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If you’re looking for a quick and tasty side dish, you’ve hit the jackpot! My Honey Butter Skillet Corn recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for any meal. Fresh corn, sweet honey, and creamy butter come together to create a dish that bursts with flavor in every bite. No fancy techniques are needed! Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will make your taste buds dance.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Sweet and Savory Harmony: The combination of honey and butter creates a perfect balance of sweetness and richness that complements the corn beautifully.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Customizable Delight: With options to add feta cheese and fresh herbs, you can easily adapt this dish to suit your taste preferences.
- Vibrant and Colorful Presentation: The bright yellow corn, green chives, and optional white feta make for a visually appealing side dish that enhances any meal.
Ingredients
Fresh Corn Kernels
You need 4 cups of fresh corn kernels. This is about 6 ears of corn. Fresh corn gives this dish a sweet taste and a nice crunch. If you can’t find fresh corn, use frozen corn. Just skip the shucking step.
Butter and Honey
Next, grab 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. This adds richness to our dish. Then, use 2 tablespoons of honey. Honey brings a sweet touch that balances the flavors. Together, they make the corn shiny and delicious.
Seasonings and Optional Garnishes
For seasoning, you will need:
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
These spices enhance the corn’s natural taste. You can also add a tablespoon of fresh chives, chopped, as a garnish. If you want to get fancy, sprinkle 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese on top. This adds creaminess and a bit of tang.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Corn
Start by shucking the corn. Pull off the green husks and silk strands. Next, use a sharp knife to cut the kernels from the cobs. Make sure to hold the cob upright to catch all the kernels. If you use frozen corn, skip this step. You can go right to cooking.
Cooking the Corn in the Skillet
In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is bubbly, add the fresh corn kernels. Sauté the corn for about 5 minutes. Stir it often until the corn gets tender and slightly charred. You want a nice golden color for flavor.
Adding Honey and Seasonings
Now, drizzle in 2 tablespoons of honey. This adds a sweet touch. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Stir everything well until the corn is coated. Heat it through for another 2 to 3 minutes. Your corn should look glossy and smell amazing. If you want, add 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese on top. Finish with fresh chives for a pop of color. Serve it hot and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Choosing the Best Corn
Start with fresh corn for the best taste. Look for ears with bright green husks. The kernels should feel plump and firm. Sweet corn is ideal for this dish. If you can, buy corn from local farms or markets. This corn tastes better and is often fresher.
Perfecting Flavor with Seasonings
The right seasonings can make your corn pop. Use salt and pepper to enhance the sweetness. Smoked paprika adds a unique, smoky flavor. This spice works well with the honey and butter. If you like, add fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a fresh twist.
Presentation Ideas for Serving
Make your dish look as good as it tastes. Serve the corn in a bright bowl to catch the eye. Crumble feta cheese on top for a creamy touch. Add fresh chives for a pop of color. For a fancy look, use a sprinkle of smoked paprika on the edge of the plate. This dish shines at barbecues or family dinners!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Corn: Fresh corn will give you the sweetest and most flavorful dish. Look for corn with bright green husks and moist silk for the best taste.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can increase or decrease the amount of honey to balance the flavors to your liking.
- Perfect Charring: Allow the corn to sit in the skillet without stirring for a minute or two to get that beautiful char, enhancing the smoky flavor of the dish.
- Add a Kick: If you like some heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the skillet along with the corn.

Variations
Adding Cheese Options
You can boost the flavor of your Honey Butter Skillet Corn with cheese. Feta cheese works well. It adds a creamy, salty touch. Simply crumble about 1/4 cup over the corn before serving. Goat cheese is another great choice. It gives a tangy flavor that pairs nicely with the sweetness of honey. If you love cheddar, sprinkle some shredded cheese while the corn is still warm. It will melt and create a rich, cheesy goodness.
Spice it Up: Heat Variations
If you like heat, you can spice up your dish easily. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick. You can also use diced jalapeños for a fresh heat. For a smoky flavor, try adding a bit of chipotle powder. Adjust the spices to your taste. Start with a small amount and add more as needed. This way, you can make the dish as mild or hot as you like.
Alternative Cooking Methods
You don’t have to use a skillet for this recipe. You can grill the corn for a smoky flavor. Just husk the corn and soak it in water. Grill it until it’s tender. Then, cut the kernels off the cob and mix with honey and butter. You can also use a slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients and cook on low for 2-3 hours. This method is great for busy days. It allows you to focus on other tasks while your corn cooks.
Storage Info
Refrigerating Leftovers
You can store Honey Butter Skillet Corn in the fridge. Place the corn in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This helps keep the corn’s texture and flavor.
Freezing for Later Use
To freeze leftovers, let the corn cool first. Then, use a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out air to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Tips
Reheat the corn in a skillet over medium heat. Add a little butter for extra flavor. Stir often to heat evenly. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the corn moist and tasty.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen corn for this recipe. Just skip the shucking step. Frozen corn cooks well and saves time. It’s also a great option when fresh corn is not in season. The taste may be slightly different, but it will still be sweet and delicious.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this dish vegan, use a plant-based butter instead of regular butter. You can also replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. These swaps keep the sweetness while making the dish plant-friendly. The flavor will still shine through, and you won’t miss the dairy at all.
What dishes pair well with Honey Butter Skillet Corn?
Honey Butter Skillet Corn pairs nicely with grilled meats like chicken or steak. It also complements tacos and barbecued dishes. For a lighter meal, serve it with a fresh salad. The sweet and savory flavors of the corn balance well with many foods, making it a versatile side dish.
This post covered how to make honey butter skillet corn. We discussed the key ingredients, like fresh corn, butter, and honey. I shared step-by-step cooking tips and offered ways to improve flavor and presentation. You learned about variations, storage, and common questions.
Making this dish is simple and rewarding. You can enjoy it as a tasty side for many meals. Try different flavors to make it your ow
Honey Butter Skillet Corn
A delicious and sweet corn dish cooked in butter and honey, perfect as a side.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 6 ears of corn)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
- 0.25 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Begin by shucking the corn and removing the kernels from the cobs. If using frozen corn, you can skip this step.
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
Once melted, add the fresh corn kernels to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the corn is tender and slightly charred.
Drizzle in the honey, then season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir until the corn is evenly coated and heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Remove the skillet from the heat once the corn is glossy and fragrant.
For an extra touch, crumble feta cheese over the top if desired, and sprinkle with fresh chives for color and flavor.
Serve immediately while hot, either on its own or as a side dish.
For an extra touch, add crumbled feta cheese on top.
Keyword butter, corn, honey, side dish
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