Get ready to meet your new favorite side dish. This Honey Butter Skillet Corn is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, transforming simple corn into a truly irresistible treat. It’s incredibly fast, made with just a handful of pantry staples, and comes together in one pan in under 15 minutes. Whether you need a last-minute addition to a weeknight dinner or a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for a holiday meal, this recipe delivers a huge flavor payoff with minimal effort. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
There are so many reasons this simple recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the kind of side dish that effortlessly elevates any meal it accompanies.
- Incredibly Fast: From skillet to table in less than 15 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need something delicious, fast.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need five basic ingredients that you likely already have on hand. No fancy shopping trips required!
- One-Pan Wonder: Cleanup is a breeze! Everything comes together in a single skillet, saving you time and effort.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of sweet honey, rich butter, savory garlic, and fresh herbs is universally loved by both kids and adults. It’s a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
The 5 Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. We’re using a few high-quality ingredients to create a rich, flavorful sauce that perfectly coats every kernel of corn.
- Corn: You can use frozen, canned, or fresh corn. This recipe is incredibly versatile. We’ll discuss the nuances of each below.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish. This is the base of our delicious sauce.
- Honey: This adds the signature sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.
- Fresh Parsley: A little fresh parsley at the end adds a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness.
How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn (Step-by-Step)
Making this incredible Honey Butter Skillet Corn is as easy as one, two, three. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
Step 1: Sauté the Corn
Start by melting a portion of the butter in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the corn and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes. You want the corn to be heated through and get a little bit of color. A slight char adds a wonderful smoky depth of flavor.
Step 2: Create the Honey Butter Sauce
Push the corn to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining butter to the empty side. Once it’s melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it. Immediately stir in the honey and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce bubble for about a minute to thicken slightly.
Step 3: Combine and Garnish
Finally, stir the corn into the bubbling honey butter sauce until every kernel is beautifully coated. Let it cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy the rave reviews!
Tips for the Perfect Skillet Corn
Want to take your corn from great to absolutely unforgettable? Here are a few expert tips.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Use a large skillet to ensure the corn has enough space to get a nice char instead of just steaming. A 12-inch cast-iron skillet is ideal.
- Fresh vs. Frozen vs. Canned: If using fresh corn, slice it directly off the cob. For frozen corn, there’s no need to thaw it first. If using canned corn, be sure to drain it very well and pat it dry to ensure it sautés rather than steams.
- Get a Good Sear: Let the corn sit undisturbed for a minute or two at a time to develop a slight char. This caramelization adds a fantastic layer of flavor that complements the sweet honey butter sauce. For a quick and easy main dish, consider pairing this with some Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta.
Variations and Add-Ins
While this Honey Butter Skillet Corn is fantastic as is, it’s also a great base for customization. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce with the garlic for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Cheesy: Stir in some crumbled feta, cotija, or grated Parmesan cheese at the end for a salty, cheesy finish.
- Smoky: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or some crispy, crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory twist. This would go perfectly alongside a comforting bowl of hearty black bean soup.
- Creamy: For a richer, creamier texture, stir in two tablespoons of cream cheese with the butter and honey sauce.
What to Serve with Skillet Corn
This versatile side dish pairs wonderfully with almost any main course. It’s a fantastic addition to a summer BBQ alongside grilled chicken or ribs. It also complements cozy fall dinners, like a perfectly cooked Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon. It’s equally at home on a holiday table next to a Thanksgiving turkey or Easter ham.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by substituting the butter with a high-quality vegan butter or dairy-free alternative. The results will be just as delicious.
Yes, absolutely! This recipe works perfectly with frozen, canned, or fresh corn. If using frozen, you don’t need to thaw it first. If using canned, make sure to drain it very well and pat it dry to get the best sear.
For a delicious creamy version, simply add 2 ounces (about 1/4 cup) of softened cream cheese to the skillet when you add the honey and butter. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Store any leftover skillet corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat it gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
This is a very versatile side dish that pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, glazed salmon, or ribs. It’s also a perfect addition to a holiday meal like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storing leftovers is simple. Allow the corn to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, you can gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired temperature. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, but it will loosen up again once reheated.
More Delicious Side Dishes To Try
If you loved this Honey Butter Skillet Corn, you’ll be sure to enjoy some of our other popular side dish recipes!
Honey Butter Skillet Corn (The Easiest, Most Addictive Side Dish)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until heated through and lightly charred.
- Push the corn to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the other side. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir the honey, salt, and pepper into the butter. Let the sauce bubble for about a minute.
- Stir the corn into the honey butter sauce until everything is well-coated. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Share Your Creations!
We love to see what you’re cooking! If you make this Honey Butter Skillet Corn, be sure to leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest so you can find it again later!
