Buttered Hominy
Plump, tender hominy kernels simmered until warm and coated in melted butter. This humble Southern staple comes together in minutes with just a handful of pantry ingredients. A simple, comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with fried chicken, barbecue, or collard greens.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~1 min
Drain and rinse the hominy.
Open the can of hominy and pour into a colander. Rinse under cool water to remove the canning liquid. Let drain.
- boil · ~6 min
Warm the hominy.
Place the rinsed hominy in a medium saucepan with the water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through and most of the water has evaporated, about 5 to 7 minutes.
TIPA little water keeps the hominy from scorching before it's fully warmed. - mix · ~1 min
Add the butter and season.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the butter, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently until the butter melts completely and coats every kernel.
- serve · ~1 min
Transfer to a serving bowl and serve hot.
Spoon the buttered hominy into a warm serving bowl. Serve immediately alongside fried chicken, pork chops, or collard greens.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Rinse hominy thoroughly to remove the metallic taste from the canning liquid.
- 2Use unsalted butter for full control over seasoning; add salt to taste at the end.
- 3Heat the hominy in water first so the kernels plump up and warm evenly without sticking.
- 4Stir gently when adding butter to keep the hominy kernels whole and tender.
- 5Serve immediately; buttered hominy stiffens as it cools, so eat it hot.
- 6For extra richness, swap half the butter for bacon fat.
- 7Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of water or broth.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce along with the black pepper for a warm kick that cuts through the rich butter.
herb butterHerb butter
Mix in 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, chives, or thyme after melting the butter for a fresh, green flavor note.
cheesyCheesy
Stir in 1/4 cup of shredded sharp cheddar or crumbled cotija cheese after removing from heat for a creamy, savory side.
lower fatLower-fat
Replace 1 tablespoon of butter with olive oil or use a light butter blend to reduce saturated fat while keeping the hominy moist.
garlic butterGarlic butter
Sauté 1 minced garlic clove in the butter before adding the hominy for a fragrant, savory depth.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Fiber
Hominy is made from dried corn treated with lime, which retains the hull and offers a decent amount of dietary fiber to support digestion.
Low in Sugar
This dish contains no added sugar and the natural sugars in hominy are minimal, making it suitable for low-sugar diets.
Gluten-Free
Both hominy and plain butter are naturally gluten-free, making this side dish safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Rich in B Vitamins
Hominy provides niacin (vitamin B3) from the corn kernel, which supports energy metabolism and skin health.
Frequently asked questions
Hominy has a mild, slightly sweet corn flavor and a plump, tender texture similar to firm beans or gnocchi.
