Korean Corn Cheese is the ultimate comfort dish, blending sweet corn, creamy mayonnaise, and melted mozzarella cheese into one irresistible skillet of flavor. Finished with a golden, bubbly top and garnished with fresh green onions, it’s a perfect side dish, appetizer, or even a snack.
This easy-to-make dish combines the natural sweetness of corn with rich, savory cheese for a flavor-packed experience. Serve it warm straight from the skillet and pair it with crusty bread or enjoy it on its own for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s both simple and satisfying!
Why You’ll Love It:
Irresistibly Cheesy: The combination of creamy corn and gooey, golden mozzarella is comfort food at its finest.
Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and under 20 minutes from start to finish, this is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding kids, or simply treating yourself, everyone will devour this dish.
Customizable: This recipe is easily adjustable to suit your taste—add some spice, swap the cheese, or make it lighter.
Perfect Pairing: It complements Korean barbecue beautifully but also works as a standalone treat or dip.
Key Ingredients:
Corn Options: If you’re using fresh corn, grill or boil it first for extra depth of flavor. For frozen corn, thaw it and pat dry before cooking.
Cheese Choices: While mozzarella is classic, you can experiment with other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even a mix of cheeses for added flavor complexity.
Mayonnaise Substitute: If you’re not a fan of mayo, you can use sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Drain the Corn:
Open 2 cans of corn kernels (15 oz each) and drain well to remove excess liquid.
Place the drained corn in a large bowl and set aside.
Grate the Cheese:
Grate 1 cup of mozzarella cheese from a block for better melt and flavor.
Slice the Green Onion:
Thinly slice 2 green onions and set aside for garnish.
2. Cook the Corn Mixture
Heat the Skillet:
Use a cast iron skillet (or oven-safe skillet) and set it over medium heat.
Combine Ingredients:
Add:
Drained corn kernels
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tsp granulated sugar
Stir continuously until the butter melts and combines with the mayonnaise, creating a creamy base.
Season:
Add kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
Cook Until Bubbling:
Stir and cook the mixture until it starts to bubble. This ensures the ingredients meld together and are heated through.
3. Add the Cheese and Broil
Add the Cheese:
Spread the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the bubbling corn mixture.
Broil:
Place the skillet under your oven’s broiler set to low.
Broil until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Keep a close watch to avoid burning (this takes 2-3 minutes).
4. Garnish and Serve
Garnish:
Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Sprinkle the dish with sliced green onions for freshness and color.
Serve:
Serve the Korean Corn Cheese warm as a side dish or appetizer.
Pair it with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or enjoy it on its own.
Serving Suggestions:
As a Side: Korean Corn Cheese pairs beautifully with grilled meats, especially Korean BBQ dishes like bulgogi or galbi.
As a Dip: Serve it with tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted baguette slices for an irresistible appetizer.
Over Rice: Spoon it over steamed white or fried rice for a comforting, indulgent meal.
Tacos or Wraps: Use it as a cheesy filling for tacos or wraps to add a unique twist.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream to revive the creamy texture if needed.
Freezing: While not ideal for freezing due to the mayonnaise, you can freeze it if necessary. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Variations:
Spicy Twist: Add a kick with diced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha.
Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or cheddar for a richer flavor.
Herby Finish: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley instead of green onion for a fresh twist.
Bacon Lovers: Mix in crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory addition.
Lighter Option: Substitute mayo with light mayo or Greek yogurt for a healthier version.
Conclusion:
Korean Corn Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Its sweet, creamy, and cheesy profile makes it a versatile dish that can elevate any meal or occasion. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or looking to perfect your favorite recipe, this guide has you covered.
Korean Corn Cheese: A Creamy, Cheesy Delight
Ingredients
- 2 cans corn kernels 15 oz each, drained
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese grated from a block
- 1/4 cup green onion thinly sliced, for garnish
- kosher salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain the corn and place in a large bowl. Grate mozzarella cheese from a block for better melt and flavor. Thinly slice green onions for garnish.
- Heat a cast iron or oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add corn kernels, butter, mayonnaise, and sugar. Stir until the butter melts and mixes with the mayonnaise to form a creamy base. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook until the mixture bubbles.
- Spread shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the bubbling corn mixture. Place the skillet under a low broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with sliced green onions for freshness. Serve warm as a side dish or appetizer with bread, chips, or on its own.