Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a mouthwatering, sweet and savory side dish that takes corn to a whole new level of flavor. Fresh or frozen corn is sautéed in a skillet with melted butter, then finished with a generous drizzle of honey, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. The corn becomes tender and caramelized, with a golden, slightly crispy edge, while the honey butter infuses it with a delightful, creamy sweetness. A sprinkle of salt and pepper, along with optional additions like fresh herbs (parsley or thyme), can elevate the dish even further.
I first made Honey Butter Skillet Corn when I wanted a quick and flavorful side that wasn’t just plain corn on the cob. The sweetness of the honey pairs so well with the richness of the butter, and the skillet method adds a wonderful caramelized flavor. What I love most about this recipe is how simple and quick it is to make, yet it always gets rave reviews! It’s perfect for family dinners, BBQs, or holiday meals, and pairs wonderfully with everything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables.
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Barbecues
- Thanksgiving
- Weeknight meals
- Corn lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Honey Butter Skillet Corn will become a go-to side dish:
- Perfect Sweet and Savory Balance: The combination of honey and butter creates a delightful contrast with the corn’s natural sweetness.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
- Versatile Side Dish: It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, chicken, or roasted vegetables.
- Rich and Creamy: The butter adds richness, while the honey gives the dish a gentle sweetness.
- Golden and Beautiful: The corn is sautéed to a beautiful golden color that adds vibrancy to your plate.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the sweet and creamy flavors.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the honey butter mixture ahead of time, saving you time during the meal prep.
- Customizable: Feel free to add extra spices like paprika or garlic powder for a flavor twist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This dish works for casual dinners or as a standout side at more formal gatherings.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: No need to worry about gluten with this simple, wholesome dish.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 220-250 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 14g
Ingredients
For the Skillet Corn:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Crumbled feta or cotija cheese
Ingredient Highlights
- Fresh Corn: Provides a natural sweetness and vibrant flavor when sautéed.
- Unsalted Butter: Offers richness without overpowering the sweetness of the honey.
- Honey: Sweetens the dish while adding a touch of floral flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Helps balance the sweetness and enhance the natural flavor of the corn.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Skillet Corn:
- Heat Skillet: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add Corn: Add the corn to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the melted butter.
- Cook Corn: Sauté the corn for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden and heated through.
- Add Honey: Drizzle the honey over the corn, stirring to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the honey to warm and coat the corn evenly.
- Season: Sprinkle with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the corn to a serving dish and garnish with fresh herbs or cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Honey Butter Skillet Corn:
- With Grilled Meat: Serve alongside steaks, grilled chicken, or beef chops for a hearty meal.
- At Barbecues: It’s the perfect side dish for summer barbecues and cookouts.
- With Tacos or Burritos: Pair with Mexican dishes like tacos or burritos for a flavorful combo.
- For Thanksgiving: Serve as part of your Thanksgiving spread for a delightful twist on traditional sides.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a well-rounded meal.
- As a Snack: Enjoy it as a quick snack or appetizer with friends and family.
- In a Wrap: Spoon it into tortillas with some grilled chicken or vegetables for a delicious wrap.
- With Rice: Serve on the side of a rice dish for an added layer of sweetness.
- For Breakfast: Top with a fried egg and serve for a savory breakfast option.
- With Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Corn: For the best flavor, opt for fresh corn on the cob. Cut the kernels off just before cooking to maintain sweetness and crunch.
- Add a Pinch of Chili Powder: For a subtle kick, sprinkle a little chili powder or cayenne pepper into the honey butter mixture.
- Try Different Honeys: Experiment with flavored honeys, like clover or orange blossom, to give the dish a unique twist.
- Use Unsalted Butter: To control the saltiness of the dish, use unsalted butter and season with salt to taste.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro, parsley, or basil can be sprinkled on top after cooking for a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Top with Grated Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan or Cotija cheese adds a savory richness that complements the sweetness of the corn.
- Squeeze Lime Juice: Just before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice over the skillet corn for a burst of citrusy brightness.
- Make It Spicy: For extra heat, stir in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce with the honey butter mixture.
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: Cooking in a well-seasoned cast iron skillet gives the corn a nice caramelized crust.
- Leftovers Make a Great Salad: If you have leftovers, toss the corn with some chopped red onions, bell peppers, and a simple vinaigrette for a quick corn salad.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Honey Butter Corn: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Herb Corn: Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and add chopped herbs for a refreshing flavor.
- Beef Bacon Honey Butter Corn: Stir in crispy beef bacon bits for an extra savory twist.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and maple syrup to make this dish vegan-friendly.
- Cheesy Corn: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese or a sprinkle of Parmesan for a cheesy variation.
- Mexican Street Corn: Top with lime juice, chili powder, and crumbled cotija for a Mexican street corn-inspired version.
- Garlic Honey Butter Corn: Add minced garlic to the butter before sautéing the corn for an extra layer of flavor.
- Smoky Corn: Add a bit of smoked paprika or smoked salt for a smoky, earthy flavor.
Special Equipment
- Skillet: A large skillet works best for evenly cooking and caramelizing the corn.
- Spoon or Spatula: To stir and ensure the corn is well-coated in the honey butter mixture.
- Serving Dish: A large serving bowl or dish for serving the corn.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen corn works great and can be cooked straight from frozen. - Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the honey butter mixture ahead of time, but the corn is best served freshly made. - How long does this dish last in the fridge?
The corn can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, try adding diced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture. - Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, substitute plant-based butter and maple syrup for the honey and butter to make it vegan. - How do I make this recipe spicier?
Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce to the honey butter mixture for a spicy kick. - Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used in place of butter, though it may slightly alter the flavor. - Can I use other sweeteners besides honey?
Yes, maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives to honey. - How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat the corn in a skillet over low heat, adding a little butter to keep it moist. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger skillet or cook in batches.
Conclusion
Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a sweet and savory side dish that combines the natural sweetness of corn with the rich, indulgent flavors of honey and butter. The corn is sautéed in a skillet until tender, then tossed in a generous amount of melted butter, honey, and a pinch of salt, creating a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal. The combination of buttery richness and the subtle sweetness of honey elevates the corn, making it a crowd-pleaser at family dinners, barbecues, or holiday meals.
This dish can be made with fresh, frozen, or canned corn, and you can customize it by adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika, garlic powder, or fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for extra flavor. For an added touch, you can serve it with a squeeze of lime for a zesty contrast or top it with crumbled cheese or chopped bacon for a little extra indulgence.
I can’t wait to see how your Honey Butter Skillet Corn turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious, sweet and savory creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!