Honey Butter Skillet Corn: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Honey Butter Skillet Corn: Prepare to be amazed! This isn’t your average side dish; it’s a flavor explosion in every bite. Imagine sweet, juicy corn kernels, glistening with a luscious honey butter glaze, all kissed by the warmth of a cast iron skillet. Trust me, one taste and you’ll be hooked!

Corn, in its various forms, has been a staple food for centuries, deeply rooted in the cultures of the Americas. From ancient civilizations to modern-day barbecues, corn on the cob has always been a symbol of abundance and simple pleasures. But we’re taking it to a whole new level with this recipe.

What makes Honey Butter Skillet Corn so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, the satisfying pop of each kernel, and the rich, buttery goodness that coats your palate. It’s also incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing side for your next gathering or a quick and delicious weeknight treat, this skillet corn is guaranteed to be a winner. The slightly caramelized edges from the skillet add a depth of flavor that elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Get ready to experience corn like never before!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 ears of fresh corn, shucked
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, for garnish (optional)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Preparing the Corn:

1. First things first, let’s get that corn ready! If you haven’t already, shuck all six ears of corn. This means removing the outer husks and all those pesky silk strands. I like to do this over a trash can to minimize the mess.
2. Now, we need to cut the kernels off the cob. There are a few ways to do this. My favorite method is to stand the ear of corn upright on a cutting board (you can stabilize it by placing the flat end down in the center of a bundt pan). Then, using a sharp knife, carefully slice downwards, removing the kernels in strips. Try to get as close to the cob as possible without actually cutting into it.
3. Repeat this process for all six ears of corn. You should end up with a nice pile of fresh corn kernels. Give them a quick once-over to make sure there aren’t any stray pieces of husk or silk.

Making the Honey Butter:

1. While the corn is prepped, let’s whip up that delicious honey butter. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened butter and honey. Make sure your butter is truly softened – this will make it much easier to mix. If you forgot to take it out of the fridge ahead of time, you can microwave it for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it!
2. Using a fork or a whisk, cream together the butter and honey until they are light and fluffy. You can also use an electric mixer for this, but I find that a simple fork works just fine.
3. Season the honey butter with salt and pepper. I like to start with 1/4 teaspoon of each and then adjust to taste. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
4. Give the honey butter a final mix to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Set it aside for now.

Cooking the Corn:

1. Now comes the fun part – cooking the corn! Grab a large (10-12 inch) cast iron skillet. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a regular skillet will work, but cast iron really gives the corn a nice, slightly caramelized crust.
2. Place the skillet over medium heat. You want the skillet to be hot, but not smoking.
3. Add the corn kernels to the hot skillet. Spread them out in an even layer.
4. Cook the corn, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes, or until it is tender and slightly browned. The kernels should start to plump up and release their natural sweetness. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet, as this will steam the corn instead of browning it. If you have a lot of corn, you may need to cook it in batches.
5. Once the corn is cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat.

Combining and Serving:

1. Add the honey butter to the skillet with the cooked corn.
2. Stir gently to coat all the corn kernels with the honey butter. The heat from the corn will melt the butter, creating a luscious, flavorful sauce.
3. Continue stirring until the honey butter is completely melted and evenly distributed.
4. Taste the corn and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or honey, depending on your preference.
5. Transfer the honey butter skillet corn to a serving dish.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and chives, if desired. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy! This honey butter skillet corn is best served hot, while the butter is still melted and the corn is at its peak of sweetness.

Tips and Variations:

• Fresh Corn is Key: The success of this recipe relies heavily on the quality of the corn. Use the freshest corn you can find for the best flavor. Look for ears with plump, juicy kernels and bright green husks.
• Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the corn, as it can become mushy. You want it to be tender but still have a bit of a bite.
• Add Some Spice: If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the honey butter.
• Cheese Please: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled cotija cheese over the corn before serving.
• Bacon Bits: Everything is better with bacon, right? Add some cooked and crumbled bacon to the corn for a smoky, savory twist.
• Herbs Galore: Feel free to experiment with different herbs. Thyme, rosemary, or even a little bit of basil would all be delicious additions.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the honey butter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it soften slightly before using. You can also cut the corn off the cob ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day.
• Grilling Option: For a smoky flavor, grill the corn on the cob until slightly charred. Then, cut the kernels off and proceed with the recipe as directed.
• Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and ensure the honey is sourced ethically or replaced with agave nectar or maple syrup.

Serving Suggestions:

This honey butter skillet corn is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few ideas:

• Grilled chicken or steak
• Roasted pork tenderloin
• Fish tacos
• BBQ ribs
• Vegetarian burgers

It’s also delicious on its own as a light lunch or snack. I sometimes just eat it straight from the skillet (don’t judge!).

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 250-300 per serving
• Fat: 15-20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
• Protein: 5-7 grams

This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Storage Instructions:

Leftover honey butter skillet corn can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it for a minute or two, or warm it up in a skillet over medium heat. You may need to add a little bit of butter or milk to prevent it from drying out.

Why This Recipe Works:

This recipe is a winner because it’s simple, flavorful, and uses fresh, seasonal ingredients. The combination of sweet corn, rich butter, and fragrant honey is simply irresistible. The cast iron skillet adds a touch of caramelization that elevates the dish to another level. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Honey Butter Skillet Corn isn’t just another side dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to experience it. The sweetness of the honey perfectly complements the buttery richness and the natural sweetness of the corn, creating a symphony of flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). It’s quick, it’s easy, and it elevates a simple ingredient like corn into something truly special.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, it’s incredibly versatile, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Forget boring steamed corn; this skillet version is where it’s at! The slight char from the skillet adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get any other way. Plus, the honey butter glaze creates a beautiful, glossy sheen that makes it look as good as it tastes.

But the best part? It’s so easy to customize! Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of chili flakes for a little kick. Want to make it even richer? Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese at the end. For a smoky twist, try using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

This Honey Butter Skillet Corn is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Imagine it alongside grilled chicken or steak, adding a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors. It’s also a wonderful addition to a summer barbecue, complementing burgers, hot dogs, and other grilled favorites.

Here are a few more ideas to get you started:

* Serve it as a side dish for taco night. The sweetness of the corn provides a delicious contrast to the spicy flavors of the tacos.
* Add it to your favorite salad for a burst of flavor and texture.
* Use it as a topping for baked potatoes.
* Mix it with black beans, avocado, and cilantro for a quick and easy salsa.
* For a truly decadent treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. (Yes, really!)

I’m confident that once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of sweetness and sophistication to any meal. It’s also a fantastic way to use up fresh corn on the cob during the summer months.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to make some magic! I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Now it’s your turn!

I’m so excited for you to try this Honey Butter Skillet Corn recipe. Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? I’d love to hear all about it! And don’t forget to share your photos on social media using #HoneyButterSkilletCorn – I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy cooking! Let me know what you think of this delicious Honey Butter Skillet Corn!