of honey works best in this recipe?

Use your favorite honey! Mild-flavored honeys like clover or acacia blend well without overpowering the corn's natural sweetness. If you like a more robust flavor, buckwheat or wildflower honey add depth and richness.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine and replace cream cheese with vegan cream cheese. The texture and flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious and creamy.

How do I prevent the corn from getting watery?

Drain the canned corn thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels before cooking. Cook the corn over medium heat to allow any extra moisture to evaporate. Avoid covering the pan during cooking to prevent steam buildup.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I find myself making it whenever I want something quick but special. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become one of your kitchen staples too—simple, creamy, sweet, and so satisfying.