Honey Butter Skillet Corn

There’s something so comforting about the combination of sweet honey and rich butter, especially when it meets the warm, slightly charred kernels of corn straight from the skillet. The sweet and savory balance creates a perfect harmony that’ll make every bite feel like a cozy hug. The butter melts effortlessly into the corn, while the honey adds a gentle sweetness that’s not overpowering. When the skillet hits the heat, you can already hear that delightful sizzle as the edges of the corn get a beautiful golden crisp, giving every forkful a little extra texture. It’s one of those dishes that feels effortless yet incredibly satisfying, making it the perfect side to just about any meal. Whether you’re grilling up burgers or serving a light salad, this honey butter corn will steal the show without demanding too much attention. It’s the kind of dish that gets everyone talking and asking for seconds—because let’s be real, no one can resist that buttery, honey-drizzled goodness!

Key Ingredients in Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Each ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Let’s break down what makes each one shine!

– Butter

The foundation of this dish, butter brings richness and depth. It helps the corn kernels cook to a golden perfection while adding a smooth, creamy flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey.

– Honey

The star of the show! Honey adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the savory notes. It gives the dish a natural sweetness that enhances the corn’s flavor and makes each bite feel like a little bit of heaven.

– Heavy Cream

Creamy and smooth, heavy cream helps bind all the flavors together and creates a velvety texture. It softens the corn and gives the dish a luxurious finish.

– Salt

A pinch of salt is essential for balancing the sweetness of the honey. It enhances the natural flavors of the corn and brings everything into harmony.

– Frozen Corn Kernels

The main ingredient! Using frozen corn ensures that you can make this dish year-round, and it still delivers that sweet, satisfying crunch. The corn is the perfect vehicle for soaking up all the delicious butter and honey sauce.

– Olive Oil

Olive oil helps to sauté the corn to a perfect golden brown while adding a subtle richness. It also ensures the butter doesn’t burn, allowing the flavors to develop at the right pace.

– Sugar

Just a little bit of sugar helps elevate the honey’s sweetness and deepens the caramelization of the corn, giving it that delightful golden char on the edges.

– Garlic Powder

A touch of garlic powder brings a savory note to the dish, balancing out the sweetness and adding an extra layer of depth to the flavor profile. It’s that secret ingredient that’ll have everyone guessing!

How to Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn

1. Melt the butter

In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Let the butter melt slowly, swirling it around the pan occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn.

2. Add the honey

Once the butter has melted, add 1 tablespoon of honey to the saucepan and stir to combine. The honey will blend smoothly into the butter, creating a glossy mixture.

3. Add the heavy cream

Now, pour in 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step ensures the sauce has that velvety texture that’ll coat the corn beautifully.

4. Season the sauce

Season the mixture with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and stir again. This will help balance out the sweetness and bring out the full flavor of the butter and honey.

5. Simmer the sauce

Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently while you prepare the corn. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken just a little bit.

6. Heat the olive oil

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to get nice and hot before adding the corn to ensure it cooks evenly and gets a little crispy.

7. Cook the frozen corn

Once the olive oil is hot, add 2 cups of frozen corn kernels to the skillet. Stir the corn occasionally, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until it begins to heat through and develop a light brown color on the edges.

8. Sprinkle the sugar

Once the corn starts to brown, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar over the corn. Stir to combine and let it cook for another 2 minutes. This will caramelize the sugar, giving the corn that delicious golden char.

9. Add the garlic powder

Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, stirring to ensure the garlic flavor is evenly distributed across all the kernels. The garlic powder adds that savory depth that balances the sweetness of the honey.

10. Combine the sauce with the corn

Pour the honey butter sauce over the corn, stirring to coat the kernels evenly. The sauce should start to absorb into the corn, creating a rich, flavorful glaze.

11. Simmer the corn in the sauce

Let the corn simmer in the sauce for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together. The sauce should thicken slightly and become beautifully glossy.

12. Remove from heat and serve

Once the sauce has thickened and the corn is well coated, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve immediately, and feel free to sprinkle a little extra salt on top if you like.

Enjoy your honey butter skillet corn, and watch it become the star of the table!

Serving Suggestions for Honey Butter Skillet Corn

– Pair with Grilled Meats

This honey butter skillet corn is a perfect side for grilled chicken, steaks, or even barbecued ribs. The sweet and savory corn balances out the smoky flavors of the grill, making each bite a flavor-packed experience.

– Add to a Salad

Toss this corn into a fresh summer salad with greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette. The sweetness of the corn adds a lovely contrast to the tangy dressing and crunchy veggies, making your salad feel extra special.

– Serve with Tacos or Burritos

If you’re in the mood for a Mexican-inspired feast, this honey butter corn is a delicious addition to your taco night or burrito spread. The creamy texture and sweet flavor pair wonderfully with bold, spicy fillings.

What’s your favorite way to serve it? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

How to Store Honey Butter Skillet Corn

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), here are a few simple ways to store your honey butter skillet corn to keep it fresh and tasty:

– In the Refrigerator

Let the corn cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored this way, your corn will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, and it’ll be almost as good as fresh!

– Freezing for Longer Storage

If you want to keep your corn for a little longer, freezing it is a great option. Transfer the cooled corn to a freezer-safe container or bag, and it can last up to 2 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then sauté it again to bring back that lovely golden crisp.

– Avoid Storing with Sauce

If you have extra sauce left over, it’s best to store the sauce separately from the corn to avoid sogginess. Keep the sauce in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to a week, and when you’re ready to serve the corn again, just warm it up and pour it over the freshly sautéed kernels.

Now you’re all set to savor the leftovers later!

Conclusion

And there you have it – a warm, comforting dish that’s sure to steal the show at your next meal! This honey butter skillet corn is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a satisfying texture that makes it irresistible. Whether you’re serving it with grilled meats, tossing it into a salad, or adding it to a taco spread, it’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and a burst of flavor to the table.

I hope you give this recipe a try and fall in love with it just as much as I have. Feel free to leave your thoughts or questions in the comments below, or share your own spin on this dish if you decide to make it. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!

Print Recipe

Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Author: Maria Bennet Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 20 mins

Calories: 280

Description

Golden, sweet corn sizzling in a hot skillet, drenched in a velvety honey butter sauce that caramelizes into crispy, golden bits. Every bite bursts with a perfect balance of savory richness and sugary goodness—an irresistible, buttery treat!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 tablespoon honey

• ¹⁄₄ cup heavy cream

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt

• 2 cups frozen corn kernels

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
2. Once the butter has melted, add 1 tablespoon of honey and stir to combine.
3. Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the butter and honey mixture, stirring until smooth.
4. Season the mixture with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and stir again to ensure the salt is fully incorporated.
5. Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer gently while you prepare the corn.
6. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
7. Once the olive oil is hot, add 2 cups of frozen corn kernels to the skillet.
8. Stir the corn occasionally and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until it starts to heat through and brown slightly.
9. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar over the corn and continue cooking, stirring frequently, for another 2 minutes.
10. Add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder to the corn and stir to evenly distribute the garlic flavor.
11. Pour the honey butter sauce over the corn, stirring to coat all of the kernels evenly.
12. Allow the corn to simmer in the sauce for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the flavors combine.
13. Once the sauce has thickened slightly and the corn is well coated, remove the skillet from the heat.
14. Serve the honey butter skillet corn immediately, garnished with additional salt if desired.

Note

• Ensure the butter and honey mixture doesn’t boil to avoid curdling the cream.
• Use fresh or thawed corn if you prefer a different texture, but frozen corn is quicker and often sweeter.
• Adjust the sugar to your taste depending on how sweet you want the dish.
• Garlic powder can be swapped for fresh minced garlic for a stronger flavor.
• For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the corn.

Keywords: honey butter skillet corn recipe, skillet corn with honey butter, easy honey butter corn, creamy honey butter corn, skillet corn side dish