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 cozy about the sweet, creamy simplicity of this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of buttery richness and honeyed sweetness that instantly makes any meal feel a little more special. I always keep this one in my back pocket for quick side dishes that wow.

The image shows a close-up of creamy corn topped with small pieces of green herbs, all mixed together with a smooth, white creamy sauce. The corn kernels are bright yellow, shiny, and plump, creating a thick textured layer. A silver spoon scoops up a generous portion of the corn, highlighting the thick, creamy consistency and small green herb pieces scattered throughout. The dish sits 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 every single time it’s a hit. It’s quick, insanely comforting, and brings a bit of old-fashioned charm to your dinner table. Honestly, it’s one of those recipes that feels both fancy and homey at once.

Super Easy to Make: Just a handful of pantry staples and less than 15 minutes from start to finish.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweetness of honey blended with creamy butter and tangy cream cheese makes it addictive.
Flexible and Customizable: Add your preferred seasonings or garnishes to match your mood or occasion.
Great for Any Occasion: Impress guests at holiday dinners or enjoy a quick weekday side with ease.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe has its role in creating that irresistible creamy, sweet, and buttery goodness. Here’s the scoop on why these simple ingredients come together so beautifully.

Flat lay of unsalted butter in a small white ceramic bowl, two small white ceramic bowls with golden honey and ground black pepper, a small pile of fresh bright yellow sweet corn kernels, cubes of fresh cream cheese arranged neatly, a few fresh green chive sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl containing vibrant red smoked paprika, and two whole clean-shelled brown eggs placed symmetrically, 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: Provides the rich, silky base without competing with the other tastes—plus, you control the salt level easily.
Sweet Yellow Corn Kernels: Canned corn is perfect here for convenience, but make sure to drain and pat it dry well to avoid sogginess.
Honey: This is your natural sweetener that adds a lovely floral note; adjust to your preferred sweetness level.
Cream Cheese: Creates the creamy texture and a subtle tang that contrasts perfectly with the honey’s sweetness.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing natural sweetness.
Chives: Fresh garnish adds a hint of oniony freshness and color.
Smoked Paprika (Optional): Adds a subtle smoky depth that elevates the dish without overpowering it.

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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 the things I love most about the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. I like to switch up the seasonings or even toss in some crunchy bacon bits for extra texture. Don’t hesitate to make this your own—taste as you go and adjust to your liking!

Variation: For a smoky twist, try stirring in a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper—I've done this, and it gives just the right kick without overshadowing the honey's sweetness.
Dairy-Free Modification: Use a dairy-free cream cheese and a vegan butter alternative if you’re avoiding dairy—still rich and delicious!
Seasonal Upgrade: Swap canned corn for fresh or frozen in summer for a more vibrant corn flavor.

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

The image shows a bowl full of bright yellow corn kernels mixed with small white pieces, likely cheese, spread evenly through the dish. On top, small green pieces of chopped herbs, probably chives, are scattered, adding color contrast. The food looks creamy and slightly shiny, suggesting it is mixed with a sauce or melted cheese. The bowl is white, and the background surface has a white marbled texture. A golden spoon is partially visible on the right side, resting in the bowl. The photo was taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Melt Butter and Warm the Corn

Start by melting the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once it’s melted and shimmering, add the drained and dried corn kernels. Cooking them for about 5 minutes helps warm the corn and releases their natural sweetness. Keep stirring gently to prevent sticking, and if you spot any extra moisture, blot it out with a paper towel. Moisture can water down the flavor, so don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Add Cream Cheese and Honey

Next up: cream cheese and honey. Toss the cubed cream cheese into the skillet and drizzle your honey on top. Stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until everything melts together into a smooth, creamy texture that lovingly coats every kernel. I always taste at this point to adjust the honey—sometimes I add a little more if I want it sweeter.

Step 3: Season and Garnish

Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika here—it adds a lovely smoky aroma without overpowering the dish. Finally, scatter chopped fresh chives over the top and maybe a tiny drizzle of honey to finish. Serve it warm and watch how fast it disappears!

Top Tip

One thing I’ve learned while making this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is that drying the corn before cooking makes all the difference. Too much moisture can turn it soupy, which nobody wants. Here are some of my favorite tips to get it perfect every time.

Dry Thoroughly: Pat your corn dry with paper towels to remove excess liquid and prevent a watery dish.
Even Heating: Use medium heat to gently warm the corn and melt the cheese—it keeps everything smooth and creamy without burning.
Adjust Sweetness Gradually: Stir in honey little by little, tasting as you go so it’s exactly as sweet as you like.
Don’t Skip the Garnish: Fresh chives add a pop of color and zing that livens up the creamy richness beautifully.

How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe

Garnishes

I swear by fresh chives as a finishing touch because they bring that subtle onion flavor and pop of color. Sometimes I sprinkle just a bit of extra smoked paprika or even a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top for texture. A fresh grind of black pepper right before serving adds a little warmth too.

Side Dishes

This corn pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, pork chops, or even a hearty beef roast. For something vegetarian, I like serving it alongside a fresh arugula salad or creamy mashed potatoes. It’s definitely one of those sides that complements a wide variety of mains.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve served this Honey Butter Skillet Corn in mini cast iron skillets for each guest, which feels so charming and personal. You can also spoon it into decorative ramekins topped with chives and a little honey drizzle for special occasions—it makes a humble side feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey Butter Skillet Corn keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually store it as is, then reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

I haven’t personally frozen this dish often because it’s best fresh, but if you need to, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat gently on medium-low heat, stirring often. I like to add a teaspoon of cream or milk when reheating to maintain that silky texture. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent drying out or curdling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh corn kernels add that bright, sweet crunch, especially in summer. Just cook them a bit longer if needed since they’ll release more moisture than canned corn.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Swap out the butter with a good quality vegan butter and use a plant-based cream cheese alternative. The honey can be replaced with maple syrup or agave to keep it vegan-friendly.

How do I prevent the dish from becoming watery?

Draining and patting the corn dry before cooking is key. Also, cooking on moderate heat and absorbing any released moisture with a paper towel helps maintain a creamy, thick consistency instead of watery.

Can I make this ahead of time for a party?

You can prepare the corn part ahead by combining all but the garnishes, then gently reheat just before serving with a splash of cream and fresh chives. It’s best served warm right out of the skillet for maximum flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe has become one of my all-time favorite easy sides, and I hope it becomes yours too. It’s cozy yet special, ridiculously simple but so full of flavor. Next time you want to impress with minimal effort, this delightful dish has your back. Go ahead—give it a try and enjoy every creamy, sweet bite!