Korean Cheese Corn Recipe
Korean Cheese Corn is the ultimate comfort food side dish that brings together sweet, juicy corn and gooey, melty mozzarella cheese in one irresistible skillet. The creamy, buttery base with mayo and a hint of sugar elevates the humble corn, creating a salty-sweet flavor explosion that’s iconic at Korean BBQ spots and totally addictive. Thanks to its quick cook time and universal appeal, this dish is just as perfect for a weekday treat as it is for wowing a crowd at your next dinner party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Korean Cheese Corn truly special is its simplicity—each ingredient works in harmony to hit the perfect balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and cheesy. You probably have most items in your kitchen already, and each one shines in its role here!
- Unsalted butter: Rich and creamy, butter gives the corn a luscious flavor base and helps all the ingredients meld together.
- Corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned): The star ingredient—choose sweet, plump kernels for the best bite and color.
- Mayonnaise: Adds incredible creaminess and a subtle tang, making the sauce silkier and more decadent.
- Granulated sugar: Just a spoonful enhances the natural sweetness of the corn and balances the cheese.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors into focus and keeps the dish from tasting flat.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and subtle heat in every bite.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: For that signature stretchy, bubbly, golden topping—don’t skimp!
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish): Fresh and colorful, they finish the dish with a pop of flavor and brightness.
How to Make Korean Cheese Corn
Step 1: Sauté the Corn
Start by melting your unsalted butter in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once the butter sizzles and turns fragrant, add the corn kernels. Whether you use fresh, frozen, or canned, the trick is to let the corn get a little bit of color and warmth—about 3 to 4 minutes of stirring. This brings out that incredible sweetness and builds the foundation for the rest of your Korean Cheese Corn.
Step 2: Mix in Creamy Sauce
Once your corn is heated through, stir in the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until each kernel is beautifully coated in a creamy, glossy sauce. This step is where the flavors truly start mingling—the mayo amplifies the corn’s creaminess, while the sugar gently heightens its sweetness.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
With your corn base prepped and seasoned, spread it out evenly across your skillet. Generously shower the top with shredded mozzarella cheese, covering the corn completely. That’s the secret to the signature cheese pull you’re after in Korean Cheese Corn.
Step 4: Broil for Bubbly Perfection
Pop the skillet under your oven’s broiler for just 2 to 3 minutes. Keep an eye on it! The goal is a bubbly, melted surface with those gorgeous golden-brown spots—too long, and the cheese can burn. Once it’s perfectly gooey and caramelized, take your skillet out and marvel at the molten top.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the piping hot cheese and watch the fresh green color come to life on top of all that decadence. Serve straight from the skillet while it’s still sizzling—you want everyone to experience the ultimate cheese pull!
How to Serve Korean Cheese Corn
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! If green onions aren’t enough, try a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a dash of Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) for heat and color. Some even add a squeeze of lime or lemon for a zesty boost. Whatever you choose, the right garnish can make your Korean Cheese Corn truly pop.
Side Dishes
Korean Cheese Corn is most famously paired with Korean BBQ, acting as a creamy, cheesy relief between smoky bites of grilled beef or pork. But it’s also fantastic next to spicy fried chicken, crispy tofu, or any dish that could use a little creamy-sweet balance. Add kimchi, japchae, or crunchy pickled radish for a full Korean feast.
Creative Ways to Present
While serving this dish straight from the skillet is wonderfully rustic, you can also portion Korean Cheese Corn into small ramekins for individual servings at parties or as an appetizer. For a fun twist, offer it as a tostada topping, a filling for tacos, or even as a warm dip with tortilla chips—the possibilities are as endless as your creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your Korean Cheese Corn cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh and tasty in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ready to satisfy any late-night cravings.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze your Korean Cheese Corn if needed. Place in a freezer-safe container, pressing a piece of parchment on top to reduce freezer burn. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring back that melty magic, reheat your leftovers in a 350°F oven until the cheese is bubbly and warmed through—about 10 minutes should do it. For a quick fix, you can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, but the oven or a skillet always delivers the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella makes Korean Cheese Corn delightfully stretchy and gooey, you can experiment with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination for extra zing. Just keep in mind that mozzarella provides the iconic pull and neutral flavor everyone adores.
Is there a vegan version of Korean Cheese Corn?
Yes! Simply use vegan butter, vegan mayonnaise, and your favorite plant-based shredded cheese. The corn and flavorings stay the same, so you can still enjoy this classic side even with dietary preferences.
Can I add meat or other veggies?
Definitely. Some folks love mixing in diced ham, bacon bits, or sautéed bell peppers for extra flavor and color. You can even stir in a bit of cream cheese for an ultra-creamy version, or up the heat with jalapeños or Korean chili paste.
What type Side Dish, Appetizer
While fresh corn kernels cut right off the cob have unbeatable sweetness and texture, high-quality frozen or drained canned corn works beautifully—especially when corn isn’t in season. Just focus on using whole kernels for the best bite.
Can I make Korean Cheese Corn ahead for a party?
Absolutely. You can prep the corn mixture and refrigerate it (without the cheese topping) a day in advance. When ready to serve, return it to the skillet, add your mozzarella, and broil until bubbly for that just-made appeal.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Korean Cheese Corn, it’s hard not to crave that chewy, creamy, cheesy bite again and again. Whether as a standout side or a party-stopping appetizer, this recipe always brings a smile (and plenty of cheese pulls) to the table. Go ahead—grab your skillet and lose yourself in the magic of Korean Cheese Corn!
Print
Korean Cheese Corn Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Korean Cheese Corn is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the sweetness of corn with creamy cheese and a hint of Korean flavors. It’s a popular side dish often served with Korean BBQ or enjoyed as a snack.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- In a large oven-safe skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add corn and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through.
- Stir in mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper, mixing well. Spread the mixture evenly in the skillet.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Place under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
- Remove from oven, garnish with green onions, and serve hot straight from the skillet.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of cream cheese for creaminess or sprinkle with a pinch of chili flakes for spice.
- This dish is often served as a Korean BBQ side dish (banchan).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop, Broiling
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
