Name: Sweet 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); 4 ounces cream cheese (cubed); 2 to 3 tablespoons honey (to taste); Salt and pepper (to taste); Chives for garnish; Smoked paprika (optional)

There’s something truly comforting about the gentle sweetness combined with creamy butter in this Sweet Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe. It’s simple, quick, and has become a staple whenever I want a cozy side that feels a little special.

The image shows a close-up of a creamy corn dish with bright yellow corn kernels coated in a smooth white sauce, sprinkled with small green herb pieces. The corn is piled thickly on a white marbled surface, with a silver spoon lifting a scoop full of the corn, highlighting the rich texture of the sauce and the vibrant color of the kernels. The spoon is positioned on the right side, angled slightly upwards, with a focus on the shiny, moist appearance of the corn and sauce. 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 Sweet Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sweet Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sweet Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this Sweet Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe has won me over many times. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a hug on a plate—comforting but with just enough sweetness to keep it exciting.

Super Easy: You only need a handful of ingredients and 15 minutes to whip it up—it doesn’t get simpler.
Perfect Balance: The honey adds the perfect touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with creamy butter and tangy cream cheese.
Great Side Dish: It fits with everything from casual weeknight dinners to holiday feasts without stealing the show.
Customizable Flavor: You can jazz it up with spices or fresh herbs to match whatever mood you’re in!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Sweet Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe plays a role in creating that luscious, creamy, and sweet comfort I love. Here’s why I think these work so well together—and a few tips when you’re picking them out.

Flat lay of a small pat of unsalted butter, two small white ceramic bowls—one filled with bright yellow sweet corn kernels, another with golden honey, a few cubes of creamy white cream cheese, a few fresh green chive sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl containing smoked paprika powder, and a few grains of coarse salt scattered artfully, all arranged with perfect symmetry 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: I prefer unsalted so I control the saltiness better—it melts into a silky base that coats the corn beautifully.
Sweet yellow corn kernels: Canned works fine and saves time, but if you find fresh or frozen sweet corn, those are fantastic too and add a little freshness.
Honey: This is where the magic happens—feel free to taste and adjust, adding just a little or a lot, depending on how sweet you like it.
Cream cheese: Adding cream cheese makes this corn irresistibly creamy and slightly tangy—it’s a game-changer.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors, don’t skip them!
Chives for garnish: I adore the freshness that chives add—plus they add a pop of color.
Smoked paprika (optional): If you want a little warmth and complexity, a pinch of smoked paprika really shines in this dish.

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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 about this Sweet Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often add a sprinkle of cayenne for a little heat or swap honey for maple syrup if that’s what I have on hand—both ways taste fantastic!

Variation: Once, I stirred in some crumbled bacon for smoky crunch, and it became an instant favorite at our family dinner.
Dairy-Free: Try coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute instead of butter and cream cheese for a dairy-free version that’s just as tasty.
Fresh Corn: During summer, fresh grilled corn cut off the cob adds amazing texture and an extra layer of sweetness.

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

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with bright yellow corn kernels mixed with small dots of white creamy sauce. The corn is sprinkled with finely chopped green chives scattered evenly throughout. There is a shiny, gold spoon partially visible on the right side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the photo is clear, making the corn kernels look fresh and juicy. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Melt Butter and Warm the Corn

Start by melting the unsalted butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the drained and patted dry corn kernels. Cooking them gently for about 5 minutes helps warm the corn through and dries out any extra moisture. Be sure to stir occasionally so nothing sticks or burns—if you spot too much liquid collecting, just dab it away with a paper towel.

Step 2: Add Cream Cheese and Honey

Next, add the cubed cream cheese and your honey. Stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until the cream cheese melts into the corn, creating a smooth, creamy coating. Taste and adjust the honey for sweetness, and season with salt and pepper to bring all the flavors home. If you love a smoky touch, sprinkle on some smoked paprika now.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve Warm

The final step is all about those fresh finishing touches. I love sprinkling a handful of chopped chives on top—it adds color and a subtle oniony freshness. Sometimes I add an extra drizzle of honey or a few grinds of pepper before serving. Serve it warm to enjoy that melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to get this Sweet Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe just right, especially when balancing moisture and richness.

Pat Dry Corn Thoroughly: Excess moisture can make the dish watery, so I always use paper towels to dry canned corn before cooking.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Start with less honey, especially if your corn is already sweet, then add more as you stir—this way it never gets too sugary.
Low and Slow Melting: Melting the cream cheese on medium heat while stirring keeps it creamy and prevents it from clumping.
Don’t Skip Seasoning: Salt and pepper are crucial; they pull the flavors together—taste before serving and tweak as needed.

How to Serve Sweet Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe

Garnishes

I swear by fresh chives as the perfect garnish here—they add a burst of bright green and just the right mild onion flavor. Sometimes, I also toss on a pinch of smoked paprika or a tiny drizzle of extra honey for a shiny finish that’s hard to resist.

Side Dishes

This corn pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted pork, or even alongside a simple steak. For a lighter meal, serve it with black beans and a fresh green salad. It’s versatile enough to complement many cuisines and shines at summer barbecues or cozy winter dinners.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive meal, I love serving this corn in small cast iron skillets right at the table—it keeps it nice and warm and looks adorable. Another fun trick is scooping the corn into mini bell peppers or hollowed-out tomatoes for a colorful, fresh presentation that wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which isn’t common in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I find they'll keep well for up to 3 days, but the cream cheese might thicken a bit—just stir gently before reheating.

Freezing

I haven’t personally frozen this dish often because it’s so quick to make, but if you do freeze it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently—expect a slight change in texture due to the dairy, but it’s still tasty.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover Sweet Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or water. Stir frequently until heated through to keep it creamy without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Fresh corn works beautifully. Just cut the kernels off the cob and use them to replace the canned corn. You might want to cook the fresh corn a little longer to get that perfect tenderness and sweetness.

How do I prevent the dish from being watery?

The key is to drain and pat the corn kernels dry thoroughly before cooking. Excess moisture from canned corn can make the dish runny, so drying helps it stay rich and creamy. Also, cook the corn long enough to evaporate any released liquid.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like vegan butter and a plant-based cream cheese substitute. The honey and corn will still provide sweetness and flavor, making it a delicious dairy-free side.

What dishes pair best with Sweet Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe?

This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted meats like chicken, pork, and steak. It also complements fresh green salads, beans, and rice dishes, making it a versatile side for many occasions.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely love making this Sweet Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe whenever I want something quick, comforting, and a bit special. It’s the kind of dish that always gets compliments and makes even simple meals feel like a treat. Give it a try—you might find it becomes one of your go-to sides, just like it did for me.