Irresistibly Creamy Skillet Corn with Honey Butter Everyone Will Love

When you need something warm, buttery, sweet, and ready in under 20 minutes, this Skillet Corn with Honey Butter is your perfect go-to. It’s the kind of side dish that people fight over at family dinners and ask for the recipe at office potlucks. Creamy, sweet, savory, and slightly caramelized from the skillet, this is one of those good easy side dishes that instantly becomes a household favorite.

Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner, putting together a side dish for one person, or looking for something cozy for your fall dinner sides recipes collection, this honey butter corn checks all the boxes. It’s also the kind of comfort food you can easily take to work or serve at holiday gatherings, making it an ideal food for coworkers during a potluck or Friendsgiving.

If you’ve tried and loved recipes like garlic butter corn with melty cheese or honey glazed carrots and green beans, this skillet corn will feel like a natural next obsession.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Skillet Corn Recipe

The best side dishes are the ones that are easy to make and impossible to forget. This easy skillet corn is made with just a few ingredients, but the flavor is something you’ll crave again and again. The combination of sweet honey, rich butter, and naturally sweet corn creates a balance that works with just about any main dish.

It’s also:

• Quick: Done in less than 15 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Sweet and buttery flavors make it a hit with all ages
• Flexible: Great for single servings, family dinners, or large gatherings
• Inexpensive: Made with pantry and freezer staples
• Crowd-pleasing: One of the best easy recipes side dishes to serve anywhere

Looking for more simple, satisfying ideas? You’ll love these cheesy mashed potato puffs and cucumber dill salad too.

Ingredients for Skillet Corn with Honey Butter

You only need a handful of ingredients to make this side, which makes it one of the easiest dishes to prepare last-minute or on busy nights.

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
• 1 (16 oz) bag frozen sweet corn (no need to thaw)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• Chopped fresh parsley for color
• A sprinkle of paprika or chili powder for heat
• Grated parmesan for a cheesy touch

For a holiday twist, try serving this with stuffed acorn squash or alongside scalloped potatoes for extra richness.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This Side of Corn Recipe

The beauty of this recipe is how little equipment it requires:

• Large skillet (non-stick or cast iron)
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Serving bowl

That’s it. It’s minimal, low-cleanup, and doesn’t require a single fancy gadget. Another win for anyone building their list of homemade sides for dinner without the fuss.

How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn – Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Melt the butter.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it’s fully liquified and slightly bubbling.

Step 2: Stir in the honey and cream cheese.
Add the honey and cream cheese, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add the corn.
Pour in the frozen corn straight from the bag — no thawing required. Stir well to coat all the kernels with the honey butter mixture.

Step 4: Cook until heated through.
Let the corn cook for about 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the corn to be hot and just starting to caramelize in some spots.

Step 5: Season and serve.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley or your favorite herbs if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

This is also the perfect side to pair with garlic parmesan chicken skewers or easy-to-make crockpot turkey breast for a complete and comforting meal.

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Tips for the Best Homemade Sides for Dinner

• Use sweet corn: The natural sweetness of frozen sweet corn enhances the honey butter flavor.
• Don’t skip the cream cheese: It adds creaminess that takes this from a regular corn dish to something special.
• Adjust the honey: For less sweetness, start with 1 tablespoon and taste as you go.
• Cook uncovered: This allows some of the moisture to evaporate and lets the butter slightly brown.

Need more ideas for side dishes to pair with chicken or turkey? Try parmesan polenta rounds or pumpkin twists for a creative fall combo.

Serving Suggestions: Pairing Ideas and When to Serve

This dish is super versatile. Serve it as:

• A weeknight side with grilled or roasted chicken
• Part of your fall dinner sides recipes lineup
• A quick lunch addition for side dishes for one person
• A holiday table essential next to pumpkin dump cake or pumpkin cinnamon rolls
• A potluck-friendly dish for coworkers or neighbors

Planning meals for smaller households? Make it part of a vegetarian pasta primavera night with roasted veggies and salad.

Variations and Flavor Add-Ins to Try

Want to mix it up? Here are some fun twists to this already-perfect dish:

• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños
• Smoky flavor: Stir in smoked paprika or chipotle powder
• Cheesy version: Mix in shredded cheddar or crumbled feta
• Mexican-inspired: Add lime juice, chopped cilantro, and cotija cheese

Looking for more creative takes on side dishes? Try cottage cheese flatbread or sweet chili sauce-glazed carrots as additional table stars.

Skillet Corn as Food for Coworkers or Potlucks

Bringing food to a work event or potluck? This honey butter corn is easy to transport and even easier to reheat. It’s sweet, savory, and totally non-controversial — everyone loves corn.

To serve as food for coworkers, double the recipe and transfer to a slow cooker to keep warm during the event. Serve it with toothpicks for bite-sized snacking or alongside other good easy side dishes from your personal favorites list.

How to Store and Reheat Skillet Corn

To store: Let it cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To reheat: Warm it on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or milk if needed. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals.

This reheats well and even makes a fun next-day topping for tater tot breakfast bowls or mixed into creamy mushroom pasta.

Make-Ahead Tips and Cooking for One

This is one of those easy recipes side dishes that’s easy to scale down. Make a half batch by using half the butter, cream cheese, and corn, and save the rest for another meal.

To make ahead, prepare the dish fully and store it in the fridge. It reheats beautifully, making it one of the most efficient homemade sides for dinner you can batch cook.

Need more easy side dishes with chicken? Pair this corn with baked chicken legs or ground turkey stir fry for a protein-packed plate.

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FAQs About Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Can I use canned corn instead of frozen?
Yes, just be sure to drain it well before adding to the skillet.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Try using plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese. It won’t be exactly the same, but it still works.

Is it freezer-friendly?
This dish is best fresh, but you can freeze it in a pinch. Reheat with a bit of cream or milk to bring back the texture.

Can I serve this cold?
Technically yes, but it’s meant to be served warm. If you do serve it cold, try adding fresh herbs and a splash of lemon for brightness.

How do I make it sweeter or more savory?
Add extra honey for sweetness or a touch of salt and cheese for more savory depth.

Final Thoughts + Share and Subscribe Call-to-Action

This Skillet Corn with Honey Butter proves that simple ingredients and a hot skillet can create magic on your plate. It’s cozy, easy, and endlessly adaptable — the perfect companion to your weekday dinner, holiday spread, or next potluck.

If you loved this recipe, share it with a friend, pin it to your fall favorites board, and subscribe to our blog for more side dish inspiration. And if you’re still planning dinner, don’t miss out on our best-loved mains and easy casseroles.

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