Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the perfect balance of flavors—sweet, savory, and slightly smoky. The honey butter glaze caramelizes the corn, creating a rich and satisfying taste with every bite. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal side dish for busy weeknights or a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, tacos, or salads. Plus, the fresh parsley and optional lime juice add a touch of freshness that makes this skillet corn irresistible.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1⁄4 teaspoon smoked paprika (o
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter and olive oil. Allow them to melt together, creating a smooth cooking base.
- Add the corn kernels to the skillet. Stir occasionally to ensure the corn is evenly coated with the butter and oil mixture. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the corn is heated through and slightly golden in spots.
- Drizzle the honey over the corn, and season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir well to combine and let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the honey to melt and coat the corn evenly.
- Once the corn is nicely caramelized and the flavors have melded together, remove the skillet from heat.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the corn (optional) and sprinkle with chopped parsley for added freshness and color.
- Serve warm as a side dish or a light main dish.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover skillet corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm the corn in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. If the corn seems dry, add a small splash of water or a bit more butter to bring it back to life.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?
Yes, frozen corn works perfectly for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving to ensure the corn is warm and the honey butter glaze is still creamy.
3. Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?
Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute for honey, though the flavor will change slightly. Honey gives the corn a unique richness that’s hard to replicate with other sweeteners.
4. How can I add more flavor to this dish?
For extra flavor, try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also be used as a garnish.
5. What can I serve this corn with?
This skillet corn pairs well with grilled meats, such as chicken, steak, or pork, as well as with tacos, fajitas, or a fresh salad. It’s a versatile side dish that complements a variety of main courses.
6. Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the corn for a little heat. You could also drizzle some hot sauce over the finished dish if you prefer an extra spicy kick.
7. Can I use a non-dairy butter?
Yes, if you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with a non-dairy alternative like margarine or a vegan butter substitute.
8. Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, you can use vegetable oil, avocado oil, or even coconut oil in place of olive oil. Each oil will slightly alter the flavor, but they will all work well for cooking the corn.
9. How do I make this dish creamier?
For a creamier texture, you can stir in a small amount of cream cheese, sour cream, or even a bit of heavy cream once the corn is cooked.
10. How do I know when the corn is cooked through?
The corn is done when it’s heated through and golden brown in spots, with the honey melted and coating the kernels evenly. If you’re using fresh corn, ensure it’s tender; frozen corn just needs to be heated.
Conclusion
Skillet Corn with Honey Butter is an easy yet flavorful dish that takes the simple ingredient of corn and elevates it into something truly special. With the combination of honey, butter, and a touch of smoked paprika, this dish becomes a sweet and savory delight that pairs beautifully with a wide range of meals. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats or as a standalone side, this skillet corn will quickly become a favorite at your table.
Skillet Corn with Honey Butter
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Skillet Corn with Honey Butter is a delightful side dish that combines the natural sweetness of corn with the rich, velvety texture of honey butter. The result is a dish that’s both savory and sweet, finished off with a fresh burst of parsley and a smoky hint of paprika.
Ingredients
4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
1⁄4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter and olive oil. Allow them to melt together.
- Cook the Corn: Add the corn kernels to the skillet. Stir occasionally to coat the corn in the butter and oil mixture. Cook for 5-7 minutes until heated through and slightly golden in spots.
- Add the Honey and Season: Drizzle honey over the corn, then season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes to caramelize the corn.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove from heat, squeeze lime juice over the corn (optional), and sprinkle with chopped parsley for freshness and color.
- Serve: Serve warm as a side dish or light main dish.
Notes
Frozen corn can be used instead of fresh; just thaw and drain it first to prevent excess moisture.
This dish is best served fresh but can be made ahead of time and reheated. If reheating, add a splash of water or extra butter if needed.
If you prefer a different sweetener, maple syrup or agave nectar can replace honey, though the flavor will be different.
Feel free to add garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with a non-dairy alternative like margarine or vegan butter.
This skillet corn pairs well with grilled meats, tacos, fajitas, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
