Corn is a classic side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses, but this Easy Honey Butter Skillet Corn takes it up a notch with a rich, buttery, and slightly sweet glaze. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of honey with the creamy richness of butter, bringing out the best flavors in every bite. Whether you’re serving it as a side for a weeknight dinner or including it in a holiday feast, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, this is the perfect last-minute side dish.
- Minimal Ingredients: Requires only a handful of kitchen staples.
- Flavorful: The combination of butter and honey creates a mouthwatering glaze.
- Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to vegetarian meals.
- Kid-Friendly: The natural sweetness of honey makes this dish appealing to kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
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- 4 cups frozen corn kernels
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Skillet
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. No oil is needed as the butter will be added later. The key is to use a skillet large enough to allow the corn to cook evenly without overcrowding.
Step 2: Cook the Corn
Add the frozen corn kernels directly into the hot skillet. Stir occasionally and let them cook for about 5 minutes until they are heated through. There is no need to thaw the corn beforehand as the heat will quickly cook them.
Step 3: Add the Butter
Once the corn is warm, add the unsalted butter to the skillet. Stir well to ensure that the butter melts evenly and coats the corn completely. The butter not only adds richness but also helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the corn.
Step 4: Drizzle the Honey
Next, drizzle the honey over the corn and butter mixture. Stir thoroughly so that every kernel is evenly coated in the delicious honey butter glaze. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Add salt and pepper according to your preference. The salt helps balance out the sweetness from the honey, while the pepper adds a subtle depth of flavor.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
For a final touch, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This is optional but adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
1. Use Fresh or Canned Corn
While this recipe calls for frozen corn, fresh corn cut off the cob or canned corn (drained) can be used as substitutes. Fresh corn will add a slight crunch, while canned corn tends to be a bit softer.
2. Make It Creamy
For a richer texture, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half when adding the butter. This will make the corn even more indulgent.
3. Spice It Up
Want to add a kick to this dish? Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, paprika, or red pepper flakes for some heat.
4. Add Cheese
For a cheesy twist, sprinkle grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese over the top before serving.
5. Herb Infusion
Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs such as basil, thyme, or chives for an aromatic touch.
6. Citrus Zest
A small amount of lemon or lime zest can brighten up the dish, adding a slight tangy contrast to the honey.
Serving Suggestions
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn pairs wonderfully with:
- Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops for a well-balanced meal.
- BBQ Dishes: Complements smoked brisket, ribs, or pulled pork.
- Holiday Meals: A perfect addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinners.
- Tacos & Burritos: Great as a filling or a topping for Mexican-inspired dishes.
- Southern Favorites: Goes well with biscuits, cornbread, and fried chicken.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
These values are approximate and can vary based on the ingredients used.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish is not ideal for freezing as the texture of the corn may become mushy upon thawing.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little butter if needed to restore moisture.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warm.
Variations for Special Diets
If you have dietary restrictions, here are a few ways to modify this dish to fit your needs:
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter or a small amount of olive oil in place of the butter.
- Vegan: Swap out the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for a fully plant-based option.
- Low-Sodium: Reduce or omit the added salt and use unsalted butter to control sodium intake.
- Keto-Friendly: Use a sugar-free honey substitute to keep the carb count lower while maintaining the sweetness.
History and Origins of Honey Butter Corn
Corn has been a staple in various cuisines for centuries, dating back to its origins in the Americas. Native American tribes used corn in many forms, from dried cornmeal to fresh kernels. Honey butter corn takes inspiration from classic Southern cuisine, where corn is often paired with sweet and savory flavors. The combination of honey and butter enhances the natural sweetness of the corn, creating a rich and satisfying dish that continues to be a favorite in modern kitchens.
Best Occasions to Serve Honey Butter Corn
This dish is versatile and can be served on a variety of occasions:
- Weeknight Dinners: A quick and delicious side that pairs with any meal.
- Holiday Feasts: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter celebrations.
- Summer Cookouts: Complements grilled meats and barbecue dishes.
- Potlucks and Gatherings: Easy to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Meal Prep: Can be made ahead and reheated for busy days.
Fun Ways to Use Leftovers
If you have extra honey butter skillet corn, try these creative ways to repurpose it:
- Corn Salad: Mix with chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese for a refreshing salad.
- Tacos or Quesadillas: Add the corn to tacos, burritos, or quesadillas for extra sweetness and texture.
- Cornbread Mix-In: Stir into cornbread batter for a sweet and buttery twist.
- Breakfast Scramble: Toss with scrambled eggs and sausage for a hearty breakfast.
- Corn and Cheese Dip: Blend with cream cheese, shredded cheese, and a touch of spice for a delicious dip.
Let me know if you need additional sections or further refinements!
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🌽 Easy Honey Butter Skillet Corn – A Sweet & Buttery Delight! 🍯✨
Description
Growing up, my grandma always found ways to turn simple ingredients into something magical. This honey butter skillet corn reminds me of the sweet, comforting side dishes she used to make—warm, buttery, and with just the right touch of honey. It’s the perfect companion to any meal and comes together in just 15 minutes! Give it a try and bring a little homemade comfort to your table.
Ingredients
✅ 4 cups frozen corn kernels
✅ 2 tbsp unsalted butter
✅ 2 tbsp honey
✅ Salt & pepper, to taste
✅ Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add frozen corn and cook for about 5 minutes.
2️⃣ Stir in the butter until melted and well combined.
3️⃣ Drizzle honey over the corn and stir to coat evenly.
4️⃣ Cook for another 2-3 minutes until glazed and heated through.
5️⃣ Season with salt & pepper. Garnish with parsley, if desired. Serve warm!
Notes
No need to thaw the corn before cooking! Adjust honey and seasoning to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Honey Butter Skillet Corn recipe is a simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish that enhances any meal. With minimal ingredients and a quick cook time, it’s an effortless way to bring a touch of sweetness to your table. Whether you enjoy it as a weekday side or a festive dish for special occasions, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!