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 to taste; Black pepper to taste; Chives for garnish; Smoked paprika, optional

There’s just something so comforting about the sweet, buttery goodness of corn cooked right in a skillet, isn’t there? This Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe brings together creamy, warm corn with a touch of honey that makes it perfect every single time. It’s the kind of side dish that feels special but is so easy you’ll want to make it again and again.

A close-up of creamy corn dish showing one thick layer of bright yellow corn kernels mixed with a white creamy sauce and small green herb pieces scattered throughout, all sitting on a white marbled surface; a spoon lifts a heap of the corn mixture, making the kernels and creamy texture clearly visible, with light reflecting off the moist surface of the corn 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 been making this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe for years, especially during busy holiday gatherings when I want something quick that still wows. Every time, the sweet and savory combo hits the spot—it feels like a hug on your plate. Plus, the creamy texture from the cream cheese is just dreamy.

Super Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry and fridge, no need for anything fancy.
Quick to Make: From start to finish, it takes about 15 minutes, freeing you up to focus on other dishes or just relax.
Sweet & Savory Balance: The honey adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the corn's natural flavor.
Perfect Comfort Side: It pairs wonderfully with so many mains and pleases both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients & Why They Work

We’re keeping this recipe straightforward, but each ingredient brings its own magic. From the rich butter that lightly browns the corn to the cream cheese that creates a velvety finish, every component builds layers of flavor and comforting texture. Here’s why I choose these specific ingredients and a few tips when shopping.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of bright yellow sweet corn kernels, a few whole unsalted butter sticks with a smooth, rich texture, a small white ceramic bowl with a golden honey, a few cubes of fresh cream cheese stacked neatly, a small bunch of vibrant green chives, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl with reddish smoked paprika powder, 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 beautifully and lets you control the saltiness in the dish.
Sweet Yellow Corn Kernels: Using canned means easy prep; just be sure to drain and pat dry for the best texture.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness that balances the buttery corn – feel free to adjust based on your taste.
Cream Cheese: Gives that creamy, luscious coating that turns simple corn into something special.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out the flavors and balancing sweet and savory.
Chives: Fresh and mild onion flavor that brightens the dish and adds color.
Smoked Paprika (optional): Adds a gentle smoky warmth; a little goes a long way if you like that twist.

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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 this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I've tried a few tweaks over time, and adding a little extra honey or swapping out chives for green onions has become my go-to. You should totally experiment with what you like!

Variation: On cooler days, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper to give it a subtle kick — it warms you up and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Dairy-Free Twist: Swap cream cheese for a vegan cheese spread or coconut cream for a creamy texture without dairy.
Fresh Corn Upgrade: When corn is in season, I love using fresh off-the-cob kernels; it makes the dish taste even more vibrant.
Herb Boost: Fresh parsley or tarragon can replace chives for a different herbaceous note that’s equally delicious.

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

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with vibrant yellow corn kernels mixed with creamy white sauce. Scattered evenly over the top are small green chive pieces, adding a fresh contrast. A shiny golden spoon is partially visible on the right side, nestled into the corn mixture. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, enhancing the bright colors of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sizzle the Corn to Perfection

Start by melting the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once it's melted and has that soft golden sheen, add your drained and patted-dry corn kernels. Cooking them for about 5 minutes lets the corn warm through and brings out a slight caramelized note. Stir frequently, but let it sit a bit between stirs to get some subtle color — that makes a big flavor difference. If you notice extra moisture, don’t hesitate to drain it off or dab with a paper towel to keep the texture just right.

Step 2: Add Cream Cheese and Honey for Creamy Sweetness

Next, toss in the cubed cream cheese and drizzle in the honey. I usually start with 2 tablespoons, then add more if I want a sweeter bite. Keep stirring gently as the cream cheese melts into the corn, creating a luscious, creamy coating. This takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste — this is where the flavors really come alive. If smoked paprika is your jam, sprinkle some over now to introduce a smoky undertone.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve Warm

When it’s all melted and glossy, I like to sprinkle chopped chives over the top along with a few extra grinds of pepper. If you're feeling extra indulgent, a drizzle of honey right before serving makes the dish sparkle. Serve this while warm — it tastes incredible and holds its cozy texture best that way.

Top Tip

Over the years, here’s what I’ve learned that really ensures this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe turns out amazing every time. Little details make a huge difference!

Drain Corn Thoroughly: Leaving moisture on your corn can make the dish watery instead of creamy—pat those kernels dry!
Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: It melts faster and more evenly, so no chewy chunks in your final dish.
Low and Slow Melting: Avoid high heat when adding cream cheese; medium heat preserves the creamy texture without curdling.
Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper little by little and taste as you go — it’s easier to adjust than fix once over-seasoned.

How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this skillet corn with fresh chives — they add such a nice brightness and a bit of crunch. Sometimes I toss on a pinch of smoked paprika for a little color and depth, especially when serving company. A drizzle of extra honey at the table can be a fun finish, letting everyone decide their perfect sweetness level.

Side Dishes

This honey butter skillet corn is perfect alongside grilled chicken, pork chops, or even a juicy steak. It’s also fantastic with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes, rounding out any comfort-food feast beautifully. On busy weeknights, I’ve served it with simple quinoa or rice bowls, and it’s always a hit.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, I like serving this corn in mini cast iron skillets or small ramekins — it feels special and rustic. Around the holidays, adding a sprinkle of toasted pecans or even crispy bacon bits can make the dish sing. If you’re hosting a potluck, consider topping with edible flowers or finely chopped herbs for a pretty, inviting look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge. The cream cheese holds well and keeps the corn creamy, although the texture softens over a day or two. It’s best eaten within 3 days for the freshest flavor and texture.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this one because the cream cheese and moisture can separate after thawing, making it less creamy. However, if you do freeze it, be sure to thaw slowly in the refrigerator and stir well before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to restore that creamy texture. Avoid microwaving for long periods, as it tends to dry out the corn. Adding a small pat of butter while reheating can bring back some of the original richness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Fresh corn adds a vibrant flavor and slight crunch. Just cut the kernels off the cob and cook as directed, though you might need to adjust cooking time slightly as fresh corn can have more moisture.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can swap the cream cheese for a plant-based cream cheese or even use coconut cream for creaminess. Use a dairy-free butter alternative to keep the recipe fully vegan and dairy-free.

Can I prepare Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe ahead of time?

While you can prepare the ingredients ahead, this recipe is best served fresh and warm. Leftover corn can be refrigerated and gently reheated, but fresh is always tastier.

What sides go best with Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe?

This recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled proteins like chicken, steak, and pork. It’s also delicious alongside mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or simple grain bowls for a complete, comforting meal.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe has become a go-to comfort side for me, especially when I want something quick that still feels homemade and special. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—whether it’s a weeknight dinner or part of your holiday spread, it’s sure to bring a little extra joy to your table.