Save The smell of honey butter hitting a hot skillet still pulls me back to my grandmother's kitchen. She made this corn for Sunday dinners and Thanksgiving, always insisting it was the one side dish everyone would actually finish. I only understood why when I started making it myself—the way the honey caramelizes against the butter while the corn gets tender and just a little golden at the edges. It is simple, fast, and somehow feels special enough for holidays but easy enough for Tuesday.
I made this for a Friendsgiving a few years ago when people brought lasagna and green bean casserole and store bought rolls. The corn was the only dish that completely vanished. Someone actually scraped the skillet with a spoon to get the last bit of honey butter at the bottom. That night taught me something simple: people remember the dish that feels warm and uncomplicated.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Starting with unsalted butter lets you control the salt level while still getting that rich dairy foundation
- Cream cheese: The cream cheese melts into a silky coating that clings to each kernel and keeps the corn from feeling dry
- Frozen sweet corn: Frozen corn works perfectly here and actually stays sweeter than fresh corn that has been sitting around
- Honey: Honey melts into the butter and caramelizes slightly in the pan giving you a subtle sweetness that does not feel like dessert
- Kosher salt: Salt balances the honey and keeps the corn from tasting too sweet
- Freshly ground black pepper: Just enough pepper keeps things interesting without making it spicy
Instructions
- Melt the butter:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Wait for it to melt and get foamy. That foam means the butter is hot enough to start cooking the corn properly.
- Sauté the corn:
- Add the corn and let it cook for 5 to 6 minutes. Stir it occasionally so some pieces get golden and the corn is heated through.
- Add the cream cheese and honey:
- Drop in the cream cheese and drizzle the honey over everything. Keep stirring so the cream cheese melts evenly and the whole mixture turns creamy.
- Season it:
- Sprinkle in the salt and pepper. Taste a kernel and adjust if you want it saltier or a little sweeter.
- Serve it warm:
- Take the skillet off the heat and serve right away. Extra butter or a little more honey on top never hurts.
Save This corn showed up at my house during a rainy weeknight when I had frozen corn and not much else. Now it is the side I make when I want something that feels cozy but does not require me to pay attention for more than 15 minutes. It has become the dish I bring to potlucks knowing people will ask for the recipe.
Make It Your Own
I have added smoked paprika a few times and it gives the corn a subtle smoky depth that pairs really well with the honey. Fresh chives on top add color and a sharp onion flavor that cuts through the richness.
Spice It Up
A pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños turns this into something completely different. The heat works surprisingly well with the sweet honey and creamy butter.
Fresh Corn Option
Frozen corn is convenient but fresh corn in season is incredible here. Cut the kernels off 4 or 5 ears and use them exactly the same way. The texture is a little crunchier and the flavor tastes like summer.
- Let the skillet get hot before adding the corn so it gets those golden spots
- Taste as you go and adjust the honey and salt to your liking
- Serve this right away because it is best when it is hot and creamy
Save This honey butter skillet corn is the kind of side dish that makes people happy. It is sweet savory creamy and simple.
Recipe Guide
- → Can fresh corn be used instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh corn kernels from 4-5 ears can be substituted for frozen corn with excellent results.
- → What cooking tools are needed?
A large skillet and a wooden spoon or spatula are recommended for sautéing and stirring.
- → How can the flavor be enhanced?
Adding smoked paprika, fresh chives, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños can boost flavor and add a spicy kick.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this side friendly for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- → How long does it take to prepare and cook?
Preparation takes about 5 minutes, with 15 minutes of cooking, totaling roughly 20 minutes.
- → Can this be made ahead?
While best served warm fresh from the skillet, it can be reheated gently on low heat before serving.