The Perfect Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe for Sweet Summer Sides

Corn kernels dance with golden honey butter in this irresistible skillet corn creation that promises pure comfort.

Sweet summer memories bloom from each fragrant spoonful of this simple side dish.

Southern kitchens have long cherished such humble yet spectacular recipes that warm hearts instantly.

Minimal ingredients combine to produce maximum flavor, making this dish a true culinary magic trick.

Regional cooking traditions shine through every caramelized kernel, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.

Rich, creamy textures merge with subtle sweetness, promising a memorable accompaniment to any main course.

You’ll find this recipe so effortless that it might become your new go-to side dish.

One taste will convince you this skillet corn deserves a permanent spot on your dinner table.

Why Honey Butter Skillet Corn Is A Must-Try

• Savor Quick Cooking Moments: Lightning-fast preparation allows busy home cooks to create a delicious side dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Maximize Flavor Complexity: Golden caramelization and honey's sweet notes transform simple corn kernels into a gourmet-style accompaniment that surprises taste buds.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable seasoning options let home chefs personalize the dish by adjusting salt, pepper, or adding extra herbs to match individual preferences.
• Elevate Everyday Meals: Restaurant-quality corn side dish that turns ordinary dinners into special culinary experiences without requiring professional cooking skills.

Simple Ingredients For Honey Butter Skillet Corn

• Corn Kernels: Fresh kernels are the star of this dish, providing a sweet and juicy base for the caramelized flavor profile.
• Unsalted Butter: Serves as the primary cooking fat, helping to create a rich and golden caramelization for the corn.
• Honey: Adds a natural sweetness and helps create a glossy, caramelized exterior on the corn kernels.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor and provide a balanced seasoning to the sweet and buttery corn.

• Chives, Parsley: Fresh herbs that add a burst of color and a bright, herbaceous flavor to the finished dish.

Steps To Cook Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Step 1: Warm Up The Skillet

Place a large skillet on medium heat and let it warm up smoothly.

Step 2: Melt The Butter

Drop unsalted butter into the skillet and watch it transform into a golden, foamy liquid without burning.

Step 3: Scatter Fresh Corn

Pour corn kernels across the buttery surface, spreading them evenly for perfect caramelization.

Step 4: Roast And Stir

Cook corn kernels for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop a rich, roasted flavor and prevent sticking.

Step 5: Drizzle Sweet Honey

Gently pour honey over the corn, coating each kernel with a golden, glistening layer.

Step 6: Season With Spice

Sprinkle salt and black pepper into the skillet, mixing thoroughly to integrate seasonings with corn and honey.

Step 7: Caramelize The Edges

Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, allowing honey to caramelize and corn to develop crispy, golden-brown edges.

Step 8: Transfer To Serving Dish

Move the honey butter corn to a serving plate, ensuring each kernel looks glossy and appetizing.

Step 9: Add Fresh Herbs

• Chopped chives
• Fresh parsley

Scatter herbs across the top for a vibrant, aromatic finish.

Step 10: Enjoy Immediately

Serve the corn while warm, capturing the perfect blend of sweet, buttery, and herbal flavors.

Top Tips For Honey Butter Skillet Corn

• Prep Like a Pro: Measure and organize all ingredients before starting to ensure smooth, stress-free cooking.
• Quick Butter Trick: Melt butter carefully to achieve a golden color without burning, watching for that perfect foamy texture.
• Caramelization Magic: Spread corn kernels evenly in the skillet to maximize browning and develop a rich, roasted flavor.
• Honey Coating Technique: Gently drizzle and stir honey to create a glossy, sweet exterior that caramelizes beautifully.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle chopped chives and parsley just before serving to add a vibrant burst of color and fresh flavor.

Tasty Ideas For Honey Butter Skillet Corn

• Spicy Honey Butter Corn: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a fiery kick that complements the sweet honey glaze.
• Smoky Corn Variation: Incorporate smoked paprika or chipotle powder to introduce a deep, rich smokiness to the caramelized corn.
• Herb-Infused Corn Delight: Mix in fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano during cooking to create an aromatic and earthy flavor profile.
• Vegan Butter Alternative: Replace unsalted butter with coconut oil or plant-based butter, keeping the recipe dairy-free while maintaining a rich, creamy texture.

What To Serve With Honey Butter Skillet Corn

• Sip Crisp White Wine: Pair this honey butter corn with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the sweet and buttery flavors, cutting through the richness with its bright acidity.
• Create Protein Harmony: Serve alongside grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, or pan-seared salmon to balance the corn's sweetness with savory protein options that enhance the overall dining experience.
• Match Herbaceous Sides: Combine with fresh summer salads featuring arugula, mixed greens, or a zesty cucumber salad to add a refreshing contrast to the warm, caramelized corn dish.
• Elevate with Sparkling Beverage: Opt for a light prosecco or sparkling rosé to add effervescence and cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, honey-glazed corn.

How To Keep Honey Butter Skillet Corn Fresh

• Store leftover honey butter corn in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping it sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Transfer cooled corn to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, the corn will last 2-3 months.
• Place corn in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm corn in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a small pat of butter to refresh the flavors and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated through, about 3-4 minutes.

Answers To Honey Butter Skillet Corn Questions

• Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn kernels?

Yes, you can use frozen corn. Thaw and pat it dry completely before cooking to ensure proper caramelization and prevent excess moisture.

• How do I prevent the corn from burning during cooking?

Stir the corn occasionally and maintain medium heat. Watch for golden-brown color and adjust heat if kernels start to darken too quickly.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This honey butter corn recipe is vegetarian-friendly and contains no meat products.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best served immediately, you can prepare it shortly before serving and keep warm in a low-heated skillet for up to 15 minutes.

Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 22-25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sweet Southern honey butter skillet corn brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Creamy, golden kernels meld with rich butter and delicate honey, creating a side dish that celebrates simple, soulful flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp honey

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Optional Garnish:

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients and prep your cooking space with a large skillet, ensuring everything is measured and ready for quick cooking.
2. Melt unsalted butter in the skillet over medium heat, allowing it to become golden and slightly foamy without burning.
3. Add corn kernels directly into the melted butter, spreading them evenly across the skillet’s surface to maximize caramelization.
4. Cook the corn kernels for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure uniform browning, creating a rich, roasted flavor profile.
5. Drizzle honey over the corn, gently stirring to coat each kernel with the sweet, golden liquid, which will help create a glossy and caramelized exterior.
6. Sprinkle salt and black pepper into the skillet, continuing to stir and integrate the seasonings thoroughly with the corn and honey mixture.
7. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the honey to slightly caramelize and the corn to develop a deep, golden-brown color with slight crispy edges.
8. Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the honey butter corn to a serving dish, ensuring all kernels are evenly coated and glistening.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped chives and parsley, scattering them across the top for a burst of color and fresh herbaceous flavor.
10. Serve immediately while the corn is warm and the honey butter sauce is still glossy and inviting.

Notes

• Swap frozen corn for fresh seasonal kernels during summer for maximum sweetness and vibrant flavor.
• Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to introduce subtle heat and complexity to the honey butter base.
• Customize this dish for dietary needs by using plant-based butter alternatives like coconut or vegan butter for dairy-free requirements.
• Toast cornstarch or breadcrumbs and sprinkle on top for extra crunch and textural contrast, transforming the side dish into a more substantial accompaniment.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg