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Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

This dish features sweet corn kernels gently cooked in butter until warm and tender. Cream cheese is then stirred in to create a smooth, creamy texture that coats each kernel. A touch of honey adds natural sweetness, balanced with salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika for subtle spice. Fresh chives finish the dish, adding a delicate onion note. Perfect for holiday dinners or everyday meals, it embraces straightforward cooking techniques and familiar flavors for easy enjoyment.

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Lili Clark smiling at the camera.
Created By Lili Clark
Updated on Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:41:42 GMT
A bowl of corn with green onions. Save
A bowl of corn with green onions. | lilicooks.com

This Honey Butter Skillet Corn is one of the easiest and most delicious corn side dishes you can make. Perfect for holidays or a casual weeknight dinner, it brings out the sweetness of corn with a creamy, buttery touch enhanced by honey. It is simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

I first made this during a holiday gathering when I needed a quick side dish and it instantly became a favorite. Now it is requested often, especially because the honey adds such a comforting warmth to the dish.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: Three tablespoons creates a rich base and helps cook the corn evenly. Choose good quality butter for best flavor
  • Sweet yellow corn kernels: Two 15-ounce cans drained and patted dry. Removing moisture prevents watery corn and keeps it creamy
  • Honey: Two to three tablespoons adds a natural sweetness. Adjust the amount to your taste. Use raw or local honey for a more aromatic flavor
  • Cream cheese: Four ounces cubed for easy melting which makes the corn silky and smooth
  • Salt and pepper: To taste enhance the natural sweetness and creaminess
  • Chives: For garnish add freshness and a pop of color
  • Smoked paprika: Optional but offers a subtle smoky depth if you want a little more complexity. Spanish smoked paprika is ideal

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Butter and Corn:
Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the drained and patted dry corn kernels, cooking for about five minutes. Stir occasionally and keep an eye out for excess moisture. Use a paper towel to blot away any liquid to ensure the final dish isn’t watery. This warming step brings out the natural sweetness.
Add Honey and Cream Cheese:
Lower the heat slightly and add the cubed cream cheese and honey to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese fully melts and coats each kernel, about two to three minutes. This creates a luscious creamy coating that ties all the flavors together.
Season and Garnish:
Add salt and pepper to taste, appreciating how the seasoning brings balance. Sprinkle smoked paprika if desired for a smoky note. Finish with chopped chives on top for a fresh finish. You can also add a little extra drizzle of honey before serving for that perfect sweet touch.
A bowl of corn with green onions. Save
A bowl of corn with green onions. | lilicooks.com

Storage Tips

Place any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge and consume within three days. For reheating, warming gently in a skillet works best. Add a splash of milk if needed to loosen the creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Maple syrup can replace honey for an earthier sweetness. You can swap cream cheese for mascarpone or a mild ricotta if you prefer lighter creaminess. Use fresh corn in season for a brighter taste or frozen corn when canned is not available.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted pork, or a holiday ham. Garnish with extra chives or crispy bacon bits to add texture and flavor. It also makes a lovely topping for baked potatoes or spooned over a savory grain bowl.

A bowl of corn with green onions. Save
A bowl of corn with green onions. | lilicooks.com

Cultural Context

Corn has been a staple crop in North America for centuries and holds a special place in American cuisine. This skillet recipe reflects Southern cooking traditions where sweetness and creaminess are celebrated. The simplicity and comfort make it a popular choice at family dinners especially during holiday seasons.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can fresh corn be used instead of canned?

Yes, fresh corn cut from the cob works wonderfully. Be sure to cook until tender and adjust cooking time as needed since fresh corn has more moisture.

→ What can I substitute for cream cheese?

Soft goat cheese or mascarpone can be used to maintain creaminess though flavor will vary slightly.

→ Is it necessary to drain the corn thoroughly?

Draining and drying the corn ensures the dish stays creamy without becoming watery during cooking.

→ Can I add spices for extra flavor?

Absolutely, smoked paprika adds warmth, while red pepper flakes or minced garlic can introduce a mild kick.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen texture.

Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Creamy, sweet corn cooked with butter, honey, and cream cheese for a comforting side dish.

Preparation Time
5 min
Cooking Time
10 min
Overall Time
15 min
Created By: Lili Clark

Category: Dinner

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 6 Serves (6 servings)

Dietary Options: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Dairy and Fats

01 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed

→ Vegetables

03 2 (15-ounce) cans sweet yellow corn kernels, drained and patted dry

→ Sweeteners and Spices

04 2 to 3 tablespoons honey, to taste
05 Salt and pepper, to taste
06 Smoked paprika, optional

→ Garnish

07 Chives for garnish

Steps

Step 01

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the drained and dried corn kernels and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If excess moisture accumulates, drain or absorb with a paper towel.

Step 02

Add the cubed cream cheese and honey to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is creamy and evenly coated, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 03

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, sprinkle smoked paprika for added flavor. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped chives, additional freshly ground pepper, and a drizzle of honey if desired. Serve warm.

Tips

  1. Drain canned corn thoroughly and pat dry to prevent watery texture. Absorb any excess moisture released during cooking with a paper towel before adding cream cheese. Cube cream cheese to promote even melting. Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days, reheat in skillet with optional splash of milk to loosen. Freezing is not recommended.

Required Tools

  • Medium skillet

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 138
  • Fats: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Proteins: 1 g