Honey Butter Skillet Corn - 10-Minute Side Dish

Looking for a lightning-fast, incredibly delicious side dish that everyone will adore? This Honey Butter Skillet Corn recipe is your answer! In just 10 minutes, you can transform simple corn into a crave-worthy, sweet, and savory sensation that perfectly complements any meal. This recipe is straightforward, uses minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor, making it a perfect go-to for busy weeknights or special occasions.

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Key Ingredients for Honey Butter Skillet Corn

To create this delightful side dish, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients:

4 cups (about 2 bags) frozen corn kernels: You can use white or yellow corn, or a mix of both. No need to thaw beforehand; we’ll cook it directly from frozen.

4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Good quality butter makes a difference here. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt later.
2 tablespoons honey: Use your favorite local honey for the best flavor. Adjustable to your sweetness preference.
1/4 teaspoon sea salt: Or to taste. Start with a little and add more if needed.

1/8 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground: For a subtle kick that balances the sweetness.
2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, but highly recommended): This adds an irresistible richness and creaminess to the dish.

How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn

This Honey Butter Skillet Corn is incredibly easy, undeniably delicious, and utterly satisfying. Its simplicity is its charm, with the sweet honey and rich butter creating a delectable glaze over tender corn kernels. The optional heavy cream elevates it to a luxurious, creamy texture that makes it a standout. All of this comes together in just about 10 minutes, making it the ultimate quick fix side.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Melt the Butter: Place a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt completely and just begin to sizzle, coating the bottom of the skillet.
Add the Corn: Carefully pour the 4 cups of frozen corn kernels into the hot skillet. Spread the corn in an even layer. Do not stir immediately; let it sit for a minute or two to start thawing and caramelizing slightly on the bottom.
Cook the Corn: Stir the corn and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes. You want the corn to be fully heated through, tender-crisp, and some kernels might even develop a slight golden-brown char, adding to the flavor.

Incorporate Honey and Seasoning: Once the corn is cooked to your liking, reduce the heat to low. Drizzle in the 2 tablespoons of honey, sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt, and
1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to ensure the honey and seasonings are evenly distributed and coat all the corn kernels.
Add Cream (Optional): If using, pour in the 2 tablespoons of heavy cream and stir until it’s fully incorporated and has coated the corn, creating a luscious, creamy sauce. Let it simmer gently for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Serve Immediately: Remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve your Honey Butter Skillet Corn hot as a delightful side dish to any meal!

Why You’ll Love This Honey Butter Skillet Corn

You are absolutely going to adore this Honey Butter Skillet Corn! Its main highlight is the irresistible balance of sweet and savory flavors – the warm embrace of honey perfectly melded with rich, creamy butter coating each tender corn kernel. Making this at home is a fantastic cost-saver compared to pre-made sides, ensuring you get fresh, flavorful ingredients without the premium price tag.

Plus, the subtle salt and pepper accents, especially with the optional heavy cream, create a rich, luxurious texture that feels gourmet without the effort. If you enjoyed our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Corn, you’ll find a similarly satisfying and even quicker experience here. Don’t just read about it, give this amazing Honey Butter Skillet Corn a try tonight – your taste buds will thank you!

What to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn With

This versatile Honey Butter Skillet Corn pairs beautifully with a wide array of main dishes, making it a perfect companion for almost any meal.

Grilled Meats: Its sweet and savory profile complements rich grilled proteins like BBQ ribs, grilled chicken, juicy steaks, or pork chops.
Roast Dinners: Serve it alongside a classic roast chicken, turkey, or pork loin for an elevated touch of sweetness and creaminess.
Seafood: The subtle sweetness works surprisingly well with pan-seared salmon, baked cod, or even shrimp scampi.

Comfort Food Classics: It’s a natural fit with meatloaf, fried chicken, or even as a unique topping for shepherd’s pie.
Vegetarian Options: Pair it with black bean burgers, a hearty lentil loaf, or even a simple baked potato for a fulfilling meal.
Breakfast/Brunch: Believe it or not, a small serving alongside scrambled eggs and bacon can be a surprising and delicious addition to your breakfast table!

