Okay, I’m just gonna say it — this Honey Butter Skillet Corn is the kind of side dish that steals the show. Like, you make it for dinner thinking, “It’s just corn,” and suddenly everyone’s going back for seconds. It’s sweet, buttery, a little creamy, and honestly, it tastes like comfort in a skillet.
Whether you’re throwing together a weeknight meal or making something special for Sunday dinner, this recipe is the kind of easy magic that fits right in. And the best part? You probably have everything you need sitting in your fridge already.
Why Honey Butter Skillet Corn Hits Different
There’s just something about that combo of butter, honey, and cream cheese that feels like a warm hug. The butter gives it that rich, homey flavor, the honey adds a soft sweetness, and the cream cheese? Oh man, that’s what makes it silky and slightly tangy.
You know when corn is just fine — like, it’s there, it’s corn, nothing fancy? Yeah, this isn’t that. This is the kind of corn that makes people ask for the recipe before they even finish their first bite.
And let’s be real — side dishes that take 15 minutes and taste like you’ve been stirring a pot all afternoon? That’s my kind of cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll want to grab before you get started:
- 2 tablespoons butter (I like salted, but unsalted works if that’s what you have)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 bag (16 oz) frozen corn
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into chunks
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
That’s it. Six simple ingredients. You don’t even need fancy corn — frozen works perfectly here.
If you want to get a little wild, you can even use fresh corn when it’s in season. Just slice it off the cob and cook it the same way. (Though, honestly, frozen is way easier, and it tastes just as good once that buttery honey mixture hits it.)
Step-by-Step Directions
Alright, let’s get cooking — this comes together fast.
- Melt the butter and honey.
Grab a large skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Add your butter and honey, and let them melt together until it’s all bubbly and smells like heaven. - Add the corn.
Toss in that frozen corn. Stir it around to coat all those little kernels in buttery sweetness. Cook for about 5–8 minutes, stirring here and there, until the corn is hot and golden. - Add the cream cheese, salt, and pepper.
Drop in the chunks of cream cheese, sprinkle the salt and pepper, and stir. Keep cooking for another 3–5 minutes, just until the cream cheese melts and everything looks creamy and glossy. - Serve warm and enjoy.
That’s it! Serve it right out of the skillet (because fewer dishes = happier you).
This makes about six servings, though honestly, it disappears fast — so you might wanna double it if you’re feeding a crowd.
A Few Tips from My Kitchen
- Make it spicy! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few red pepper flakes if you like a little kick with your sweetness.
- More creamy goodness: If you’re a fan of extra richness, toss in another ounce of cream cheese. No one’s judging.
- Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley on top adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
- Leftovers? This corn reheats beautifully. Just warm it up in a skillet or microwave and stir before serving — it’s still dreamy.
Why It’s a Family Favorite
This is one of those recipes that hits the sweet spot (literally and figuratively). It’s easy, fast, and picky-eater approved. Kids love it because it’s a little sweet, and adults love it because it pairs with just about anything — grilled chicken, pork chops, steak, or even a Thanksgiving turkey.
When I first made this, my husband kept saying, “Wait, what’s in this again?” He thought it was some secret family recipe I’d been holding out on him. Nope — just butter, honey, and a little cream cheese magic.
Plus, it’s a great recipe to keep in your back pocket when you need a side that looks and tastes impressive but doesn’t require an entire afternoon in the kitchen.
Perfect Pairings for Honey Butter Skillet Corn
If you want to build a full meal around this dish, here are some easy combos that never fail:
- BBQ Chicken + Honey Butter Skillet Corn + Coleslaw
Classic summer cookout vibes. - Pork Chops + Mashed Potatoes + This Corn
Comfort food on a plate. - Tacos + Honey Butter Corn on the Side
It sounds weird, but trust me — sweet and spicy works. - Holiday Dinners
Add this to your Thanksgiving or Christmas table and watch it disappear faster than the gravy.
Quick Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
Fifteen minutes. That’s faster than it takes me to talk my kids into setting the table.
Final Thoughts: Simple, Sweet, and Totally Addictive
If you’re looking for a side dish that makes people go “Whoa, what is this?”, this Honey Butter Skillet Corn is your new best friend. It’s creamy, rich, and hits that perfect sweet-salty balance.
It’s also the kind of recipe that feels homemade without being a hassle — exactly what every busy cook needs. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or the holidays, this one always gets rave reviews.
So, next time you’re standing in your kitchen wondering what to make that’s quick and crowd-pleasing, grab your skillet, a little butter, some honey, and that bag of frozen corn. Trust me — you’ll never look at corn the same way again.
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