Sweet & Spicy Candied Corn Delight
This Sweet & Spicy Candied Corn Delight is a delightful twist on traditional holiday flavors, inspired by a Thanksgiving special of Down Home With The Neelys. Perfect as a side dish for festive gatherings, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of corn with a luscious mixture of honey and brown sugar, enhanced by a hint of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. Whether you're using frozen corn for convenience or fresh corn on the cob, this dish is quick to prepare and sure to impress your guests with its vibrant flavors. Ideal for Thanksgiving, summer barbecues, or any family dinner, it's an easy yet sophisticated addition to your meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Kerneled corn
16 ounces (frozen or canned)
Butter
1 tablespoon (unsalted)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Brown sugar
1 tablespoon (packed)
Honey
1 tablespoon (raw or processed)
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, and cayenne pepper to create a sweet and spicy mixture; set aside.
2
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add salt and black pepper, stirring to combine.
3
Add the kerneled corn to the skillet, stirring frequently, and cook until the corn is heated through and tender, about 2-3 minutes for frozen corn or 1-2 minutes for canned corn.
4
Reduce the heat to medium-high and pour in the brown sugar and honey mixture. Stir well to ensure all the corn is coated evenly with the glaze.
5
Continue to cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken slightly and caramelize, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
6
Once the corn is well-glazed and slightly glossy, remove from heat and serve immediately, enjoying the sweet and spicy flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet & Spicy Candied Corn Delight?
It is a festive side dish that combines the natural sweetness of corn with a honey and brown sugar glaze, finished with a hint of cayenne pepper.
What are the primary ingredients for this corn recipe?
The main ingredients include 16 ounces of kerneled corn, butter, salt, black pepper, brown sugar, honey, and cayenne pepper.
How do I make the sweet and spicy glaze?
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, and cayenne pepper until well mixed, then set it aside until the corn is ready.
Can I use frozen corn for this dish?
Yes, frozen corn works perfectly. Cook it in the skillet for 2-3 minutes until heated through before adding the glaze.
Is it possible to use canned corn instead?
Yes, canned corn is a convenient alternative. It typically only needs 1-2 minutes in the skillet to heat through.
What kind of butter is recommended?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of unsalted butter to allow for better control of the salt levels.
How much cayenne pepper should I use?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon, but you can adjust this amount to your personal spice tolerance.
Can I use fresh corn on the cob?
Yes, you can use fresh corn kernels; simply cut them off the cob before starting the cooking process.
What type of honey should I use?
You can use either raw or processed honey for this recipe.
Should the brown sugar be packed?
Yes, the recipe specifies one tablespoon of packed brown sugar for the best measurement.
What is the first step in cooking the corn?
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and stir in the salt and black pepper.
How long does the corn cook with the glaze?
After adding the glaze, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until it thickens and caramelizes.
How do I prevent the corn from sticking to the pan?
Stir the corn frequently, especially after adding the sugary glaze, to ensure it doesn't burn or stick.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is specifically inspired by holiday flavors and makes an excellent side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.
Can this dish be served at barbecues?
Absolutely! The sweet and spicy profile pairs very well with grilled meats and summer barbecue menus.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The corn should be tender and coated in a glossy, slightly thickened syrup.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can make it vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative and using maple syrup or agave instead of honey.
Is Sweet & Spicy Candied Corn Delight gluten-free?
Based on the listed ingredients (corn, butter, sugar, honey, spices), this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients. Just ensure you use a large enough skillet to prevent overcrowding.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
What is the best way to reheat this corn?
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the glaze consistency, or use a microwave in short intervals.
Does this recipe use a lot of salt?
It uses 1 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust this 'to taste' as indicated in the ingredients.
Can I add other spices?
While the recipe focuses on cayenne, a touch of smoked paprika or garlic powder could add extra depth.
What heat setting should I use?
Start with medium heat for melting butter and cooking the corn, then increase to medium-high once the glaze is added.
Who inspired this recipe?
The dish is inspired by a Thanksgiving special of Down Home With The Neelys.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is very fast, requiring only about 5-10 minutes of total cook time once your ingredients are ready.
Can I use light or dark brown sugar?
Either will work, though dark brown sugar will provide a slightly deeper molasses flavor.
Should I drain the corn if using canned?
Yes, ensure you drain canned corn thoroughly before adding it to the buttered skillet.
Can I use a honey substitute?
Yes, maple syrup is a great alternative that still provides the necessary stickiness for the glaze.
Is the corn supposed to be caramelized?
Yes, the final cooking stage allows the sugars to caramelize slightly, giving the corn a glossy finish.