The warm aroma of sizzling corn wafted through my kitchen, instantly transporting me to sun-drenched summer picnics. As I stirred the golden kernels, memories of laughter and good food filled the air, setting the stage for my latest creation: Skillet Corn with Honey Butter. This quick and easy side dish not only brings a taste of nostalgia to any meal but also takes mere minutes to prepare. The combination of sweet, tender corn and rich honey butter creates a delightful balance that makes it a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for casual barbecues or cozy weeknight dinners. Ready for a little burst of summer in your kitchen? Let’s dive into the magic of this simple yet irresistible recipe! Why is skillet corn a must-try? Simplicity: This recipe is effortlessly easy, perfect for both novice and experienced cooks alike. Deliciously Sweet: The combination of sweet corn and honey butter delivers mouthwatering flavor in every bite. Quick Preparation: Whip it up in under 15 minutes, making it a time-saving addition to any meal. Perfect Pairing: It complements a variety of dishes, whether you’re serving grilled meat or fresh salads like Grilled Shrimp Bowl. Crowd-Pleaser: This dish appeals to everyone, making it a versatile favorite for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners. Fresh & Flavorful: The vibrant colors and enticing aroma will brighten up any table. Skillet Corn with Honey Butter Ingredients For the Corn • Corn kernels – Fresh or frozen will work, just remember to thaw if using frozen! • Olive oil – This adds a fruity depth while helping to achieve that beautiful golden sear; feel free to swap with your favorite cooking oil. • Salt – A pinch enhances the natural sweetness; adjust according to your preference. • Black pepper – Use for a mild kick that balances out the sweetness. For the Honey Butter • Unsalted butter – Provides a rich, creamy texture that’s perfect for mixing; unsalted gives you more control! • Honey – The star of the show, adding that ooey-gooey sweetness that makes this dish irresistible. Optional Garnish • Fresh parsley – A dash of color and a hint of freshness to brighten up the dish before serving. Enjoy your delicious Skillet Corn with Honey Butter! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Skillet Corn with Honey Butter Step 1: Heat the Skillet Start by placing a large skillet on the stove over medium heat. Allow the skillet to warm up for about 3 minutes until it’s evenly heated. You’ll know it’s ready when you feel a gentle warmth emanating from the surface. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect sear on the corn. Step 2: Prepare the Oil Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the hot skillet, letting it warm for about 30 seconds until it shimmer slightly. This helps create a beautiful golden crust on the corn as it cooks. Swirl the oil around the pan, ensuring it coats the bottom evenly for effective cooking. Step 3: Add the Corn Carefully add the corn kernels to the skillet, spreading them out evenly. Stir them occasionally to ensure they cook uniformly. Allow the corn to sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes, watching for those delightful golden-brown spots to begin forming on the kernels, indicating they’re perfectly seared. Step 4: Make the Honey Butter While the corn cooks, take a small saucepan and melt unsalted butter over low heat. This should take about 2 minutes. Once melted, stir in the honey until well combined, creating a rich honey butter sauce. The warmth will enhance the sweetness of the honey, making it irresistible for drizzling over the corn. Step 5: Combine Corn and Honey Butter Once the corn has reached that beautiful golden-brown hue, pour the honey butter mixture over the cooked corn in the skillet. Stir gently to ensure every kernel is luxuriously coated with the sweet, buttery goodness. The sight of the shiny corn glistening in the honey butter will surely make your mouth water. Step 6: Season the Corn Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to the skillet, stirring gently to distribute the flavors evenly. This seasoning enhances the sweetness of the Skillet Corn with Honey Butter and balances the rich taste of the butter, resulting in a wonderfully flavorful dish thanks to the perfect blend of sweet and savory. Step 7: Final Cooking Let the corn mixture cook together over low heat for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This melds all the flavors beautifully while keeping the corn warm. Look for a slightly bubbling surface, indicating the honey butter is nicely absorbed and the flavors have intertwined deliciously. Step 8: Garnish and Serve Remove the skillet from heat and, if you like, sprinkle the corn with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve the Skillet Corn with Honey Butter hot, straight from the skillet, and enjoy its delightful taste alongside your favorite grilled meats or salads. Make Ahead Options These Skillet Corn with Honey Butter recipes are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time during the week! You can prepare the corn up to 24 hours in advance by cooking it and then storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the corn in a skillet over low heat while melting the honey butter separately. This method will keep the corn just as delicious and prevents it from drying out. You can also mix the honey and butter and store them in the fridge, allowing the flavors to blend; just warm it up before drizzling it over the corn. Enjoy effortless meal prep with this scrumptious dish! How to Store and Freeze Skillet Corn with Honey Butter Fridge: Store leftover skillet corn in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to prevent condensation. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the corn in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Be sure to remove all air to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a little butter to maintain moisture and flavor. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the corn soggy. Serving Suggestions: Reheat small batches to keep the flavors fresh before serving alongside your favorite grilled meats or salads. Enjoy your delicious Skillet Corn with Honey Butter! What to Serve with Skillet Corn with Honey Butter The perfect side dish deserves more than just a place on the table; it invites you to create a complete and memorable meal experience. Grilled Chicken: Juicy, herb-marinated grilled chicken harmonizes beautifully with the sweetness of the corn, creating a delightful contrast that excites the palate. Steak Frites: Tender steak paired with crispy fries offers a hearty companion to the sweet and buttery notes of the corn, balancing each bite with richness. Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, avocados, and a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing touch that complements the corn’s sweetness effortlessly. Roasted Vegetables: Mix of colorful, roasted seasonal veggies adds a caramelized depth and textural variation to the meal, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Tacos Al Pastor: Flavorful marinated pork tacos bring a vibrant kick that contrasts the mellow sweetness of the corn, making each bite a fiesta of tastes. Chilled White Wine: A cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc’s citrus notes pairs perfectly, cutting through the richness of the honey butter while enhancing the dish’s lively flavors. Chocolate Chip Cookies: Finish off your meal on a sweet note with warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies—this comforting dessert echoes the enchanting sweetness of the corn. Skillet Corn with Honey Butter Variations Feel free to put your own spin on this delightful dish and make it your own! Cheesy Twist: Top with crumbled feta or cotija cheese for a creamy, salty balance that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the corn. Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or thyme for a burst of vibrant flavor that will elevate the dish to the next level. Sweetener Swap: Use agave syrup or pure maple syrup instead of honey for a different but equally delightful sweetness in the honey butter sauce. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to bring a mild heat and excitement to the sweet corn. Creamy Addition: Stir in some cream cheese while the corn is cooking for a rich, indulgent texture and flavor enhancement. Nutty Flavor: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top will add a delightful crunch and a nutty depth that contrasts beautifully with the corn. Citrus Zest: Grate some lemon or lime zest over the dish right before serving to brighten up the flavors with a fresh, citrusy zing. Sweet & Savory: Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the top before serving for a sophisticated touch that enhances both sweetness and savory elements. As you explore these variations, consider also pairing your delicious Skillet Corn with Honey Butter alongside a refreshing dish like Grilled Shrimp Bowl or a hearty main such as Garlic Butter Steak. Let your creativity flow, and savor every bite! Expert Tips for Skillet Corn with Honey Butter Hot Skillet Essential: Make sure your skillet is adequately heated before adding the corn to achieve that perfect golden-brown sear. Stir Often: Stir the corn frequently while cooking to prevent burning and ensure even cooking throughout all the kernels. Customize Sweetness: Adjust the honey to your liking – feel free to add more or less to tailor the sweetness of your Skillet Corn with Honey Butter. Spicy Kick Option: For those who enjoy a little heat, consider a pinch of cayenne pepper mixed into the corn for an exciting flavor twist. Fresh Garnish: Don’t skip the fresh parsley garnish! It adds not just color but also a delightful freshness to complement the rich flavors. Skillet Corn with Honey Butter Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best corn for this recipe? Absolutely! For the sweetest flavor and the best texture, I recommend using fresh, in-season corn kernels. Look for ears that are plump, with tightly packed kernels and green husks. If using frozen corn, ensure it is thawed completely before cooking for the best results. What’s the best way to store leftover skillet corn? Store any leftover skillet corn in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Make sure it has cooled completely before sealing to avoid condensation, which could make it soggy. Reheat gently on the stove with a touch of butter to keep it moist! Can I freeze skillet corn with honey butter? Yes, you can! To freeze, place the cooled corn in a freezer-safe bag or container, making sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove. What should I do if my corn is burning while cooking? If you notice the corn starting to burn, reduce the heat immediately. You can add a splash of water or a small amount of extra butter to the skillet to lower the temperature and prevent sticking. Stir the corn more frequently to ensure even cooking and avoid burning. Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind? Definitely! If you or someone you’re serving has allergies, make sure to use unsalted dairy-free butter and check that your honey is suitable if needed. For vegetarian options, this dish naturally fits as it’s both vegetarian and delicious! Skillet Corn with Honey Butter – The Sweetest Summer Side Skillet Corn with Honey Butter is a quick, nostalgic summer side dish that combines sweet corn and rich honey butter for a crowd-pleasing recipe. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 15 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SnacksCuisine: AmericanCalories: 180 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Corn2 cups Corn kernels Fresh or frozen (thaw if frozen)1 tablespoon Olive oil Feel free to swap with preferred cooking oil1 teaspoon Salt Adjust according to preference1/4 teaspoon Black pepper For mild kickFor the Honey Butter1/4 cup Unsalted butter Provides rich, creamy texture2 tablespoons Honey Adds sweetnessOptional Garnish2 tablespoons Fresh parsley Chopped for garnish Equipment SkilletSaucepan Method Cooking InstructionsHeat the skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes.Add olive oil and let it shimmer for about 30 seconds.Add corn kernels, stir occasionally, and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until golden-brown.Melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then stir in honey.Pour honey butter over the cooked corn and stir gently to coat.Season with salt and black pepper, stirring to combine.Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes on low heat.Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg NotesMake sure to heat the skillet properly for a perfect sear. Customize the sweetness of the honey to your taste. Stir often while cooking for even results. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
