I absolutely love when a side dish steals the spotlight, and that’s exactly what happens every time I make this Honey Butter Skillet Corn. It’s the kind of simple comfort food that comes together in one pan, yet tastes like something you’ve been perfecting for years. The combination of sweet honey, creamy butter, and golden corn creates an irresistible blend of flavors that makes this dish both cozy and vibrant.

What draws me most to this recipe is its versatility. I’ve served it alongside grilled meats, added it to taco nights, or enjoyed it straight from the skillet with a spoon. The golden kernels glisten with buttery goodness, and just a touch of fresh herbs gives it a bright, slightly earthy finish. It’s proof that sometimes the best things really are the simplest.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Quick and easy: Ready in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Minimal ingredients: You probably already have everything you need.
Sweet and savory balance: Honey and butter create a dreamy, crave-worthy glaze.
One-pan wonder: Less cleanup, more flavor.
Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing: Everyone reaches for seconds!

What Type of Corn Works Best for Honey Butter Skillet Corn?

You can use fresh, frozen, or even canned corn for this recipe, depending on what you have on hand. I personally love using frozen sweet corn because it’s super convenient and still delivers a juicy, crisp texture. If corn is in season, fresh-cut corn off the cob adds unbeatable flavor and a slightly firmer bite. Canned corn works in a pinch too—just be sure to drain it well and pat it dry to avoid a watery skillet.

Options for Substitutions

Don’t be afraid to tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs:

Butter: Swap with vegan butter or ghee if you need a dairy-free option.
Honey: Maple syrup makes a delicious alternative with a slightly deeper sweetness.
Corn: As mentioned, fresh, frozen, or canned all work—just adjust the cooking time slightly.
Add-ins: A pinch of smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or even a splash of lime juice can bring a new dimension.
Herbs: Parsley is classic, but chopped basil or cilantro can be a lovely twist.

Ingredients for This Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Corn
The star of the dish—sweet, juicy, and naturally full of flavor. It gives the recipe its golden color and satisfying bite.
Butter
Creates a rich, creamy base that coats every kernel, bringing warmth and a silky texture to the dish.
Honey
Adds the perfect touch of sweetness that balances the savoriness of the butter and enhances the natural sugar in the corn.
Salt
Just a pinch brightens all the flavors and keeps the sweetness from overwhelming the dish.
Black Pepper
Adds a subtle kick that complements the honey-butter combo without overpowering it.
Fresh Parsley (optional)
For a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.

Step 1: Heat the Skillet

Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Let it bubble gently—this creates the rich base for your corn to soak up all that buttery flavor.

Step 2: Add the Corn

Pour in your corn (fresh, frozen, or canned). Stir it into the melted butter, making sure every kernel is coated. If using frozen corn, let it cook for a few minutes until fully thawed and heated through.

Step 3: Stir in the Honey

Drizzle the honey over the corn and stir again. The heat will help the honey dissolve and blend with the butter, forming a shiny glaze around the kernels.

Step 4: Season

Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper. Stir to combine and taste to adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, toss in chopped parsley if using. Serve hot, straight from the skillet, with extra herbs or a tiny pat of butter on top if you’re feeling fancy.

How Long to Cook the Honey Butter Skillet Corn

This dish comes together fast—about 10 to 12 minutes total. If you’re using frozen corn, give it around 8 minutes to cook through after adding it to the skillet. Fresh corn might need slightly less time, while canned corn only needs to be warmed for a few minutes. Once the corn is heated and the honey butter mixture thickens slightly into a glossy glaze, you’re ready to serve.

