Here’s a quick and easy homemade honey butter skillet corn recipe with canned corns and without cream cheese. Milky sweet, soft, and juicy kernels loaded with the flavor of honey and creamy with the topping of cheddar. It’s a 15-minute, one pan recipe that’s perfect as a side for a quick family dinner.
This recipe always takes me back to cozy evenings when I wanted something quick, warm, and comforting. It’s simple yet incredibly delicious — the kind of dish you can enjoy anytime without guilt because it’s light, wholesome, and full of flavor. Whenever I need a little pick-me-up before or after a workout, I find myself reaching for this honey butter skillet corn — just like I used to make a bowl of sautéed chickpeas — something about that buttery sweetness always leaves me satisfied and happy.
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Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Honey Butter Skillet Corn is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug — simple, creamy, and irresistibly comforting. It’s a quick 15-minute side dish made with sweet corn sautéed in a buttery honey glaze, finished with a touch of creamy cheddar for that melt-in-your-mouth richness.
This recipe is a modern twist on the classic creamed corn but without the heaviness of cream cheese or milk — just pure, golden sweetness from honey and the rich silkiness of butter. It’s a perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it a hit alongside roasted chicken, grilled meats, or even as a cozy snack on its own.
In many homes (mine included!), this dish often makes a surprise appearance during busy weeknights or festive dinners — because it’s effortless yet tastes like you’ve spent all day cooking.
Why Do I 💛 This Recipe?
Well, there are so many reasons to make this recipe.
- Quick & Easy: It's simple and fast prepare within 15 minutes.
- Used Minimal Ingredients: Only need a handful of ingredients to make this recipe which is extremely hassle free for everyone to make
- Best Side Dish: You can comfortably pair up this recipe with every dish. I love to have with baked chicken.
- Easy To Eat: This recipe is so simple to eat with spoon. You can have it hot, warm or cold as per your choice.
- Easy Lunch Box Idea: For me, it's a great idea for lunch box. Whenever I travel, I keep corns with me.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This recipe is extremely simple and quick — perfect for anyone looking to make something delicious with just a few pantry staples.
Corn: I used canned corn for convenience, but frozen or fresh seasonal corn works beautifully too. Just make sure the kernels are plump and firm — if they feel mushy or squishy, skip them, as they won’t deliver that crisp, juicy bite.
Butter: The heart of this recipe! Butter adds a creamy, rich base that coats every kernel, giving the corn that irresistible velvety shine.
Honey: Brings in a touch of natural sweetness that perfectly balances the richness of butter. Together, honey and butter create the most comforting glaze for the corn.
Cheddar (optional): Totally optional but highly recommended! A little cheddar melts into the honey-butter sauce, creating a creamy, luscious layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of corn.
Seasoning: A simple sprinkle of salt and black pepper is all you need to enhance the flavors — minimal seasoning, maximum comfort!
How To Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn
1. Melt the Honey Butter:
Heat a skillet pan over medium heat. Add butter and honey, letting them melt together until they form a smooth, glossy sauce. The aroma at this point is irresistible!
2. Add the Corn:
Stir in the canned corn (drained) and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally so every kernel gets coated in that luscious honey-butter glaze.
3. Season to Perfection:
Sprinkle in salt and black pepper to balance the sweetness. Give it a final toss to make sure everything is evenly mixed.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the skillet corn hot, warm, or even at room temperature—it’s delicious either way.
If you’re preparing it for a party or holiday dinner, make it ahead of time and reheat just before serving for the perfect buttery finish.
Tips & Variations
- Use premium-quality corn: Choose bright, plump, and firm kernels for the best flavor and texture.
- Add nutritious veggies: Include vegetables like carrots, capsicum, spinach, kale, or broccoli to make the dish more colorful and healthy.
- Spice it up: Add jalapeños for a delicious spicy kick.
- Add freshness: A dash of fresh lemon juice enhances the taste and makes it more refreshing. (Avoid vinegar — it can spoil the flavor.)
- Cheese options:
- Cheddar (optional)
- Substitute with mozzarella, feta, or parmesan based on your preference.
- Seasoning ideas: Experiment with different spice blends.
- Flavor Twist: Try the same recipe with honey garlic sauce.
