Golden, sweet, and buttery—this Easy Honey Butter Skillet Corn is the kind of side dish that steals the show. It’s warm, caramelized, and creamy with just enough stickiness to cling lovingly to each kernel. Whether you’re dressing up a holiday spread or need something fast on a weeknight, this dish fits the bill with five ingredients and fifteen minutes.

The appeal is in its simplicity. Frozen corn transforms in a hot skillet with butter and honey until it glistens, catching bits of browned goodness. A dash of cream smooths it all together while salt balances the sweetness, giving you a glossy, golden pile of comfort food that tastes far more indulgent than it really is.

What Kind of Corn Should I Use for Honey Butter Skillet Corn?

Frozen sweet corn is ideal here. It cooks quickly and holds up beautifully to high heat without turning mushy. If you’re using fresh corn, cut it straight from the cob and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Canned corn can be used in a pinch, but drain and dry it well before adding to the skillet to prevent steaming instead of browning.

Ingredients for the Easy Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Sweet Corn Kernels
These form the base of the dish and absorb all the buttery, honey-rich flavors. Use frozen or fresh for the best texture.

Unsalted Butter
It sautés the corn, adds richness, and blends perfectly with the honey. Unsalted lets you control the final salt level.

Honey
For that warm, floral sweetness that caramelizes slightly in the skillet, honey is what elevates this from plain to memorable.

Heavy Cream
Just a splash transforms the sauce into a silky, creamy coating. It balances the sweetness with richness.

Salt
Essential for enhancing the flavors and preventing the corn from tasting overly sweet. A small pinch makes a big difference.

How To Make the Easy Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Step 1: Sauté the Corn in Butter

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter until it begins to bubble. Add the corn and stir to coat. Let it cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to develop a bit of browning.

Step 2: Add the Honey

Drizzle in the honey and stir well to combine. The honey will sizzle slightly and begin to thicken. Keep stirring for another 3–4 minutes so the honey coats the corn and starts to caramelize around the edges.

Step 3: Finish with Cream

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add a splash of heavy cream and stir until everything is evenly coated and the sauce has a glossy texture. This should take just about a minute.

Step 4: Season to Taste

Sprinkle in salt, taste, and adjust as needed. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Best Ways to Serve and Store This Skillet Corn

This skillet corn is incredibly versatile. Serve it alongside roast chicken, baked salmon, or even as part of a Tex-Mex spread with tacos and guacamole. It pairs wonderfully with spicy or savory mains and holds its own on a holiday table beside stuffing and mashed potatoes.

If you have leftovers, let the corn cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore its creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned corn instead of frozen?

Yes, but be sure to drain and pat it dry thoroughly before adding to the skillet. This helps avoid excess moisture that can interfere with caramelization.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

You can swap the butter for a plant-based version and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream. The flavor will shift slightly but still remain rich and delicious.

How do I prevent the corn from burning?

Don’t cook it over too high heat for too long. Medium-high heat is ideal, and stirring regularly after the first few minutes helps distribute the heat evenly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Make it a day in advance and reheat it gently on the stovetop. Just be sure to add a touch more cream while reheating.

What proteins pair best with this dish?

Grilled chicken, pork chops, BBQ ribs, or pan-seared tofu all make excellent partners. The sweet-savory profile of the corn complements bold or smoky flavors well.

Want More Side Dish Ideas?

You might also like the Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe, perfect for pairing with just about any main. Or explore a more vibrant choice with the California Spaghetti Salad, packed with veggies and dressed in a tangy vinaigrette.

For heartier options, try the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup or Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup—both are rich, comforting, and can double as mains. And if you want a bit of spice, the Crispy Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower offers crunch and heat in one bite.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your side dish or comfort food boards for easy access. Just hit the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to know how it went! Did you try fresh corn? Did you add any herbs? Drop a comment and share your twist. It’s always a treat to see your kitchen spins.

Easy Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 12 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and comforting skillet side dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. Sweet corn meets warm honey, creamy butter, and a splash of cream for a rich, golden, and savory-sweet bite.

Ingredients

3 cups frozen sweet corn (or fresh)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 1/2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons heavy cream

1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
Add the corn and stir to coat. Let it sit undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to get a bit of color.
Drizzle in the honey and stir to combine. Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly caramelized.
Lower heat to medium-low, add the heavy cream, and stir until glossy.
Season with salt, taste, and adjust. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizers