Honey Butter Skillet Corn

This Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a sweet and savory side dish featuring tender corn tossed in buttery honey glaze, cooked in a skillet for maximum flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, BBQs, or holiday meals.

Sweet, buttery, and slightly caramelized, Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a simple yet irresistible side dish that elevates any meal. Using just a few ingredients, this dish combines the natural sweetness of corn with rich butter and a drizzle of honey, cooked in a skillet for a slightly crispy, golden finish.

Ideal for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, BBQs, or holiday feasts, this recipe is quick to prepare, full of flavor, and pairs beautifully with chicken, steak, pork, or roasted vegetables. Its simplicity makes it a favorite in Southern kitchens, and it’s sure to become a go-to side dish for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet & Savory – Perfect balance of honey and butter with naturally sweet corn.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal prep.
Versatile Side Dish – Complements meats, seafood, and vegetarian meals.
Kid-Friendly – Naturally sweet and flavorful without overpowering spices.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be reheated without losing flavor.

Ingredients

4 cups fresh, frozen, or canned corn kernels
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Skillet

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add butter and allow it to melt completely, coating the bottom of the skillet.

Step 2: Cook the Corn

Add corn kernels to the skillet and stir to coat with butter.
Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is tender and slightly golden.

Step 3: Add Honey

Drizzle honey over the cooked corn and stir well to combine.
Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, allowing the honey to slightly caramelize and glaze the corn.

Step 4: Serve

Transfer the corn to a serving dish.
Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for color and freshness.
Serve hot as a side with your favorite main dishes.

Tips for Success

Fresh or Frozen Corn – Both work well; adjust cooking time slightly if using frozen corn.
Don’t Overcook – Keep corn tender with a slight bite; caramelization enhances flavor without burning.
Add Flavor Boosters – Try a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of cayenne for a creative twist.
Honey Variations – Maple syrup or agave can substitute honey for a different sweetness profile.
Batch Cooking – Double the recipe for larger gatherings; keep warm in a covered skillet.

Variations you can try

Cheesy Honey Butter Corn
- Add 1/4–1/2 cup shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking.
- Stir until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with extra cheese for a rich, savory twist.
Garlic Honey Butter Corn
- Sauté 1–2 minced garlic cloves with the butter before adding corn.
- Adds a savory depth that balances the sweetness of honey.
Spicy Honey Butter Corn
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes, cayenne, or chili powder over the corn while cooking.
- Provides a sweet-and-spicy flavor that pairs well with grilled meats.
Southwestern Honey Butter Corn
- Mix in diced red or green bell peppers, black beans, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Optional: top with chopped cilantro for a fresh, zesty flavor.
Bacon Honey Butter Corn
- Cook 2–3 strips of bacon, crumble, and stir into the corn at the end.
- The smoky, salty bacon perfectly complements the sweet honey and butter.
Herbed Honey Butter Corn
- Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives while cooking.
- Enhances the flavor and makes the dish look visually appealing.
Maple Honey Butter Corn
- Replace the honey with pure maple syrup for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
- Great for fall-themed meals or holiday dinners.
Creamy Honey Butter Corn
- Stir in 2–3 tablespoons of cream or cream cheese at the end of cooking.
- Creates a rich, creamy texture that is almost like a side-dish casserole.
Roasted Honey Butter Corn
- Roast fresh corn kernels in a skillet or oven before adding butter and honey.
- Adds a slightly smoky, caramelized flavor with extra texture.
Lemon-Honey Butter Corn
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or a few drops of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
- Works well as a fresh, springtime side dish.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with grilled or roasted chicken, steak, or pork chops.
Serve alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Add to a holiday dinner plate for a sweet and buttery side.
Combine with other skillet vegetables for a colorful, hearty medley.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat – Warm in a skillet over low-medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Freezing – Not recommended, as honey and butter may separate upon freezing.

Nutrition Information (per serving, 4 servings)

Calories: ~150
Fat: 7g
Carbs: 22g
Protein: 2g
Sugar: 10g

(Values may vary depending on ingredients and portion size.)

Final Thoughts

Honey Butter Skillet Corn is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. Sweet, buttery, and slightly caramelized, it’s a side dish that appeals to both kids and adults.

Quick to make, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser, this skillet corn elevates any meal with minimal effort. It’s a must-try recipe for weeknight dinners, BBQs, or holiday feasts, and once you taste it, you’ll wonder how you ever served corn any other way.

Honey Butter Skillet Corn