Honey Butter Skillet Corn: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Honey Butter Skillet Corn: Prepare to be amazed by this simple yet utterly irresistible side dish that will steal the show at your next gathering! Imagine sweet, juicy corn kernels, bursting with flavor, bathed in a luscious honey butter sauce, and perfectly caramelized in a sizzling skillet. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone begging for seconds.

Corn, a staple in many cultures for centuries, holds a special place in American cuisine, particularly in the South. From cornbread to succotash, it’s a versatile ingredient that brings comfort and warmth to any table. This Honey Butter Skillet Corn recipe elevates the humble corn to new heights, transforming it into a gourmet delight.

What makes this dish so beloved? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, the satisfying crunch of the caramelized kernels, and the creamy richness of the honey butter. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, a holiday dinner, or simply looking for a quick and delicious side for a weeknight meal, this skillet corn is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I promise you, once you try this recipe, you’ll never look at corn the same way again!

Ingredients:

• 6 ears of fresh corn, shucked
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, for garnish (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Corn:

1. First things first, let’s get that corn ready! If you’ve never shucked corn before, don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks. Simply peel back the outer green husks and remove all the silky threads. I like to do this over a trash can to minimize the mess.
2. Now, we need to cut the kernels off the cob. There are a few ways to do this. My favorite method is to stand the ear of corn upright on a cutting board (you can stabilize it by placing it in the center hole of a bundt pan if you have one). Then, using a sharp knife, carefully slice downwards, removing the kernels in strips. Try to get as close to the cob as possible without actually cutting into it.
3. Repeat this process until all the kernels are removed from all six ears of corn. You should have a nice pile of fresh, juicy corn kernels ready to go! Give them a quick once-over to make sure there aren’t any stray pieces of husk or silk.

Making the Honey Butter:

1. While the corn is prepped, let’s whip up that delicious honey butter. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened butter and honey. Make sure your butter is truly softened – it should be easy to press with a finger. If it’s too cold, it will be difficult to mix properly.
2. Using a fork or a whisk, cream together the butter and honey until they are light and fluffy. This might take a minute or two, but keep going until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You can also use an electric mixer for this step if you prefer, but I find that a simple fork works just fine.
3. Once the butter and honey are nicely combined, add the salt and pepper. Give it another quick mix to distribute the seasonings evenly. Taste the honey butter and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Cooking the Corn:

1. Now for the fun part – cooking the corn! Place a large (10-12 inch) cast iron skillet over medium heat. I love using cast iron for this recipe because it distributes the heat evenly and gives the corn a nice, slightly caramelized crust. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a regular skillet will work too, but cast iron is definitely the way to go if you have one.
2. Once the skillet is hot, add the honey butter mixture. Let it melt completely, swirling it around to coat the bottom of the skillet. The honey butter will start to sizzle and smell amazing!
3. Add the corn kernels to the skillet. Spread them out in an even layer. Be careful, as the honey butter might splatter a bit when you add the corn.
4. Cook the corn, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes, or until it is tender and slightly browned. The cooking time will depend on the heat of your stove and the size of your skillet, so keep an eye on it. You want the corn to be cooked through but still have a little bit of a bite to it.
5. As the corn cooks, it will release some of its natural sugars, which will caramelize in the honey butter and create a beautiful golden-brown crust. This is what gives the corn its amazing flavor and texture.
6. Keep stirring the corn every few minutes to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet and to ensure that it cooks evenly. If the honey butter starts to burn, reduce the heat slightly.
7. Once the corn is tender and browned to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat.

Serving:

1. Carefully transfer the honey butter skillet corn to a serving dish. Be careful, as the skillet will be very hot!
2. Garnish with chopped fresh chives and parsley, if desired. This adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the sweetness of the corn and honey butter.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy! This honey butter skillet corn is best served hot, so don’t let it sit around for too long. It’s delicious as a side dish to grilled meats, chicken, or fish. It’s also great on its own as a light lunch or snack.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey butter for a little bit of heat.
• Add cheese: Sprinkle some crumbled cotija cheese or feta cheese over the corn before serving for a salty and tangy twist.
• Use different herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or basil, to add a unique flavor to the corn.
• Grill the corn first: For an extra smoky flavor, grill the corn on the cob before cutting off the kernels.
• Make it vegan: Use vegan butter and maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan version of this recipe.
• Add bacon: Cook some bacon until crispy, crumble it, and add it to the corn for a savory and smoky flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you are making a large batch of corn, it’s best to cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and prevent the corn from browning properly.
• Use fresh corn: This recipe is best with fresh corn on the cob. Frozen corn can be used in a pinch, but it won’t have the same sweetness and flavor.
• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet corn, reduce the amount of honey.

Enjoy your delicious Honey Butter Skillet Corn!

Conclusion:

This Honey Butter Skillet Corn isn’t just another side dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! From the sweet kiss of honey to the rich, savory butter, every bite is a delightful dance on your taste buds. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it elevates simple corn to something truly special. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, allowing the natural sweetness of the corn to shine through, enhanced by the perfect balance of honey and butter. But don’t just take my word for it! Imagine serving this alongside grilled chicken or steak for a classic summer barbecue. Or, picture it gracing your Thanksgiving table, adding a touch of sweetness to the traditional feast. It’s incredibly versatile and pairs well with so many different main courses. Looking for serving suggestions? A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving really enhances the sweetness and adds a delightful textural contrast. For a little kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture. If you’re feeling adventurous, a squeeze of lime juice at the end brightens up the flavors beautifully. And the variations are endless! If you’re dairy-free, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative. Agave nectar works wonderfully in place of honey for a vegan option. You could even add some chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Consider adding some crumbled bacon for a savory twist that will have everyone begging for more. For a spicier version, try adding a finely diced jalapeño to the skillet while the corn is cooking. The possibilities are truly limitless! I’ve made this Honey Butter Skillet Corn countless times, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect way to use up fresh corn on the cob during the summer months, but it’s equally delicious with frozen corn kernels any time of year. It’s a recipe that’s both comforting and exciting, familiar yet unique. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of this Honey Butter Skillet Corn. I promise you won’t be disappointed. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what you served it with, and most importantly, what you thought! I love hearing from you and seeing your culinary creations. Happy cooking! I am confident that you will love this Honey Butter Skillet Corn as much as I do. Don’t forget to rate the recipe once you’ve tried it! Your feedback helps others discover this delicious dish.

Print