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Are you ready to elevate your side dish game? Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a simple, tasty recipe that will wow your friends and family. With just a few fresh ingredients and easy steps, you can create a sweet and savory treat. I’ll guide you through each step, so you can enjoy this delightful dish in no time. Let’s dive in!

Why I Love This Recipe
- Sweet and Savory Harmony: The combination of honey and butter brings out the natural sweetness of the corn, creating a delightful balance of flavors that everyone will love.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 15 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect side dish for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile Side Dish: Pair it with grilled meats, tacos, or serve it alongside your favorite summer dishes for a burst of flavor that complements any meal.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh corn kernels elevates the dish, providing a vibrant taste and texture that canned corn simply can’t match.
Ingredients
Fresh Corn Options
For this tasty dish, you can use fresh corn or canned corn. Fresh corn gives the best flavor. You will need about 4 cups of fresh corn kernels. If you prefer canned corn, use 2 cans. Just drain and rinse them before cooking. Fresh corn is sweet and crunchy, while canned corn is quick and easy.
Butter and Sweeteners
Next, you need butter and honey. Use 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. It adds a rich taste to the corn. Then, grab 2 tablespoons of honey. Honey gives the dish a nice sweetness. The blend of butter and honey makes every bite delicious.
Seasonings and Garnish
Now, let’s talk about seasonings. You will need 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. These make the corn pop with flavor. If you want a smoky taste, add 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika. It’s optional but adds depth. Finally, for garnish, chop some fresh parsley. It adds color and freshness to your dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping Your Skillet
Start by grabbing a large skillet. Place it on your stove over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Watch it melt. Swirl the skillet gently to spread the butter evenly. This step makes sure the corn cooks well.
Cooking the Corn
Once the butter is bubbling, it’s time to add the corn. Use 4 cups of fresh corn kernels, or 2 cans of sweet corn that you have drained and rinsed. Stir the corn frequently to coat it in the melted butter. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the corn to become tender and slightly caramelized. This caramelization brings out the natural sweetness of the corn.
Adding Honey and Seasoning
Now, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of honey over the corn. Stir well to coat every kernel. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. If you like, sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring all the while. This helps the flavors blend nicely. Once done, remove the skillet from heat. Finish with freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfect Texture
To get the best texture, use fresh corn if possible. Fresh corn gives a sweet crunch that canned corn lacks. If using canned corn, drain and rinse it well to remove extra salt. When sautéing, stir the corn often. This helps it cook evenly and caramelize nicely. Aim for tender kernels with a slight golden color.
Enhancing Flavors
Add flavor by using unsalted butter. This lets the honey shine through. The smoked paprika adds a nice touch if you want some warmth. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it. Always taste as you go. Adjust the salt and pepper to fit your taste. Fresh parsley adds brightness and a fresh kick when you sprinkle it on at the end.
Presentation Suggestions
For a great presentation, serve the corn in a nice bowl. A colorful dish makes a big difference. Garnish with extra chopped parsley on top to give it a fresh look. You can pair it with grilled meats or any summer meal. The bright yellow corn and green parsley look great together. Enjoy the beauty of your dish as much as the taste!
Pro Tips
- Choose Fresh Corn: For the best flavor, use fresh corn kernels when in season. They bring a sweet and crisp texture that canned corn can’t match.
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste, you can increase or decrease the amount of honey used in the recipe to balance the sweetness with the savory flavors.
- Use Different Herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like chives or cilantro instead of parsley for a unique twist and extra flavor in your dish.
- Serve Immediately: Honey butter skillet corn is best enjoyed fresh off the stove while it’s warm and flavorful. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as a vibrant side dish.

Variations
Spicy Honey Butter Skillet Corn
You can easily add some heat to your honey butter skillet corn. Start by mixing in a teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper when you add the salt. This will give your dish a nice kick. If you like more spice, consider adding diced jalapeños. Sauté them with the corn for a fresh, zesty flavor. This spicy twist works great for those who enjoy bold tastes.
Cheese-Infused Corn
If you love cheese, try adding it to your skillet corn! After you finish cooking the corn, sprinkle in half a cup of shredded cheese. Cheddar or pepper jack work well. Stir it in until the cheese melts and coats the corn. This adds creaminess and richness that takes the dish to a new level. It’s a fantastic choice for cheese lovers.
Herb-Infused Alternatives
For a fresh twist, think about herbs. You can add fresh basil, cilantro, or even thyme. Chop the herbs finely and stir them in just before serving. This will give your corn a bright, fresh taste. You can also use dried herbs if fresh ones aren’t available. Just remember to use less, as dried herbs are more potent. These herb-infused options enhance the flavor and make the dish even more appealing.
Storage Info
Refrigerating Leftovers
After enjoying your honey butter skillet corn, store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the corn fresh and tasty. Place the container in the fridge. It will last for up to three days. When ready to eat, check for any odd smells or colors. If it looks good, it’s ready to warm up.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, heat it on medium-low. Add a splash of water or butter to keep it moist. Stir the corn often until it’s hot. If using a microwave, place the corn in a bowl. Cover it and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even heating.
Freezing for Future Use
Freezing is a great option if you have a lot left. First, cool the corn to room temperature. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date. Frozen corn can last up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen corn. It saves time and is easy to use. Just thaw it first and drain any extra liquid. Frozen corn works well in this recipe and still tastes great. The cooking time may be a bit shorter, around 4-5 minutes.
What dishes pair well with honey butter skillet corn?
Honey butter skillet corn pairs nicely with many meals. Try it with grilled chicken for a tasty combo. It also goes well with steak or fish. Add it as a side to summer BBQs or picnics. You can even serve it with tacos for a fun twist.
How do I adjust the recipe for a larger crowd?
To serve more people, simply double the recipe. Use 8 cups of corn and adjust butter and honey too. You will need 8 tablespoons of butter and 4 tablespoons of honey. Just keep the same cooking time, but use a larger skillet if needed. This way, everyone can enjoy this sweet corn dish!
This blog post covered how to make delicious honey butter skillet corn. We explored fresh corn options, butter choices, and seasonings for great flavor. I shared easy step-by-step instructions to cook the corn perfectly. You learned tips for texture and presentation. We even looked at tasty variations to try.
In short, you can make this dish your own, and it will impress anyone. Enjoy making this fun recip
Honey Butter Skillet Corn
A delicious and sweet corn dish cooked in honey and butter, perfect as a side for summer meals.
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (or 2 cans of sweet corn, drained and rinsed)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the unsalted butter. Allow it to melt completely, swirling the skillet gently to ensure even coverage.
Once the butter is bubbling, add the fresh corn kernels (or the drained and rinsed canned corn) to the skillet. Stir continuously to coat the corn evenly in the luscious butter.
Sauté the corn for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender and lightly caramelized.
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and drizzle the honey over the sautéed corn. Stir thoroughly to coat every kernel.
Season the corn with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Serve warm and garnish with extra parsley for an appealing finish.
Keyword butter, corn, honey, side dish, summer
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