Introduction
Transform humble corn into a sensational side dish with this Honey Butter Skillet Corn recipe! It’s unbelievably easy, bursting with flavor, and perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to fancy BBQs. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this crowd-pleasing treat – it’s so good, they’ll be asking for seconds (and maybe thirds!).
Why This Works
This recipe shines because it’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory. The honey adds a touch of irresistible sweetness that balances beautifully with the salty butter and the natural corn flavor. It’s also incredibly quick and easy – minimal prep and cleanup make it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re already juggling a lot for a party. And everyone loves corn on the cob, but this skillet version takes it to the next level!
Key Ingredients
- 🌽 4 ears of fresh corn, shucked
- 🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 🍯 1/4 cup honey
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🌿 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the corn cooks evenly and gets beautifully tender.
2️⃣ Cut the corn kernels off the cob. You can do this by standing the corn upright and running a sharp knife down the length of each row. Alternatively, you can use a corn cutter for extra speed!
3️⃣ In a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal!), melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the honey, salt, and pepper.
4️⃣ Add the corn kernels to the skillet and toss gently to coat them completely in the honey-butter mixture. Mmm, delicious!
5️⃣ Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the corn is tender and slightly caramelized. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
6️⃣ Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy the sweet and savory goodness!
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end.
- If you don’t have fresh corn, you can use frozen corn – just adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. A dash of chili powder would add a nice kick!
Heat Control
The oven temperature of 400°F (200°C) is perfect for gently cooking the corn without burning it. This allows the honey to caramelize slightly, creating that beautiful sweet and sticky glaze. If your oven runs hot, keep a close eye on things and reduce the cooking time as needed.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe focuses on tender corn, you can add a bit of crunch by sprinkling some toasted slivered almonds or chopped pecans over the top just before serving.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For even faster prep, buy pre-shucked corn.
- To make cleanup a breeze, line your skillet with parchment paper before adding the corn.
- For a smoky flavor, grill the corn before adding it to the skillet.
Storage Tips
Leftover Honey Butter Skillet Corn can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn makes a fantastic side dish for potlucks and gatherings. Present it in a beautiful cast iron skillet, or transfer it to a festive serving bowl after cooking.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Honey Butter Corn: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the honey-butter mixture for a spicy kick.
🌟 Garlic Honey Butter Corn: Mince a few cloves of garlic and add them to the butter while it’s melting for a savory twist.
🌟 Herb-Infused Honey Butter Corn: Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs, such as chives, parsley, or thyme, for an extra layer of freshness.
🌟 Maple-Honey Butter Corn: Replace half of the honey with maple syrup for a richer, more complex sweetness.
Troubleshooting
- Corn is too dry: Add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth to the skillet during cooking.
- Corn is burning: Reduce the oven temperature or reduce the cooking time.
- Corn isn’t sweet enough: Increase the amount of honey or add a touch of brown sugar.
FAQ
- Can I make this recipe on the stovetop? Yes! Simply cook the corn in the skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until tender and slightly caramelized. This will take about 10-15 minutes.
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Can I use frozen corn? Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Start by checking for doneness after 10 minutes.
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What kind of skillet should I use? A cast iron skillet is ideal, but any oven-safe skillet will work.
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Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best to cook this right before serving to maximize the flavors and texture. However, the corn can be prepped ahead (kernels removed).
Conclusion
This Honey Butter Skillet Corn recipe is a true winner – simple, delicious, and guaranteed to impress. Share this recipe with your friends and family, and enjoy the sweet and savory goodness! Happy cooking!