Looking for the perfect summer side dish? Honey Butter Skillet Corn is here to impress! This sweet and savory dish brings a burst of flavor to your table, whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a cozy family dinner. With fresh corn, rich honey, and buttery goodness, it’s simple to make and easy to love. Let me guide you through this tasty recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Sweet and Savory Balance: This dish perfectly combines the sweetness of honey with the savory notes of garlic and butter, creating a delightful flavor explosion.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile Ingredient: Whether using fresh corn or canned, this recipe is adaptable and can be enjoyed year-round.
- Beautiful Presentation: The fresh parsley garnish adds a pop of color, making it a visually appealing side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Fresh Corn Kernels or Canned Corn
You can use fresh corn or canned corn for this recipe. I prefer fresh corn. It gives a sweet, crisp bite. If you choose fresh, you’ll need 4 cups of corn kernels. If you use canned corn, grab 2 cans and drain them well. Both options work great, but fresh corn shines in summer.
Honey and Butter Measurements
For the honey butter mix, you’ll need 1/4 cup of each. Unsalted butter ensures you control the salt level. Honey adds a sweet touch that makes the dish shine. The balance of these two ingredients creates a rich flavor.
Additional Seasonings and Garnish
You’ll want a few spices to elevate the dish. Use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for depth. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to enhance the corn’s sweetness. A pinch of black pepper (1/4 teaspoon) brings warmth. For a kick, try 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Top it all off with 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness. This garnish makes it look as good as it tastes!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Melting the Butter
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup of unsalted butter to the skillet. Watch as it melts and begins to foam. This step is key. The butter gives our dish its rich flavor.
Incorporating the Honey
Once the butter melts, stir in 1/4 cup of honey. Mix well until the honey blends smoothly with the butter. This sweet mix will coat the corn later. The honey adds a lovely sweetness that balances the savory notes.
Cooking the Corn Mixture
Now it’s time for the corn. Add 4 cups of fresh corn kernels or 2 cans of drained corn into the skillet. Stir to coat each piece with the honey butter. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat. Mix everything well. Cook this mixture for about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want the corn to be tender and slightly caramelized. Taste the corn and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once done, remove the skillet from heat. Top with 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Caramelization
To get that nice caramelization on your corn, keep the heat medium. If it’s too low, the corn will steam instead of brown. Stir the corn often to ensure even cooking. The butter should bubble, and the corn will turn golden. This adds a sweet, rich flavor.
Adjusting Seasonings to Taste
Taste your corn as you cook it. You might want more salt or honey. If you like spice, add more cayenne. Each person has different taste buds. Make it yours! Adding fresh herbs right before serving can also boost flavors.
Best Tools for Cooking
A large skillet is best for this dish. It gives enough space for the corn. A wooden spoon helps you stir without scratching the pan. Use a sharp knife for cutting fresh corn off the cob. Lastly, a measuring cup makes adding honey easy and accurate.
Pro Tips
- Fresh Corn is Best: For the sweetest flavor and best texture, use fresh corn on the cob when it’s in season. Simply cut the kernels off the cob for this recipe.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your taste preference, feel free to adjust the amount of honey. You can add more for a sweeter dish or reduce it for a more savory experience.
- Customize the Seasoning: Experiment with different spices such as smoked paprika or chili powder for a unique twist. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or basil for extra flavor.
- Perfect Caramelization: Ensure you give the corn enough time to cook and caramelize properly. Stir occasionally, but allow it to sit for short periods to develop a nice golden color.
Variations
Adding Spices for Extra Flavor
You can easily change the taste of Honey Butter Skillet Corn by adding spices. If you want a bit of heat, cayenne pepper is a great choice. Just add 1/4 teaspoon to the mix. For a more savory flavor, try adding smoked paprika or chili powder. Both give a nice twist to the dish. You can also use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique touch. Just chop them finely and mix them in.
Incorporating Other Vegetables
This dish is not just for corn! You can add other veggies to make it more colorful and nutritious. Diced bell peppers or zucchini work well. Just sauté them briefly before adding the corn. You can even mix in some diced tomatoes or green onions for a fresh taste. These additions will not only enhance the flavor but also add more texture.
Sweetening Alternatives
While honey gives a great sweetness, you can try other sweeteners. Maple syrup is a tasty option that adds a different flavor. You can also use agave nectar if you want something lighter. For a more natural approach, try using mashed ripe bananas. They add sweetness and creaminess. Just remember to adjust the amount, as each sweetener has a different level of sweetness.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
After you enjoy Honey Butter Skillet Corn, save any leftovers in a container. Let the corn cool before storing. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, you have a few options. You can use the microwave or the stovetop. If using the microwave, put the corn in a bowl. Cover it to keep moisture in. Heat it for about one to two minutes. Stir halfway through. If you choose the stovetop, heat a skillet on low. Add a splash of water to keep it moist, then heat for about five minutes. Stir often until warm.
Best Practices for Freezing
You can freeze Honey Butter Skillet Corn for later use. First, let it cool completely. Then, pack it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it as mentioned before. Enjoy that sweet and buttery flavor any time!
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen corn. Frozen corn works well in this recipe. It saves time and is often sweet. Just thaw it before cooking. You can skip the step of cooking fresh corn. Use about the same amount, four cups or two cans.
How do I make Honey Butter Skillet Corn without garlic?
To make this dish without garlic, simply leave out the garlic powder. The honey and butter will still add great flavor. You can add a little extra salt or pepper to enhance the taste. Fresh herbs like parsley can also add a nice touch.
What dishes pair well with Honey Butter Skillet Corn?
Honey Butter Skillet Corn goes well with many meals. It makes a great side for grilled chicken or steak. You can also serve it with BBQ ribs or fish. It adds a sweet and savory touch to any plate. Don’t hesitate to pair it with fresh salads or roasted vegetables.
In this blog post, we explored how to make Honey Butter Skillet Corn. We covered key ingredients, like fresh or canned corn, honey, and butter. I shared step-by-step instructions and helpful tips for cooking and caramelizing. We also looked at tasty variations and best storage practices.
In conclusion, this sweet and savory dish adds joy to any meal. Try it with different spices and veggies. You’ll find it simple and deliciou
