Korean Corn Cheese is a rich and indulgent dish that combines sweet corn, creamy mayonnaise, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all topped with a touch of fresh green onion for a vibrant finish. Perfectly broiled to golden perfection in a cast iron skillet, this dish offers a delightful mix of sweetness, creaminess, and cheesy goodness.
Often served as a side dish or appetizer in Korean BBQ restaurants, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether paired with your favorite grilled meats or enjoyed on its own, Korean Corn Cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this dish is ready in under 20 minutes.
Irresistibly Cheesy: Gooey mozzarella creates the ultimate cheese pull, making every bite satisfying.
Perfect for Sharing: A crowd-pleasing side dish or appetizer that’s ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or BBQ nights.
Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, spice it up, or swap ingredients to make it your own.
Versatile: Enjoy it as a snack, side dish, or a topping for toast or baked potatoes.
Key Ingredients
Corn Kernels: Canned corn makes this recipe quick and easy, but fresh or frozen corn can also be used. Fresh corn adds extra sweetness, while frozen corn is great for convenience.
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the corn. Use Kewpie mayonnaise for a richer, umami-packed flavor.
Sugar: A small amount of sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the corn. Adjust to taste based on the sweetness of your corn.
Butter: Butter adds a luscious richness that makes the dish irresistible. Opt for unsalted butter to control the seasoning.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melty mozzarella is the star of this dish. Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly and gives a creamier texture than pre-shredded varieties.
Green Onion Thinly sliced green onions provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the rich cheese and creamy corn mixture.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Drain the Corn: Drain two 15-ounce cans of corn kernels thoroughly to remove excess liquid.
Slice Green Onion: Thinly slice one green onion for garnish. This adds a fresh burst of flavor and a pop of color.
Grate Cheese: Grate 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a creamier texture.
Step 2: Cook the Corn Mixture
Heat the Skillet: Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. This ensures even heat distribution for cooking and melting.
Add Corn and Butter: Add the drained corn and 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Stir until the butter is melted and coats the corn evenly.
Incorporate Mayonnaise and Sugar:
Stir in 1/3 cup of mayonnaise.
Add 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar. Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined and the sugar dissolves.
Season: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasoning.
Step 3: Melt the Cheese
Add Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the bubbling corn mixture.
Broil:
Place the skillet under the broiler in your oven.
Broil on low for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Garnish: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Sprinkle the sliced green onions on top for a fresh finish.
Serve: Serve the Korean Corn Cheese hot, directly from the skillet. Enjoy it as a side dish, appetizer, or perfect pairing for Korean BBQ.
Serving Suggestions
Korean Corn Cheese is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes:
Korean BBQ: Serve as a side dish alongside grilled meats like bulgogi, galbi, or samgyeopsal.
Tacos or Wraps: Use as a cheesy filling for tacos or lettuce wraps.
Snack or Appetizer: Serve it hot with tortilla chips or crusty bread for dipping.
Breakfast Twist: Top toast or a breakfast omelet with warm Korean Corn Cheese for a hearty morning treat.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftover corn cheese in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts until heated through. For extra gooey cheese, sprinkle on a little more mozzarella before reheating.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the mayonnaise and cheese may change upon thawing.
Variations
Spicy Corn Cheese: Add a dash of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) or Sriracha for a kick of heat.
Bacon Corn Cheese: Mix in crispy cooked bacon bits for a smoky, savory twist.
Garlic Lovers: Sauté minced garlic with the corn and butter for an extra layer of flavor.
Mexican-Inspired: Swap mayonnaise with crema, and top with cotija cheese and cilantro for a Mexican-style version.
Vegetarian Add-Ins: Add diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Korean Corn Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that’s simple to make yet incredibly satisfying. Its creamy, cheesy goodness combined with the sweetness of corn makes it a dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether as a side dish for BBQ or a snack to enjoy on a cozy evening.
Pro Tip: For a more golden-brown top, use a culinary torch to finish the melted mozzarella for that perfect caramelized finish!
So, grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a warm, gooey bite of Korean Corn Cheese. You’ll be hooked after the first cheesy forkful!
Korean Corn Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cans corn kernels 15 oz each, drained
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese grated
- 1 green onion thinly sliced, for garnish
- kosher salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain two 15-ounce cans of corn kernels thoroughly to remove excess liquid. Thinly slice one green onion for garnish, and grate 1 cup of mozzarella cheese for a creamier texture.
- Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the drained corn and 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Stir until the butter melts and coats the corn evenly. Stir in 1/3 cup mayonnaise and 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, mixing well. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the bubbling corn mixture. Place the skillet under the broiler on low for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let cool slightly. Sprinkle the sliced green onions on top. Serve hot, directly from the skillet, as a side dish, appetizer, or pairing for Korean BBQ.
