If you love dishes that combine sweet, creamy, and cheesy flavors into one irresistible bite, then you are going to absolutely adore this Korean Corn Cheese Recipe. It’s a delightful fusion of simple ingredients like sweet corn and gooey mozzarella, elevated by a touch of butter, mayonnaise, and a subtle hint of sugar. This dish is a shining example of comfort food at its best — easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to something special. Whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or a longtime fan, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each contributing to the vibrant texture and incredible flavor that makes this Korean Corn Cheese Recipe so comforting and crave-worthy.
- Sweet corn kernels (2 cups): Fresh, canned, or frozen, corn adds the natural sweetness and pleasant crunch that’s the star of this dish.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup): This melts beautifully to create that signature gooey, stretchy cheese layer that every bite needs.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Adds rich creaminess and binds the ingredients together with a subtle tang.
- Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): Brings a lovely buttery aroma and helps sauté the onions perfectly.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances the savory and creamy with a touch of sweetness that elevates the corn’s natural flavor.
- Onion, finely chopped (1/4 cup): Adds a mild sweetness and depth once sautéed.
- Green onions, chopped (1 tablespoon, optional): Provides a vibrant color and fresh bite as a garnish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to round out the flavors just right.
How to Make Korean Corn Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Corn
If you’re using canned corn, make sure to drain it well so your dish doesn’t get soggy. For frozen corn, thaw it first and drain any excess water. This prep step ensures your corn maintains its natural sweetness and perfect texture in the final dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Heat your skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté them until they become translucent and soft. This step releases the natural sweetness in the onions and forms the flavorful base for the corn mixture.
Step 3: Cook the Corn
Stir in the corn kernels and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they become tender and slightly warm. This brings out the corn’s natural juiciness and starts blending the flavors together beautifully.
Step 4: Season and Mix
Add the sugar, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper, then mix everything thoroughly so each kernel is coated. This combination creates a luscious, creamy texture with balanced flavors that make the dish so addictive.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Melt
Spread the corn mixture evenly across the skillet. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top in an even layer. Reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid to let the cheese melt gently, forming that irresistible bubbly, stretchy cheese blanket over the corn.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
Once the cheese is melted and bubbling, remove the lid. Optionally, sprinkle chopped green onions to add a fresh contrast and pop of color. Serve the Korean Corn Cheese straight from the skillet for a warm, inviting experience that’s hard to beat.
How to Serve Korean Corn Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are a classic garnish, lending a crisp texture and subtle brightness. You could also try a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a drizzle of spicy Sriracha for an extra kick if you like a bit of heat with your creamy corn.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like bulgogi or Korean BBQ pork. It’s also fantastic alongside a fresh green salad or as a rich side to crispy fried chicken, providing a comforting cheesy contrast to these bolder flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Korean Corn Cheese in cute individual cast iron skillets or mini gratin dishes for a fun party appetizer. You can also turn it into a loaded baked potato topping, or spread it over toasted baguette slices for an easy cheesy snack that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Korean Corn Cheese in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The dish will lose some of its freshly melted charm but will still taste comforting and satisfying.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended because the texture of the corn and cheese mixture changes when frozen and thawed, often becoming watery or grainy, which takes away from the quality of this dish.
Reheating
To reheat, softly warm the leftovers in a skillet over low heat, covering it so the cheese melts again slowly. Avoid microwaving directly as the cheese may separate and the corn can become rubbery or dry.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of mozzarella?
While mozzarella is preferred for its stretchiness and mild flavor, you can experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack or cheddar. However, these will alter the dish’s texture and taste slightly, and the iconic gooey stretch might be reduced.
Is this dish spicy?
The classic Korean Corn Cheese Recipe is not spicy, making it perfect for all palates. If you want to add heat, consider sprinkling some chili flakes or serving with a spicy dipping sauce on the side.
Can this dish be made vegan?
You can create a vegan version by using plant-based butter, vegan mayonnaise, and a dairy-free cheese substitute. The sweetness of the corn will still shine through, though the texture will be a bit different.
Is it necessary to use mayonnaise?
Mayonnaise is key to getting that creamy, slightly tangy richness that binds the corn and cheese together. Skipping it could make the dish less cohesive and slightly less flavorful, so it’s worth including for an authentic experience.
How long does it take to make Korean Corn Cheese?
This recipe is wonderfully quick, requiring about 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes to cook. It’s a fantastic go-to dish when you want something delicious without a long time commitment.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Korean Corn Cheese Recipe a try because it’s one of those versatile, delightful dishes that brings so much joy with its creamy, cheesy goodness balanced by sweet corn. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones. Once you experience that melty cheese and sweet corn together, you’ll find yourself coming back to this comforting recipe again and again.
Print
Korean Corn Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 25m
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
Korean Corn Cheese is a popular savory snack featuring sweet corn kernels sautéed with onions and butter, then topped with creamy mayonnaise and melted mozzarella cheese for a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and cheesy flavors. This quick and easy recipe is perfect as an appetizer or comforting side dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups sweet corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Corn: If using canned corn, drain the corn kernels thoroughly. If using frozen corn, thaw and drain any excess water to avoid sogginess.
- Melt Butter: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter until shimmering.
- Sauté Onions: Add the finely chopped onions to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Add Corn: Stir in the corn kernels and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and absorb the buttery flavor.
- Season: Mix in the sugar, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the corn mixture for a balanced sweet and savory taste.
- Top with Cheese: Spread the corn mixture evenly across the skillet surface and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
- Melt Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid, allowing the cheese to melt fully into a bubbly, gooey topping.
- Garnish: Once the cheese is melted, uncover the skillet and sprinkle the chopped green onions on top if desired.
- Serve: Serve the dish hot straight from the skillet and enjoy the stretchy, cheesy delight.
Notes
- You can use fresh, canned, or frozen corn according to availability; just ensure they are well-drained.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the corn mixture.
- Mayonnaise adds creaminess and tang; do not substitute with other sauces for authentic taste.
- Use a good quality mozzarella cheese to achieve the best melting and stretchiness.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the cheese is still gooey and warm.
