If you’re looking for a dish that combines sweet and savory in the coziest way possible, you’ll adore this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe. It’s an absolute showstopper that takes simple corn kernels and elevates them with golden, melting butter and a touch of honey for that irresistible caramelized shine and flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this dish brings warmth, color, and a burst of comforting taste to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is delightfully easy. Each component plays its role in building layers of flavor and texture — from creamy butter to sweet honey, and just the right seasoning to tie it all together.
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels: Using fresh corn from the cob offers the juiciest bite, but frozen works perfectly for any season.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: The heart of richness that helps the corn brown beautifully and adds a silky mouthfeel.
- 2 tablespoons honey: A natural sweetener that brings a subtle floral sweetness and helps caramelize the corn.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness, adjust to your taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a delicate kick and depth to the overall taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional): A hint of savory garlic that brightens the dish without overpowering the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal note and a pop of green color to finish it off.
How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by warming your skillet over medium heat, then melt those luscious 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. This step lays the foundation for a rich and flavorful base where the corn will soak up all that buttery goodness.
Step 2: Cook the Corn Kernels
Add the fresh or frozen corn kernels to the skillet and let them cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to promote even cooking and to get gentle browning on the kernels, which adds a wonderful nuttiness and texture contrast.
Step 3: Add Honey and Seasoning
Reduce the heat to low before stirring in honey, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if you’re using it. Cook the mixture for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This slow cooking allows the honey to caramelize just slightly, giving your corn that irresistible glaze and depth of flavor essential to the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the corn for a lovely burst of freshness and color. Give it one last gentle stir so the herbs mingle beautifully with the warm, golden corn.
How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to get creative with garnishes beyond fresh parsley or cilantro. Crispy bacon bits, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or a dash of Parmesan can all elevate the dish’s flavor and presentation, making it even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of mains. Think roasted chicken, glazed ham, grilled steaks, or a hearty vegetarian casserole. The sweet and buttery corn superbly complements savory and smoky dishes alike.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, serve the corn straight from the skillet so it stays warm and inviting. You could also spoon it into small ramekins or layer it over mashed potatoes for an unexpected twist. It’s an eye-pleasing addition to any meal spread that promises smiles all around.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place your leftover honey butter skillet corn in an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually develop more overnight, making it a perfect prepared side dish for the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, spread the cooled corn in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. The texture might soften slightly upon thawing, but reheating it gently will bring back most of the original charm.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a small pat of butter or a drizzle of honey during reheating can refresh the luscious flavor and keep it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use canned corn for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fresh or frozen corn gives the best texture and sweetness, canned corn works well in a pinch—just be sure to drain it well before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Is this dish suitable for vegans?
To make the Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe vegan, simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup or agave as a substitute for honey.
Can I add spices to make it more flavorful?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding chili powder, smoked paprika, or cumin for a spicy twist that complements the honey’s sweetness perfectly.
How long does this dish keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, the corn will stay fresh for up to 3 days. It’s a great make-ahead side that tastes fantastic even after a day or two.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs for garnish?
No worries! You can skip the fresh parsley or cilantro or use dried herbs sparingly. A sprinkle of chives or even green onion slices can also add a bit of brightness.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is a beloved classic that never fails to bring joy to the table. It’s easy to make, beautifully flavorful, and effortlessly complements almost any meal. I can’t recommend enough giving it a try, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself. Once you taste that buttery, honey-glazed corn bursting with warmth, it might just become your new favorite go-to side dish.
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Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a quick and delicious side dish featuring sweet corn cooked with rich butter and honey, seasoned with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder, then garnished with fresh herbs. Perfectly caramelized and full of flavor, it’s an easy recipe ready in just 15 minutes, ideal for pairing with any main course.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 4–5 ears if using fresh)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat to create a rich base for the corn.
- Cook Corn: Add the corn kernels to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through and starts to brown lightly, enhancing its natural sweetness.
- Add Honey and Seasonings: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the honey, salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the mixture to caramelize slightly for added depth of flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve warm as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- Using fresh corn will give the best flavor, but frozen corn works perfectly well.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
- This recipe can be easily doubled to serve more people.
