Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe

Perfect Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe for Summer Feasts

Southern kitchens buzz with magic when this honey butter skillet corn arrives at the table.

Butter melts into golden pools across sweet kernels, creating an irresistible side dish.

Kernels shimmer with a delicate sweetness that dances between savory and rich.

Skillets become canvases for simple culinary artistry, transforming humble ingredients into something spectacular.

Fresh corn kernels caramelize gently, catching hints of honeyed warmth with each stir.

Each spoonful promises comfort and memories of grandmother’s best kitchen moments.

You’ll want seconds before the first bite finishes melting on your tongue.

Why Honey Butter Skillet Corn Steals the Show

  • Experience a rich, velvety texture from the melted cream cheese and butter that transforms ordinary corn into a luxurious side dish.
  • Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults with its sweet and savory flavor profile.
  • Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting honey levels or adding extra herbs like thyme or parsley to match your taste preferences and make it uniquely yours.

What You’ll Need for Skillet Corn Goodness

Main Ingredients:

Fresh Corn: Sweet summer corn kernels that bring natural sweetness and crisp texture to the dish. Fresh or frozen corn works best, with summer corn offering peak flavor.

Butter: Rich dairy fat that adds depth and helps cook the corn. Unsalted butter recommended for better control of salt levels.

Cream Cheese: Creamy ingredient that creates a smooth, luxurious sauce. Full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and richness.

Honey: Natural sweetener that balances the savory elements. Local or raw honey adds deeper flavor complexity.

Seasoning and Garnish:

Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor and brings out corn’s natural sweetness. Coarse texture allows better control of seasoning.

Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the dish. Freshly ground pepper recommended for maximum flavor.

Chives or Scallions: Fresh herb garnish that provides color and mild onion-like flavor. Green parts offer a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

Optional Add-ins:

None specified in the original recipe.

Steps to Make Honey Butter Corn

Step 1: Sizzle The Corn

  • Butter
  • Corn kernels

Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Tumble corn kernels into the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until kernels turn tender and warm, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Create Silky Goodness

  • Honey
  • Cream cheese

Lower heat to medium. Drizzle honey into the skillet and drop cream cheese pieces. Stir constantly until cream cheese melts completely and transforms the mixture into a luxurious, velvety blend, roughly 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Final Touches

  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper
  • Chives or scallions

Sprinkle kosher salt and crack black pepper to suit your taste. Slide the corn into a beautiful serving dish. Shower chopped chives or scallions on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Skillet Corn Tips That Make a Difference

  • Butter Brilliance: Use high-quality unsalted butter for a richer, more controlled flavor profile that complements the corn's natural sweetness.
  • Kernel Perfection: Select fresh or frozen corn kernels for the best texture, ensuring they're not overcooked to maintain a crisp, juicy bite.
  • Cream Cheese Hack: Cube the cream cheese into small, even pieces to help it melt more smoothly and distribute evenly throughout the corn.
  • Low-Carb Swap: Replace honey with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly version that keeps the dish's delicious essence.
  • Herb Enhancement: Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme or parsley instead of chives to add unexpected depth and aromatic complexity to the dish.

How to Store and Reheat Skillet Corn Smoothly

  • Transfer leftover corn to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Warm corn in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and maintain creamy texture.
  • Place corn in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
  • If corn seems dry after reheating, stir in a small pat of butter or splash of cream to restore its original creamy consistency.

Meals That Go Well with Honey Butter Corn

  • Serve alongside smoky barbecue chicken or juicy pork chops to complement the sweet and creamy corn's rich flavors.
  • Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to balance the dish's sweetness and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Offer crusty sourdough or warm cornbread to soak up the delicious honey butter sauce and add textural variety.
  • Add a light, tangy green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the corn's richness and provide a fresh counterpoint.

New Ways to Flavor Skillet Corn

  • Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil, swap cream cheese for cashew cream, and use maple syrup instead of honey for a plant-based version packed with flavor.
  • Spicy Southwestern Corn: Add diced jalapeños, sprinkle chili powder, and mix in fresh cilantro for a zesty kick that transforms the classic recipe into a bold side dish.
  • Herb-Infused Mediterranean Corn: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil to create a Mediterranean-inspired variation with bright, fresh notes.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute corn kernels with riced cauliflower for a low-carb option that maintains the creamy texture and rich flavor profile of the original recipe.
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Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe

Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe


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4.5 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Sweet southern Honey Butter Skillet Corn delivers pure comfort with creamy kernels kissed by golden butter and rich honey. Hearty side dishes rarely compete with this simple yet irresistible corn creation you’ll want to savor alongside grilled meats or enjoy as a standalone treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives or scallions

Instructions

  1. Heat a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, allowing butter to melt and create a silky cooking surface.
  2. Introduce corn kernels into the skillet, stirring periodically to ensure even heating and prevent sticking, cooking until kernels become tender and slightly golden, roughly 5-7 minutes.
  3. Reduce flame to medium intensity, allowing the skillet to maintain gentle warmth.
  4. Drizzle honey across the corn, creating a sweet undertone, and scatter cream cheese fragments throughout the mixture.
  5. Gently fold and stir the ingredients, watching cream cheese gradually dissolve and transform the corn into a luxuriously creamy texture, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  6. Carefully season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning to personal preference.
  7. Transfer the glossy, aromatic corn to a serving vessel, ensuring no delectable bits remain in the skillet.
  8. Elevate the presentation by sprinkling freshly chopped chives or scallions across the top, adding a vibrant green accent and mild onion essence.

Notes

  • Adjust corn texture by controlling cooking time, shorter for crisp kernels and longer for softer consistency.
  • Select fresh corn during summer months for maximum sweetness and natural flavor enhancement.
  • Create dairy-free version by substituting cream cheese with coconut cream or vegan cream cheese alternatives.
  • Elevate presentation by topping with crispy bacon bits or toasted pine nuts for added crunch and depth of flavor.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Side Dish
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 174
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 144 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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