Top Tips for Perfecting Honey Butter Skillet Corn

To take your Honey Butter Skillet Corn from great to absolutely unforgettable, keep these tips in mind:

Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: For best results, use a large enough skillet so the corn isn’t piled too high. This allows the corn to cook evenly and develop some lovely caramelization. If your skillet is too small, cook the corn in two batches.
Achieve a Slight Char: Don’t be afraid to let some of the corn kernels get a little golden-brown or even slightly charred on the edges. This adds a fantastic depth of flavor and a smoky sweetness that enhances the dish.

Ingredient Quality Matters (Especially Butter and Honey): Since there are so few ingredients, the quality of your butter and honey will really shine through. Use good quality unsalted butter and a flavorful honey.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: The 2 tablespoons of honey provide a balanced sweetness. If you prefer it sweeter, add another half tablespoon at a time. If you like it less sweet, start with 1 tablespoon and adjust.
Don’t Skip the Cream (if using): While optional, the heavy cream truly elevates this dish, adding a rich, velvety texture that transforms it from a simple side into something truly special. If you don’t have heavy cream, a splash of half-and-half or even whole milk can work in a pinch, though the richness won’t be quite the same.

Salt Balance is Key: Start with the recommended amount of salt and taste before adding more. The honey and butter also contribute to the overall flavor balance, so you don’t want to over-salt.
Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives before serving can add a pop of color and a touch of fresh herbaceousness, though it’s perfectly delicious without.
Spice It Up! (Optional): For a little heat, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes added with the salt and pepper can provide a nice contrast to the sweetness.

Storing and Reheating Tips

One of the great things about Honey Butter Skillet Corn is how well it stores, meaning you can enjoy leftovers for days!

Storing Leftovers:
- Allow the cooked corn to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This prevents condensation from forming and making the corn soggy.
- Store the airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating for Optimal Taste:
- Stovetop (Recommended): This method yields the best results, keeping the corn tender and the sauce creamy. Place the desired amount of leftover corn in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a tiny splash of water or a small pat of butter if needed to rehydrate and loosen the sauce. Stir gently and cook until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: For a quicker option, place the corn in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until thoroughly warmed. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the corn tough.
Freezing:
- While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the corn may become slightly softer upon thawing. If you plan to freeze, it’s best to cook the corn slightly less initially.
- Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag, ensuring as much air is removed as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- When reheating from frozen, you might find adding a fresh pat of butter or a splash of cream helps rejuvenate the texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Butter Skillet Corn isn’t just a side dish; it’s a revelation – a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful addition to any meal. Its harmonious blend of sweet honey and rich butter, perfectly coating tender corn, creates a memorable experience that genuinely takes only 10 minutes from start to finish.

This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular. Bookmark this recipe, because once you try it, you’ll find yourself turning to this delightful Honey Butter Skillet Corn again and again!

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Honey Butter Skillet Corn FAQs:

Q: Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
A: Absolutely! If using fresh corn, you’ll need about 4-5 ears, removed from the cob. Cook time will be similar, but keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. Fresh corn might even get a nicer char!

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, all ingredients listed (corn, butter, honey, salt, pepper, heavy cream) are naturally gluten-free, making this a fantastic option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: You can substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative and omit the heavy cream (or use a dairy-free cream alternative). The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Q: How can I make this spicier?
A: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the salt and pepper in step 4. You could also drizzle a tiny bit of hot sauce at the end.

Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe typically yields 4-6 servings as a side dish, depending on portion sizes. You can easily double or triple the recipe for a crowd, just make sure to use a larger skillet or cook in batches.

Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: This dish is best served immediately for optimal flavor and texture. However, leftovers store well in the refrigerator and can be reheated (see storing and reheating tips above). Due to its quick cooking time, it’s easy to make fresh just before serving.

Honey Butter Skillet Corn – 10-Minute Side Dish