When you think of the perfect side dish, what comes to mind? Something that’s simple yet packed with flavor, right? Honey Butter Skillet Corn is just that! This dish combines the natural sweetness of fresh corn with the rich creaminess of butter and honey, creating a side dish that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether you’re serving it up at a family dinner, holiday meal, or BBQ, this sweet and savory dish is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love Honey Butter Skillet Corn
This side dish is easy to prepare, packed with vibrant flavor, and versatile enough to pair with just about anything. The combination of fresh corn, melted butter, and honey is nothing short of magical. It’s the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with just a hint of spice (if you choose to add paprika). It’s a dish that will leave your taste buds craving more, and it’s ready in under 15 minutes! Plus, the optional garnish of fresh parsley or chives brings an extra pop of freshness that ties everything together.
Ingredients for Honey Butter Skillet Corn
To make this easy, flavorful side dish, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh corn kernels | 4 cups (about 4-5 ears of corn) |
| Unsalted butter | 3 tablespoons |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon (or to taste) |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon (or to taste) |
| Paprika (optional) | ¼ teaspoon |
| Fresh parsley or chives (optional) | 1 tablespoon, chopped |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Corn
To start, heat 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a spacious frying pan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly bubbling, add the fresh corn kernels to the pan. Sauté the corn for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. As it cooks, the kernels will soften and turn a lovely golden color. You want the corn to be tender but still have a bit of bite.
2. Add Honey and Seasonings
Once the corn has cooked and has that delicious golden hue, it’s time to make it even better. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of honey, ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of paprika (if you like a little heat). Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing all of the flavors to meld together. The honey will coat the corn with a sweet glaze while the butter adds richness and depth.
3. Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat once the corn is perfectly coated in that sweet, buttery mixture. For a fresh touch, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives. This adds color, a hint of freshness, and a little extra flavor to the dish.
Why Fresh Corn is Key
Using fresh corn for this recipe makes all the difference. Fresh corn kernels are naturally sweet and juicy, making them the perfect base for this dish. If you can’t get fresh corn, you can use frozen corn, but it may not have quite the same flavor and texture. If you’re using fresh corn, be sure to remove the husks and silk completely before slicing the kernels off the cob.
Flavor Customization Options
- Add a Touch of Heat: If you like a little kick, the paprika is a great option. You can also add some chili powder or cayenne pepper for a stronger heat.
- Fresh Herbs: While parsley or chives work wonderfully, you can experiment with fresh basil or thyme for a different herbal flavor.
- Cheese Lover’s Delight: Try stirring in some grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar to give the dish an extra cheesy twist.
How to Make This Recipe Even Easier
- Use Canned or Frozen Corn: If fresh corn is out of season or unavailable, frozen or canned corn can be used as an alternative. Just be sure to drain and rinse canned corn before using it in this recipe.
- Pre-Slice the Corn: If you’re preparing this dish for a busy night, you can pre-slice your corn kernels ahead of time to save a few minutes during meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a perfect side dish for just about any main course. Here are a few ideas:
- With Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or BBQ pork for a sweet and savory combination.
- Tacos or Mexican-Inspired Meals: This dish complements any Mexican-inspired meal, from tacos to fajitas.
- Comfort Food Meals: Pair it with mashed potatoes, roast chicken, or any hearty casserole for a comforting, home-cooked meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Leftover Honey Butter Skillet Corn can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the corn for up to 2 months. Simply allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply thaw and heat on the stove with a bit more butter.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the corn in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little butter or water to prevent it from drying out.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving of this tasty dish (based on 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Yes, frozen corn can be substituted for fresh corn. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before using it in the recipe.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the corn ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently before serving.
3. How do I cut corn kernels off the cob?
Place the corn cob on a flat surface. Using a sharp knife, cut down the length of the cob to remove the kernels. It’s best to place the cob in a bowl or use a deep dish to catch the kernels as you cut.
4. Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a chopped jalapeño to spice things up. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
5. Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Yes, you can add cheese such as Parmesan, cheddar, or even a bit of cream cheese to make it richer and creamier.
6. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used, butter will give the dish the best flavor and richness.
Conclusion: Try Honey Butter Skillet Corn Today!
There’s something magical about the combination of sweet, savory, and buttery flavors in Honey Butter Skillet Corn. This dish is simple to prepare, takes less than 15 minutes to cook, and adds an irresistible touch to any meal. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, it’s sure to be a crowd favorite. Gather your ingredients, heat up your skillet, and get ready to enjoy this sweet and savory side dish!
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Honey Butter Skillet Corn: A Sweet and Savory Side Dish
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Honey Butter Skillet Corn is the ultimate sweet and savory side dish. With tender corn kernels coated in a rich honey-butter glaze and lightly seasoned, this dish comes together in just minutes. It’s perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or BBQs!
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4–5 ears of corn)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a hint of spice)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or chives (chopped (optional, for garnish))
Instructions
- Cook the Corn: In a spacious frying pan, heat the unsalted butter over medium heat until it melts. Add the fresh corn kernels and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn becomes tender and slightly golden.
- Add Honey and Seasonings: Stir in the honey, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the corn to become nicely coated with the honey butter mixture.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the honey-butter mix.
- Frozen or canned corn can be used if fresh corn is unavailable.
- Adjust the honey-to-butter ratio to suit your sweetness preference.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American