Tips for Perfect Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Don’t rush the butter melt: Let the butter melt fully before adding the corn so it infuses with a nutty, golden flavor.
Use a good nonstick or cast iron skillet: This helps achieve that beautiful light sear on the corn without burning.
Avoid overcooking: You want the corn to stay juicy and plump, not mushy.
Taste as you go: Adjust honey, salt, or pepper to your liking—especially if your corn is particularly sweet or mild.
For extra flavor: Add a small splash of cream or a sprinkle of parmesan for a creamy finish.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the butter-to-corn ratio: Too little butter and the dish turns dry, too much and it can feel greasy. Stick to the balance.
Overcrowding the skillet: If you double the recipe, use a larger pan or cook in batches to avoid steaming instead of sautéing.
Adding honey too early: It can burn if added before the corn is heated—always stir it in once the corn is hot.
Not draining canned corn: This can make the skillet watery and dilute the flavor.
Using high heat: It can brown the butter too quickly or burn the honey. Medium heat works best.

What to Serve With Honey Butter Skillet Corn?

Grilled Chicken

The sweetness of the corn pairs beautifully with smoky, charred chicken straight from the grill.

BBQ Ribs

This corn is the ultimate sidekick to sticky, savory ribs—each bite balances out the rich, bold barbecue flavors.

Tacos

Spoon some right into your tacos or serve it on the side for a sweet-savory contrast to spicy fillings.

Fried Catfish

The crispiness of the fish meets the creamy buttered corn for a comforting Southern-inspired meal.

Baked Potatoes

Top a fluffy baked potato with a spoonful of this corn and a sprinkle of cheese for a quick, hearty plate.

Sloppy Joes

This sweet side mellows out the tangy richness of the classic sandwich, making for a nostalgic dinner win.

Herb-Roasted Chicken

Let the mild, buttery flavors complement the savory, garlicky goodness of roasted chicken.

Mac and Cheese

For an extra indulgent pairing, serve it alongside gooey mac—it’s cozy comfort food at its best.

Storage Instructions

Honey Butter Skillet Corn stores beautifully for leftovers. Let the corn cool completely, then transfer it into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

If you want to freeze it, pack it in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. It’ll stay good for about 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove.

Estimated Nutrition

These values are approximate and based on a ½ cup serving:

Calories: 180
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 180mg

This side dish offers a satisfying touch of indulgence with the buttery richness and sweet honey while still feeling light enough to accompany a hearty main.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of honey is best for this recipe?

A mild-flavored honey like clover or wildflower works beautifully. Avoid strongly flavored varieties like buckwheat, which can overpower the corn.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Make it a few hours in advance, then reheat gently in a skillet just before serving. Add a touch of extra butter if needed to refresh the glaze.

Is it okay to use canned corn?

Absolutely. Just be sure to drain and pat it dry so it doesn’t water down the butter sauce.

Can I add cheese to this?

Yes—grated parmesan or a sprinkle of cotija cheese adds a delicious salty contrast to the sweetness.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your butter and honey brands to be sure.

What herbs can I use besides parsley?

Chives, cilantro, or fresh thyme all pair nicely and give different flavor spins.

Can I make it spicy?

Definitely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, diced jalapeño, or a splash of hot sauce to give it a kick.

How can I make it creamier?

Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese toward the end for a rich, velvety version.

Conclusion

Honey Butter Skillet Corn is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug—simple, satisfying, and irresistibly flavorful. It’s the perfect side for just about anything, from weeknight meals to weekend cookouts, and it always disappears fast. Whether you’re using it to dress up dinner or make use of what’s in the freezer, this dish brings out the best in corn with almost no effort. One skillet, a handful of ingredients, and you’ve got a side that steals the show every time.

Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Author: Ava Garrison
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a sweet and savory side dish made with golden corn, rich butter, and a drizzle of honey, all cooked to perfection in a single skillet. It comes together in just 15 minutes and pairs perfectly with a variety of main dishes.

Ingredients

4 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the corn and stir to coat it well with the melted butter.
Cook the corn for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Stir in the honey, salt, and black pepper.
Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the honey and butter to form a glossy glaze.
Garnish with fresh parsley, if using.
Serve hot and enjoy.