Korean Corn Cheese Recipe
If you’ve never tasted Korean Corn Cheese, you’re in for a delightful surprise. This dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—creamy, cheesy, and slightly sweet with tender corn kernels making every bite irresistible. It’s a perfect combination of textures and flavors that’s as comforting as it is exciting. This Korean Corn Cheese Recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that transforms any meal or snack time into a cozy celebration you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the basics right is what makes this Korean Corn Cheese Recipe shine. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s lending creaminess, sweetness, saltiness, or that melt-in-your-mouth cheesy goodness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and helps sauté the corn evenly without overpowering its natural sweetness.
- Canned sweet corn: Convenient and tender, it’s the star that brings sweetness and texture to the dish.
- Mayonnaise: Provides creamy depth and a subtle tang that balances the cheese.
- Sugar: Just a touch enhances the corn’s natural sweetness and complements the savory elements.
- Salt: Elevates all flavors for a perfectly seasoned bite.
- Ground black pepper: Offers mild heat and earthiness to cut through the richness.
- Mozzarella cheese: The melty, gooey topping that’s essential for that bubbly, golden crust we crave.
- Green onion (optional): Adds a pop of fresh color and mild sharpness for garnish.
How to Make Korean Corn Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Corn
Begin by melting the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the drained canned corn and gently sauté it for about 2 to 3 minutes. This quick cooking warms the corn through and gives it a slight toasty edge that enhances its flavor beautifully.
Step 2: Mix in the Creamy Flavors
Next, stir in the mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and ground black pepper. Mixing these together ensures that every corn kernel is coated with creamy, sweet, and savory goodness. Let it cook for another 2 minutes while stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.
Step 3: Add the Cheesy Topping
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly across the top of your corn mixture. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil to trap heat. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts into that glorious gooey layer we all dream about.
Step 4: Get that Golden Finish
For the final touch, place the skillet under a broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely as the cheese bubbles and turns beautiful golden brown. This step transforms the dish from creamy to decadently crispy on top. Remove from heat and optionally top with thinly sliced green onions for a fresh burst of flavor and color.
How to Serve Korean Corn Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Slicing fresh green onions into delicate rounds provides a lovely vibrant contrast both in flavor and appearance. If you like a little kick, sprinkle some gochugaru or add tiny diced jalapeños on top. These garnishes brighten up every bite and add a touch of personality to this comforting favorite.
Side Dishes
Korean Corn Cheese makes a fantastic companion to grilled meats, spicy stews, or even simple rice. It’s commonly enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, but pairing it with dishes like bulgogi or kimchi fried rice turns it into part of a wonderfully complete Korean feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Korean Corn Cheese in individual ramekins for a cozy, personal touch. You can also layer it over toasted baguette slices for an elevated appetizer or stuff it inside lettuce wraps for a fun finger food experience. The gooey texture lends itself perfectly to so many inventive presentations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Korean Corn Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the cheese might firm up once chilled, but a quick reheat will bring back that melty magic.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place the cooled Korean Corn Cheese in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the Korean Corn Cheese in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly again. You can also use a microwave for convenience, but the oven will help maintain a better texture, especially for the cheesy topping.
FAQs
Can I use fresh or frozen corn instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh or frozen corn kernels work beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw frozen corn well and drain fresh corn if necessary before cooking.
Is this recipe spicy?
The classic Korean Corn Cheese Recipe is mild and creamy. If you want spice, adding a pinch of Korean red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños will give it a nice kick without overpowering the dish.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Mozzarella is ideal for its meltability and mild flavor, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack or mild cheddar. Just keep in mind some cheeses may alter the final texture or taste slightly.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat or animal-based broths. It’s a fantastic go-to option for a cheesy, comforting veggie side or snack.
Can Korean Corn Cheese Recipe be made vegan?
To veganize the dish, use vegan butter, plant-based mayo, and vegan mozzarella cheese alternatives. The sweetness and texture will remain delicious, making it a perfect vegan indulgence.
Final Thoughts
If you want to treat yourself to something wonderfully cheesy and satisfyingly sweet, you have to try this Korean Corn Cheese Recipe. It’s incredibly simple but packs so much cozy flavor, perfect for sharing or simply enjoying on your own. Once you make it, this dish will become one of your go-to comfort snacks or side dishes. Get ready to fall in love with this delightful Korean classic!
Print
Korean Corn Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Korean Corn Cheese is a popular Korean side dish that features sweet corn sautéed with butter and mayonnaise, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-make dish combines creamy, sweet, and savory flavors with a gooey cheesy topping, perfect as an appetizer, side, or snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cups canned sweet corn (drained)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 green onion (thinly sliced, optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until completely liquefied.
- Sauté Corn: Add the drained canned sweet corn to the skillet and sauté for 2–3 minutes until warmed through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Mix Seasonings: Stir in the mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and ground black pepper, ensuring the corn is coated evenly with the mixture. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the corn mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil to trap steam and let cook for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional Broil: For a golden brown top, carefully place the skillet under a broiler for 1–2 minutes until the cheese browns lightly. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with thinly sliced green onion if desired, and serve the Korean corn cheese hot as an appetizer, side dish, or snack.
Notes
- You can substitute canned corn with fresh or frozen corn according to availability.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) or finely chopped jalapeño.
- This dish is versatile and great as an appetizer, side dish, or casual snack.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
