Golden corn kernels sautéed in creamy butter and sweet honey come together in this irresistible one-pan wonder that’s ready in minutes.
🧈 A Sweet & Savory Side That’s Comfort in Every Bite
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, buttery bowl of skillet corn. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of nostalgic flavor. The sweetness of honey swirls into the creaminess of butter, wrapping each kernel of corn in a glossy, golden glaze that’s both decadent and familiar.
I first made this dish during a summer BBQ when I needed a quick, no-fuss side to go with grilled chicken. I tossed together a few pantry staples—frozen corn, butter, honey—and let it sizzle on the skillet. One bite and I was hooked. It was like creamed corn’s fresher, lighter cousin, and it disappeared faster than anything else on the table.
Whether it’s a holiday spread, weeknight dinner, or picnic potluck, this honey butter skillet corn brings smiles with every spoonful.
🛒 Key Ingredients (and What They Do)
Corn (Fresh or Frozen)
The star of the show! Corn provides a natural sweetness and juicy pop. Frozen corn is super convenient and works year-round, but fresh corn adds unbeatable flavor in summer.
Butter
Butter adds a creamy, savory richness that balances the sweetness from the honey. Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt levels.
Honey
This natural sweetener enhances corn’s inherent sweetness and helps create that irresistible buttery glaze. A little goes a long way!
Cream Cheese (Optional)
A small dollop adds richness and a velvety texture—perfect for those who like their skillet corn extra creamy.
Salt & Pepper
Just a pinch of sea salt and black pepper brings balance and highlights the flavors of the butter and honey.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a side with roast chicken, grilled meats, or barbecue ribs.
- Add to a Southern-style dinner plate alongside mashed potatoes and green beans.
- Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- For extra texture, top with crispy bacon crumbles or a dash of red chili flakes for a little heat.
Pair with: A glass of iced tea, sparkling lemonade, or a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio.
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
Freezing
- Let the corn cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat from frozen in a skillet with a splash of water or butter to help loosen the glaze.
Tip: If it looks too thick after reheating, add a tablespoon of milk or cream to smooth it out.
💭 Final Thought
Honey butter skillet corn is one of those easy sides that never fails to impress. It’s budget-friendly, quick to whip up, and loaded with flavor. The sweet-meets-savory combo feels just fancy enough for a dinner party—but cozy and simple enough for Tuesday night.
Try it once and you’ll see why this skillet corn has earned a permanent spot on my dinner table.
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Honey Butter Skillet Corn – The Sweet, Savory Side Dish Everyone Will Crave
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Sweet, buttery, and creamy corn made in just one pan—perfect as a side dish for holidays, BBQs, or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
4 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 2 tbsp cream cheese (for added creaminess)
Optional garnish: chopped chives, bacon bits
Instructions
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add corn and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and heated through.
Stir in honey, salt, and pepper.
Add cream cheese if using, stir until melted and creamy.
Simmer for 2 more minutes and serve hot!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 185
- Sodium: 120mg
- Carbohydrates: 26g
❓ FAQ: Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Can I use canned corn?
Yes! Just drain and rinse before using. The texture may be softer, but it still works great.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your labels on butter and cream cheese.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use vegan butter and skip the cream cheese or sub with a plant-based version.
What’s the best honey to use?
Any pure honey works. Clover and wildflower honey are mild and complement the corn well.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes. Cook it up to a day in advance and reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.