Skillet corn is one of those side dishes I’ve made for years because it works every single time, whether I’m using fresh corn in the summer or frozen corn straight from the freezer. Tested in my own kitchen as a fast stovetop side, this recipe delivers buttery, lightly sweet corn with minimal prep and zero fuss.
Sweet Corn is a favorite late summer and fall vegetable, but this sweet and savory side dish is perfect any time of year.
If you love corn side dishes, try my easy Air Fryer Corn on the Cob for another quick option. And you can even make Corn on the Cob in the Instant Pot Too!
What Is Skillet Corn?
Skillet corn is a quick stovetop side dish made by cooking corn in a skillet with butter and simple seasonings until it’s tender and flavorful. Unlike boiling corn, cooking it in a skillet allows the corn to heat evenly, absorb butter, and develop a slightly richer flavor.
It’s especially popular because it can be made with fresh or frozen corn and is ready in minutes.
For some other great sides using corn, check out my Frito Corn Salad, Black Bean Corn Salsa, Instant Pot Corn on the Cob, and this classic Cornbread Recipe!
Ingredient Roll Call for Honey Skillet Corn
- Corn: I've used Frozen Sweet Corn in this recipe, but canned corn or fresh corn cut off the cob will also work.
- Butter: Use salted butter to enhance the flavors in this dish.
- Honey: Any kind of honey will work well, so use your favorite brand.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese will give you the creamiest flavor, but you can use lower-fat cream cheese if you prefer.
- Salt and Pepper: A simple seasoning with salt and pepper will work wonders for this simple side dish!
The Must-Haves (Kitchen Tools)
- Large skillet (cast iron or non-stick both work)
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
Let's Make it: Skillet Corn
- Melt butter and honey together over medium-high heat.
- Add frozen corn. Stir all together and sauté for 5-8 minutes, cooking the corn. The corn will let off some moisture, which is ideal. You can also put a lid on top and allow the corn to steam, but make sure to open it up and stir every minute so nothing burns.
- Add softened cream cheese and stir to combine. It will melt right into the corn and create a sauce. Allow it to cook through for 3-4 more minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve it right up to the table and enjoy! The sauce will thicken as it cools.
Can You Make Skillet Corn with Frozen Corn?
Yes! And this is one of the best reasons to love this recipe.
Frozen corn works perfectly for skillet corn and does not need to be thawed first. Simply add it straight to the skillet with the butter and cook until heated through. Frozen corn makes this recipe a reliable year-round side dish, even when fresh corn isn’t in season.
Sweet Skillet Corn Variations
- Add bacon. Cook some bacon slices in the skillet first, and reserve some of the bacon grease. Use the bacon drippings to flavor the dish in place of some of the butter. Add the crumbled, cooked bacon on top to serve!
- Garnish. Try adding some diced Green Onions into the mixture, or on top as a garnish. One bunch diced is plenty and adds a nice flavor. You could also add some chopped fresh herbs.
- Mexican Street Corn. To make Skillet Mexican Street Corn with this recipe, simply add cumin, chili powder, Cotija cheese, and lime juice. It's like eating Elote Corn on the Cob but made in a skillet. You will probably want to eliminate the honey from this recipe if you do this.
- Spice it up. Add some diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of added spice!
Why This Recipe Works
- Cooking corn in a skillet prevents it from becoming watery
- Butter coats every kernel for rich, even flavor
- Works with both fresh and frozen corn
- Fast enough for weeknights, reliable enough for holidays
This method keeps the corn tender without overcooking it.
Tips for the Best Skillet Corn
- I like to use a cast iron skillet. It’s a wonderful piece to have in the kitchen if you don’t have one. But any skillet will work.
- If using frozen corn, allow the corn to thaw a bit before cooking up. Or throw in the microwave for 60 seconds to take the chill off.
- Taste before serving and adjust seasoning at the end if needed.
Fridge & Freezer Magic
Storage: Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove over medium heat. I find that adding a tablespoon or two of milk or heavy cream helps thin out the cream cheese while still giving you a creamy sauce.