How To Store, Freeze & Reheat
To Store: Once the corn has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to 3–4 days. When you’re ready to serve again, reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for about 30–40 seconds. Add a small knob of butter or a drizzle of honey while reheating to restore its creamy texture and shine.
To Freeze: If you’d like to make it ahead, honey butter corn freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe zip bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
To Reheat from Frozen: Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat directly from frozen on the stovetop. Add a splash of milk, butter, or honey while reheating to bring back the smooth, velvety consistency.
What to Serve with Honey Butter Skillet Corn
This sweet and buttery corn pairs beautifully with both everyday meals and holiday feasts.
🍽️ Here are some perfect combinations:
- Grilled or Baked Chicken: Serve it alongside baked chicken breast, hot honey chicken tenders, or tandoori chicken for a balanced, hearty meal.
- Steak or BBQ: The buttery sweetness of the corn perfectly complements smoky Lamb chops, grilled chicken, or roasted beef.
- Seafood Favorites: Pair it with baked salmon, garlic shrimp, or fish pakora for a light, restaurant-style dinner.
- Vegetarian Sides: It goes well with roasted carrots, sautéed mushrooms, or a fresh vegetable salad.
- Comfort Pairings: Enjoy it with mashed potatoes, macaroni salad, or even garlic knots for a cozy, comforting touch.
💡 Tip: For a festive twist, sprinkle extra cheddar on top and broil for 2 minutes—melty, golden perfection!
What to Do with Leftover Corn
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), here are a few ways to use them creatively:
- Mix into chicken or tuna salad for a sweet, creamy crunch.
- Stir into soups or chowders for added flavor and texture.
- Add to omelets or breakfast wraps for a quick morning treat.
- Toss with cooked rice or pasta for an instant upgrade.
FAQS
Yes! Frozen corn works perfectly for this recipe. Just thaw it first and pat dry to remove excess moisture before cooking—it helps achieve that buttery, golden texture.
Use pure or raw honey for the best flavor. Avoid processed honey syrups, as they can make the corn overly sweet without the natural floral taste that real honey provides.
Yes, honey and butter make a perfect sauce that blends so well with corn kernel. It not only adds sweetness but also make it rich and velvety in texture.
Only 3 to 4 days.
Yes, rinse it properly in strainer. Release the excess water before saute in sauce.
Yes, you can! Make it using saute mode of instant pot.
Absolutely! A spoonful of cream cheese creates a thicker, creamier sauce—similar to a restaurant-style version. Just melt it in at the end before serving.
If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red chili flakes, smoked paprika, or even a touch of cayenne pepper. The sweet and spicy combo is irresistible!
While it tastes best warm and buttery, you can enjoy it cold as a sweet-savory corn salad. Add a squeeze of lemon and some chopped herbs for a refreshing twist.
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Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Corn
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 2 tablespoon Honey
- ½ cup Cheddar Substitute: Mozzarella, Parmesan, Cottage or Cream Cheese
- 1 pinch salt
- ⅓ teaspoon Black pepper
- Parsley freshly chopped
Instructions
- Melt the Honey Butter: Heat a skillet pan over medium heat. Add butter and honey, letting them melt together until they form a smooth, glossy sauce. The aroma at this point is irresistible!
- Add the Corn: Stir in the canned corn (drained) and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally so every kernel gets coated in that luscious honey-butter glaze.
- Season to Perfection: Sprinkle in salt and black pepper to balance the sweetness. Give it a final toss to make sure everything is evenly mixed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the skillet corn hot, warm, or even at room temperature—it’s delicious either way.
Notes
- Use premium-quality corn: Choose bright, plump, and firm kernels for the best flavor and texture.
- Add nutritious veggies: Include vegetables like carrots, capsicum, spinach, kale, or broccoli to make the dish more colorful and healthy.
- Spice it up: Add jalapeños for a delicious spicy kick.
- Add freshness: A dash of fresh lemon juice enhances the taste and makes it more refreshing. (Avoid vinegar — it can spoil the flavor.)
- Cheese options:
- Cheddar (optional)
- Substitute with mozzarella, feta, or parmesan based on your preference.
- Seasoning ideas: Experiment with different spice blends.
- Flavor Twist: Try the same recipe with honey garlic sauce.
Hinz
Super easy and delicious skillet corn with honey butter sauce. Packed with the creamy flavor of cheddar. Give it a try!