Honey Butter Skillet Corn

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s both comforting and a little bit fancy, then Honey Butter Skillet Corn is exactly what you need. Imagine this: sweet corn, golden and tender, swimming in a buttery, honey-kissed glaze that perfectly balances savory and sweet. It’s easy to make and comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special celebrations. The combination of honey and butter takes the corn to a whole new level of deliciousness—it’s simple but packs so much flavor! Get ready for a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Quick & Simple:

This dish is a breeze to whip up! With just a handful of ingredients and one skillet, you’ll have a mouthwatering side ready in no time.

Perfectly Sweet & Savory:

The honey adds a touch of sweetness that complements the natural flavor of the corn, while the butter gives it that rich, savory depth. It’s a match made in heaven.

Crowd-Pleasing:

Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, a cookout, or a weeknight family meal, this honey butter corn is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s the kind of dish that everyone will love and go back for more of!

Versatile:

You can serve it with just about anything—from roasted meats to pasta or even grilled veggies. This corn dish pairs perfectly with pretty much any main course.

No Oven Required:

It’s all cooked on the stovetop in one skillet—perfect for those days when you don’t want to turn on the oven or heat up the kitchen!

Ingredients

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this skillet corn magic happen:

  • Frozen Corn Kernels: This is the shortcut to making this dish fast and easy. Feel free to use fresh corn if you have it available, but frozen works great here for convenience.
  • Butter: You can’t go wrong with butter. It’s what makes the corn so rich and gives it that perfect, creamy texture.
  • Honey: The star of the show! Honey brings a natural sweetness to balance out the savory butter and corn.
  • Garlic Powder: Just a pinch adds a subtle savory note that enhances the flavor of the corn.
  • Salt: A little salt to bring everything together and make the flavors pop.
  • Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper for a bit of a kick.
  • Chopped Parsley or Fresh Thyme (Optional): For garnish, adding a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbaceous flavor.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to make the most delicious corn side dish ever? Here’s how you do it:

Step 1: Heat the Skillet

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Allow it to melt completely and start to bubble. The butter should be sizzling but not browning.

Step 2: Add the Corn

Add the frozen corn kernels directly into the skillet. Stir them to coat evenly in the butter. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through and starting to caramelize just a little bit on the edges.

Step 3: Drizzle in the Honey

Once the corn is heated, drizzle in the honey and stir it into the butter and corn mixture. Keep stirring to ensure the honey is evenly distributed and coats every kernel. The corn should start to glisten with the honey-butter goodness.

Step 4: Season It

Add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir well to incorporate all the seasoning into the corn. If you want to add some fresh herbs, sprinkle them in now and stir again.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once everything is perfectly mixed and the corn is glazed with the buttery honey sauce, remove from the heat. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet, savory goodness!

How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn

This corn is the perfect side dish for any meal. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

  • With Grilled Meats: Pair it with grilled chicken, steak, or ribs for a perfect summer BBQ. The sweetness of the honey butter corn complements the smoky flavors of grilled meat.
  • On the Side with Pasta: Serve it alongside your favorite pasta dishes. The buttery corn adds a rich and flavorful side that complements the heartiness of pasta.
  • As a Comforting Weeknight Dish: If you’re looking for a quick, comforting side to round out your weeknight meal, this skillet corn fits the bill. It pairs wonderfully with simple roasted chicken or even a veggie stir fry.
  • At a Holiday Meal: Whether it’s Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, this honey butter corn is a perfect addition to your holiday spread. It’s a crowd-pleaser and pairs wonderfully with the traditional holiday dishes.

Additional Tips

Fresh Corn:

If you prefer fresh corn, use about 4-5 ears of corn. Remove the kernels from the cobs and cook them just like you would frozen corn.

Add a Zesty Twist:

For a fun twist, you can squeeze a little lime juice over the corn or add a sprinkle of chili powder or smoked paprika for a bit of spice.

Customize the Sweetness:

If you prefer a more subtle sweetness, you can reduce the amount of honey. Or, if you want it extra sweet, add a little more honey for that perfect balance!

Make It Dairy-Free:

To make this dish dairy-free, swap the butter for a plant-based butter and use a sweetener like maple syrup in place of honey.

Make It Ahead:

While best served fresh, you can prepare the corn a few hours ahead of time. Just reheat it in the skillet with a little splash of water or broth to help it heat evenly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 220
Total Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 27g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 15g
Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes

FAQs

Q1: Can I use canned corn instead of frozen corn?

A1: Yes! You can absolutely use canned corn. Just drain and rinse it before cooking to remove excess sodium.

Q2: How can I make this recipe spicier?

A2: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or smoked paprika for a spicy kick that complements the sweetness of the honey butter.

Q3: Can I use agave nectar instead of honey?

A3: Yes, agave nectar is a great substitute for honey if you prefer a vegan alternative or a milder sweetness.

Q4: Can I make this in advance?

A4: While it’s best fresh, you can make it a few hours ahead of time and reheat it in the skillet with a little splash of water or broth.

Q5: Can I use a different type of sweetener?

A5: Absolutely! Maple syrup or brown sugar are both great alternatives to honey. The flavor will change slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?

A6: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water to revive the creamy texture.

Q7: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

A7: Yes! You can use plant-based butter and a non-dairy sweetener like maple syrup to make this dish dairy-free.

Q8: Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

A8: Yes, fresh corn works beautifully! Just remove the kernels from about 4-5 ears of corn and cook them as directed.

Q9: What else can I add to this corn to make it even more flavorful?

A9: Consider adding crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, or chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.

Q10: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A10: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check that any sweeteners you use are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Honey Butter Skillet Corn is the perfect side dish for almost any meal, offering that irresistible balance of sweet and savory that everyone loves. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a guaranteed hit at any gathering or weeknight dinner. So, grab a skillet, some corn, and get ready to indulge in this buttery, honey-sweet goodness. Trust me, this is one dish you’ll be making on repeat!

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Honey Butter Skillet Corn


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a deliciously sweet and savory side dish that’s super easy to make! The perfect balance of honey and butter enhances the natural sweetness of the corn, and cooking it in a skillet brings out rich, caramelized flavors.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 45 ears of corn if fresh)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the Skillet – In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Cook the Corn – Add the corn kernels to the skillet (if using frozen corn, be sure to thaw and drain it first). Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through and starting to brown slightly.
  3. Add the Honey and Seasonings – Reduce the heat to low, then add the honey, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Stir well to coat the corn in the honey butter mixture. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the honey to caramelize slightly and the flavors to meld together.
  4. Garnish and Serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy!

Notes

  • You can substitute the honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
  • For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese to the corn after it’s cooked to create a creamier version.
  • This dish can be made with fresh, frozen, or canned corn – just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
  • You can make this dish spicier by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the skillet.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Skillet Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

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