Freezing: Once cooked and cooled, store your skillet corn in Ziploc bags or a freezer-safe container. Freeze it for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw, and give it a good stir before reheating it. Freezing this recipe works best if you use full-fat ingredients.
What to Serve with Skillet Corn
I've got so many recipes that Honey Skillet Corn can be served with. Let me share a few favorites.
Kitchen Q&A's
Yes! Canned corn works great. Just make sure to drain it well before adding it to your skillet to avoid extra moisture.
Add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese at the end for extra creaminess.
Absolutely. Prepare it as directed, cool completely, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warm.
A cast iron skillet works perfectly as it retains heat well and adds a nice slight caramelization to the corn, but any nonstick skillet will also work.
Have you tried this Honey Butter Skillet Corn recipe?
Please leave a comment below if you have tried making this recipe. I love to hear from you and enjoy reading about what you think. Be sure to tag @devourdinner when posting to social media. I can't wait to see your photos!
Your Next Favorite Recipes
- Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan
- Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
- Instant Pot Sweet Potato Mash
- Air Fryer Mushrooms
- Instant Pot Baby Potatoes
- Candied Carrots
- Air Fryer Carrots
- Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole
Be sure to Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube for the Latest Recipes, Tips and Tricks, and creative menu ideas!
Here are more Side Dish recipes:
- 1 Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
- Apple Stuffing Muffin Cups from Blogghetti
- Braised Red Cabbage with Cranberry and Juniper from Palatable Pastime
- Carrot Peanut Slaw from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
- Creamy Kale and Corn from Magical Ingredients
- Garlic Parmesan Green Beans from Cookaholic Wife
- Mashed Potato Gratin from Leftovers Then Breakfast
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon & Chives from Sweet Beginnings
- Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, and Cranberries from Jen Around the World
- Roasted Butternut Squash & Rice Salad from Jolene's Recipe Journal
- Roasted Carrots with Carrot-Top Pesto from Kate's Recipe Box
- Whole Roasted Squash from Art of Natural Living
Easy Skillet Corn (Buttery Stovetop Side Dish)
Ingredients
- 24 ounces Frozen Corn
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 6 ounces Cream Cheese
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper
- Salt - to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter and honey together over medium/high heat and then add frozen corn. Stir all together and saute for 5-8 minutes cooking corn. 2 tablespoons Butter,2 tablespoons Honey , 24 ounces Frozen Corn
- The corn will let off some moisture which is ideal. You can also put a lid on top and allow the corn to steam but make sure to open it up and stir every minute so nothing burns.
- Add softened cream cheese and stir to combine. It will melt right into the corn and create a sauce. Allow to cook through for 3-4 more minutes 6 ounces Cream Cheese
- Season with salt and pepper. ¼ teaspoon Pepper, Salt
Notes
Variations:
- For cheesy skillet corn, stir in shredded cheddar at the end and melt before serving.
- Diced Cooked Bacon
- Chilies
Nutrition Disclaimer
All nutrition values are approximate and calculated by a plugin and are provided as a courtesy. Adding or subtracting ingredients will change the nutritional value.
Hezzi-D
Made this for dinner tonight and we usually dont' love corn if it's not on the cob but my husband and I both agreed if we are going to eat frozen corn this is the way we will do it from now on! Thank you for the recipe!
Emily
I love how easy this corn is to make and how it tasted with the cream cheese and butter! Such a delicious side to any dinner!
Radha
I love corn and always have a bag in freezer. Corn, butter, honey, cream cheese - all yummy ingredients packed in one recipe! Love this and going to try rightaway!
Inger
Perfect for when I’m bored with plain corn!
Jennifer
I love that you go from frozen to delicious! This is my type of cooking!
Jolene
My guys love corn and I'm always looking for new ways to serve it up. they are going to love this (and I will too)!
Jennifer
This is such a great addition to regular corn. I am going to have to make some of this sometime this year.
Lisa Kerhin
This sounds amazing and I love that there is honey in this plus I like the idea to add bacon
Hezzi-D
Yum! Corn is one of our favorites so I can't wait to try this.