Description
Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a delightful sweet and savory side dish that quickly caramelizes fresh or canned corn kernels in a luscious honey-infused butter sauce. Enhanced with aromatic thyme and a hint of smoked paprika, this easy skillet recipe delivers a comforting, flavorful complement to any meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 6–8 ears of corn) or 2 cans of corn, drained
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare the Corn: If using fresh corn, shuck each ear by removing the husks and silk. Hold each ear upright in a bowl and carefully slice down the sides to remove the kernels. For canned corn, simply drain and set aside.
- Make Honey Butter Mixture: In a medium saucepan, gently melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until bubbly. Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in the honey until fully incorporated. Add salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if desired, mixing well to blend all flavors.
- Cook the Corn: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels, cooking fresh corn for 5-7 minutes and canned corn for 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to allow the corn to caramelize slightly and develop a golden hue.
- Combine Corn with Honey Butter: Reduce the skillet heat to low. Pour the prepared honey butter mixture over the corn, stirring well to coat all kernels evenly. Add the fresh or dried thyme leaves and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the honey butter skillet corn to a serving dish and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. Serve warm as a deliciously sweet and savory side dish.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, don’t skip the smoked paprika. It adds depth without overpowering the sweetness.
- Fresh corn is preferred for the best texture and taste, but canned corn works well for a quicker version.
- Adjust honey quantity for more or less sweetness according to your preference.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as part of a summer BBQ spread.
- To make this vegan, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
