If you have a soft spot for melty cheese and sweet, juicy corn, then the Korean Cheese Corn Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This delightful dish perfectly marries the natural sweetness of corn with the rich creaminess of melted mozzarella, all brought together with a touch of buttery goodness and a hint of mayo for that irresistible creaminess Korean BBQ lovers rave about. It’s an easy-to-make, warm, and comforting side that adds a little sparkle to any meal or gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the straightforward list fool you — each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering the harmony of flavors and textures that make this Korean Cheese Corn Recipe so addictive. From the sweet corn to the luscious mozzarella, these staples come together effortlessly to create magic in your oven.
- 1½ cups canned sweet corn (drained): The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and a juicy pop with every bite.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted): Enhances richness and helps everything meld beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional): A little extra sweetness to boost the corn’s natural flavor, totally optional depending on your taste.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Brings out the flavors and balances the dish perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A mild peppery note that keeps things interesting.
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Gooey, stretchy, and oh-so-cheesy, the heart of the dish.
- 1 green onion (sliced, optional for garnish): Adds freshness and a mild crunch.
How to Make Korean Cheese Corn Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by setting your oven to 425°F (220°C) or switching on the broiler to high. This ensures your dish will get that perfect golden, bubbly cheese finish. Having a properly heated oven is key for the cheese melt and that delightful browning that makes the Korean Cheese Corn Recipe so inviting.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a mixing bowl, combine your drained sweet corn, mayonnaise, melted butter, sugar if you’re using it, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until fully blended. This mixture is what gives the dish its cozy creamy texture and well-rounded flavor. Each spoonful bursts with corn sweetness and buttery goodness.
Step 3: Transfer and Top
Pour the corn mixture into a small oven-safe skillet or baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then generously layer the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Don’t be shy here — the more cheese, the more mouthwatering the final result!
Step 4: Bake and Brown
Pop the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese has melted into a glorious bubbling layer. If you want that irresistible golden brown crust, switch your oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes — just watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn. This final touch transforms the cheese into a perfectly toasted, slightly crisp topping that is pure comfort food heaven.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the Korean Cheese Corn Recipe rest for a minute so it cools just enough for easy serving. Sprinkle with sliced green onions for a fresh, mild bite that adds a pop of color and flavor contrast. This step really elevates the dish’s presentation and taste.
How to Serve Korean Cheese Corn Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped green onions are the classic go-to, adding a peppery crunch. For some heat, try a pinch of Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) or some diced jalapeños sprinkled on top. These garnishes inject a lively kick and deepen the flavor profile, giving you options to customize the dish to your liking.
Side Dishes
This Korean Cheese Corn fits perfectly alongside Korean BBQ grilled meats, such as bulgogi or galbi. It’s also a fantastic companion to crispy fried chicken or even as a decadent snack with cold beer. The creamy, cheesy, and slightly sweet elements provide a delightful contrast to savory mains.
Creative Ways to Present
Going beyond the classic skillet, try serving Korean Cheese Corn in mini cast iron dishes for individual portions, or use large mushroom caps or halved bell peppers as edible bowls. You could also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over the top or drizzle a little honey for a subtle sweet-salty play. These creative twists make the dish visually stunning and surprisingly versatile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Korean Cheese Corn Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, keeping the flavors intact but the texture might soften a bit.
Freezing
This dish doesn’t freeze very well because the cheese and cream mixture change texture upon thawing. For the best experience, enjoy it fresh or keep leftovers refrigerated only.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the leftovers into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is re-melted. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cheese rubbery and the corn watery.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh corn kernels can be a great alternative. Just cook or steam them slightly before mixing to ensure they are tender and juicy for the texture this recipe demands.
Is mayonnaise necessary in the recipe?
Mayonnaise is key for that luscious creaminess and subtle tang that balances the sweetness. However, if you want a lighter version, you can reduce it or substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt, but expect a slightly different flavor.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Mozzarella is preferred for its meltiness and stretch, but if you want something sharper, mixing in mild cheddar or Monterey Jack can add an interesting flavor dimension.
How spicy can I make this Korean Cheese Corn Recipe?
You can adjust heat easily by adding Korean chili flakes, Sriracha, or diced jalapeños. Start with a little and build up to your preferred spice level for that exciting kick.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This recipe contains no meat or fish and is perfect as a vegetarian side dish or appetizer to accompany a variety of meals.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about the gooey cheese and sweet corn combo in the Korean Cheese Corn Recipe that makes it a must-try for any home cook. Whether you’re looking to elevate your Korean BBQ night or just crave an indulgent cozy side, this recipe comes together quickly and promises big flavor. Give it a whirl and watch it become a fast favorite on your table!
Print
Korean Cheese Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Korean Cheese Corn is a delightful and creamy side dish featuring sweet corn mixed with mayonnaise and butter, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This popular Korean BBQ appetizer is baked to perfection until bubbly and golden, making it an irresistible addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1½ cups canned sweet corn (drained)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- 1 green onion (sliced, optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or set the broiler to high to get ready for baking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, stir together the drained sweet corn, mayonnaise, melted butter, sugar (if using), salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Transfer and Spread: Pour the corn mixture into a small oven-safe skillet or baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Add Cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the corn mixture, covering it evenly.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling around the edges.
- Broil for Browning: For a beautifully browned and slightly crisp cheese topping, broil the dish for an additional 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to sit for a minute to set slightly. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired before serving.
Notes
- Serve hot and bubbly for the best flavor and texture as a side dish or appetizer.
- For some heat, consider adding a pinch of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) or diced jalapeños to the corn mixture.
- This dish is a favorite in Korean BBQ restaurants and pairs wonderfully with grilled meats.
