Korean Corn Cheese is a deliciously creamy and cheesy side dish that’s a popular comfort food in Korean cuisine. It’s made with sweet corn kernels mixed with a creamy sauce, often consisting of mayonnaise, butter, and cheese, then baked until golden and bubbly. The dish is typically topped with melted mozzarella cheese, giving it a rich, gooey texture, and sometimes garnished with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an added kick. The sweetness of the corn and the richness of the cheese create a perfect harmony of flavors.
The first time I made this, I was looking for something indulgent yet comforting, and Korean Corn Cheese became an instant favorite! The sweet corn combined with the creamy cheese and the slight hint of butter made for a truly satisfying dish. What I love most about this dish is how easy it is to prepare yet feels so decadent. It’s perfect as a side dish for Korean BBQ, a snack, or even as an appetizer for gatherings. It’s a dish that’s sure to delight anyone who loves cheese and sweet corn!
Perfect for:
- Korean barbecue side dishes
- Casual gatherings
- Movie nights
- Comfort food cravings
- Cheese lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Korean Corn Cheese will become your go-to dish:
- Cheesy Goodness: A blanket of melty mozzarella makes this dish irresistible.
- Sweet and Savory Flavor: The perfect balance of sweet corn and savory cheese.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Customizable Ingredients: Add spice, beef bacon, or vegetables for a personalized touch.
- Great Side Dish: Complements Korean barbecue or other grilled meats perfectly.
- Kid-Friendly: A hit with kids thanks to its creamy texture and mild flavors.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
- Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or family dinners.
- Serve Hot or Warm: Delicious straight from the oven or at room temperature.
- Minimal Cleanup: Only requires one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 12g, Fat: 18g
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups canned or fresh corn kernels
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
- 2 slices cooked beef bacon, crumbled
Ingredient Highlights
- Sweet Corn: Provides natural sweetness and the base for this dish.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Adds gooey, melty goodness.
- Mayonnaise: Enhances creaminess and binds the ingredients.
- Gochugaru (optional): Adds a subtle heat for spice lovers.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Corn Mixture:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine corn kernels, mayonnaise, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until well coated.
- Optional Add-Ins: Fold in green onions, gochugaru, or crumbled beef bacon if desired.
Assemble the Dish:
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the corn mixture into a small oven-safe dish or skillet.
- Add Cheese: Top evenly with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake:
- Bake Until Golden: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Serve:
- Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle with additional green onions or gochugaru if desired. Serve hot.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Korean Corn Cheese:
- As a Korean Barbecue Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with grilled meats like bulgogi or galbi.
- With Rice: Serve alongside steamed rice for a simple yet hearty meal.
- As a Snack: Enjoy on its own during movie nights or casual gatherings.
- With Chips: Scoop it up with tortilla chips for a fun, fusion-style dip.
- At Potlucks: A crowd-pleaser for parties or buffet-style meals.
- With Bread: Spread it on toasted baguette slices for a unique appetizer.
- Topped with Herbs: Garnish with parsley or cilantro for added freshness.
- In a Sandwich: Use it as a filling for a cheesy corn melt sandwich.
- With Spicy Foods: Balances the heat of spicy dishes like kimchi stew.
- As a Pizza Topping: Use it as a creative topping for homemade pizza.
Additional Tips
- Use Sweet Corn: Opt for sweet corn to enhance the natural sweetness that complements the cheese and mayo.
- Grill for Extra Flavor: If you have access to a grill, try grilling the corn mixture for a smokier taste and a nice char on the edges.
- Use Mayonnaise Sparingly: Adjust the amount of mayonnaise to taste, but don’t overdo it—too much mayo can make the dish too creamy.
- Try Different Cheese: While mozzarella is traditional, mixing it with cheddar or gouda can give your corn cheese a richer, more complex flavor.
- Add a Dash of Sugar: A small pinch of sugar can bring out the sweetness of the corn and balance the richness of the mayo and cheese.
- Use a Cast-Iron Pan: Cooking the corn cheese in a cast-iron skillet can help get a crispier, golden top, enhancing both texture and flavor.
- Spice it Up: For a kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha on top after cooking.
- Fresh Garlic: Adding a little bit of minced garlic to the mixture will give the corn cheese an aromatic, savory depth.
- Topping with Green Onions: Chopped green onions sprinkled on top right before serving can add freshness and crunch to the dish.
- Serve with a Side of Chips or Bread: Corn cheese is often served as a side dish or appetizer. Pairing it with crispy chips or soft bread makes for a perfect snack!
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Corn Cheese: Add diced jalapeños or red chili flakes to the corn mixture for a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the corn.
- Beef Bacon Corn Cheese: Fry crispy beef bacon and crumble it over the corn cheese for a savory, smoky flavor that elevates the dish.
- Cheddar and Mozzarella Corn Cheese: Swap half of the mozzarella with sharp cheddar cheese to give the dish a tangy, rich twist.
- Kimchi Corn Cheese: Mix in finely chopped kimchi for a flavorful, fermented bite that adds depth to the sweetness of the corn.
- Grilled Corn Cheese: Grill the corn before mixing it into the cheese mixture for a smoky, charred flavor.
- Garlic Butter Corn Cheese: Add roasted garlic or garlic butter to the corn mixture for an aromatic, buttery richness that complements the cheese.
- Chicken Corn Cheese: Shred some cooked chicken breast into the mix for a more substantial and protein-packed version.
- Mushroom Corn Cheese: Sauté mushrooms and mix them into the corn cheese for an earthy flavor that pairs well with the cheesy goodness.
- Sweet Potato Corn Cheese: Dice up roasted sweet potatoes and mix them with the corn for a creamy, naturally sweet variation.
- Seafood Corn Cheese: Add small shrimp or crab meat to the corn and cheese mixture for a seafood twist that makes the dish feel more indulgent.
Special Equipment
- Mixing Bowl – To combine all the ingredients together.
- Oven – For baking the corn cheese until it’s golden and bubbly.
- Baking Dish – A casserole dish or oven-safe pan to cook the cheese and corn mixture.
- Spatula – For mixing the ingredients and spreading them evenly.
- Measuring Cups – To measure the correct amounts of ingredients.
- Measuring Spoons – For precision when adding smaller amounts of ingredients like sugar or salt.
- Grater – If using block cheese, you’ll need a grater to shred it.
- Aluminum Foil – To cover the baking dish while it cooks to prevent the top from burning.
- Cheese Slicer – For slicing any additional cheese to top the dish (if needed).
- Tongs – If you’re adding garnishes or serving the dish, tongs can help with a clean presentation.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
Yes, thaw the frozen corn and drain excess liquid before using. - How long does this dish last in the fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. - Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish ahead and bake just before serving. - What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
Sour cream or Greek yogurt are good alternatives. - Can I skip the sugar?
Yes, omit the sugar if you prefer a less sweet version. - What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly. - Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a larger dish and adjust baking time accordingly. - How do I prevent the cheese from hardening?
Serve immediately and keep warm if possible. - Is it gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free. - Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese and butter substitutes for a lactose-free option.
Conclusion
Korean Corn Cheese is a comforting and cheesy dish that’s popular in Korean cuisine, often served as a side or appetizer. It’s made by mixing sweet corn kernels with a rich, gooey combination of mayonnaise and cheese, then baking it until golden and bubbly. The dish is often topped with melted mozzarella or a blend of cheeses for extra creaminess and flavor, and you might see it garnished with a sprinkle of black pepper or a dash of paprika for a bit of spice.
The sweetness of the corn pairs perfectly with the creamy, melty cheese, creating a comforting and indulgent dish that’s both savory and slightly sweet. It’s commonly enjoyed alongside Korean BBQ or as a fun, shareable snack at gatherings. The cheesy texture and golden top make it irresistibly addictive!
I can’t wait to see how your Korean Corn Cheese turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!