A Sweet and Savory Side Dish for Any Occasion
Skillet corn with honey butter is a simple yet flavorful side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of corn while adding a rich, buttery depth. The addition of honey enhances the corn’s natural sugars, while a touch of salt balances the flavors perfectly. This quick and easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, holiday dinners, or summer barbecues.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal effort.
- Few Ingredients – Made with pantry staples and fresh or frozen corn.
- Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory – The honey and butter create an irresistible flavor combination.
- Versatile – Works as a side dish for grilled meats, holiday feasts, or vegetarian meals.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 4 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned; if using canned, drain and rinse)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Honey
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the honey and let the mixture bubble slightly, about 30 seconds.
Step 2: Cook the Corn
Add the corn to the skillet and stir well to coat it in the honey butter. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through and slightly caramelized.
Step 3: Season the Dish
Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper. If you like a little heat, add the red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and cook for another minute.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variations
- Cheesy Honey Butter Corn – Stir in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta for a creamy, tangy touch.
- Garlic Butter Corn – Add 1 minced garlic clove to the butter before adding honey for a deeper flavor.
- Spicy Kick – Use cayenne pepper instead of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Herbed Delight – Mix in fresh thyme or chives for a herby twist.
Servings and Cooking Time
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
- Let the corn cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes! Just be sure to drain and rinse canned corn before using it.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best texture, reheat it just before serving.
What protein pairs well with honey butter corn?
It goes great with grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, or even tofu.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, maple syrup will provide a slightly different but delicious sweetness.
How do I make this vegan?
Use dairy-free butter and substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Can I freeze honey butter corn?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
How do I prevent the corn from drying out when reheating?
Add a small amount of butter or water when reheating to keep it moist.
Can I add bacon to this dish?
Absolutely! Cook and crumble some bacon, then mix it in before serving.
What’s the best type of corn to use?
Fresh, sweet corn is ideal, but frozen works well for convenience.
Conclusion
Easy Skillet Corn with Honey Butter is a simple, crowd-pleasing side dish that brings out the best flavors in corn with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or enjoying it as a stand-alone dish, it’s a guaranteed hit. With easy variations and quick preparation, this recipe is a must-have for your meal rotation. Enjoy!
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Easy Skillet Corn with Honey Butter – Perfect Side Dish
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This easy skillet corn with honey butter is a quick and flavorful side dish, combining sweet and savory flavors with a buttery richness. Perfect for weeknights, holidays, or summer BBQs.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 4 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned; if using canned, drain and rinse)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Honey
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the honey and let it bubble slightly for about 30 seconds.
Step 2: Cook the Corn
- Add the corn to the skillet and stir well to coat it in the honey butter.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through and slightly caramelized.
Step 3: Season the Dish
- Sprinkle in salt and black pepper. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
- Stir everything together and cook for another minute.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Cheesy Honey Butter Corn: Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan or crumbled feta.
- Garlic Butter Corn: Add 1 minced garlic clove to the butter before adding honey.
- Spicy Kick: Use cayenne pepper instead of red pepper flakes.
- Herbed Delight: Mix in fresh thyme or chives.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: honey butter corn, skillet corn, easy side dish, sweet corn recipe, quick stovetop corn
