Let me just say this right up front: if you’ve never had Korean Corn Cheese, you’re in for a genuine, slightly surprising joy. I don’t throw that word around lightly. I’ve cooked for decades, fed kids, neighbors, potlucks, book clubs, and more last-minute dinners than I can count. Very few dishes manage to feel playful and comforting at the same time. This one does.
I first tasted Korean Corn Cheese at a Korean BBQ restaurant years ago, one of those lively places where the tables sizzle and the conversation gets louder as the night goes on. It arrived in a small cast-iron skillet, bubbling and bronzed, tucked beside platters of grilled meat. I remember thinking, Corn and cheese? That’s it? Then I took a bite. Sweet kernels. Creamy sauce. Stretchy cheese pulling away in long, dramatic strands. I was sold immediately.
When I got home, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. So I did what any curious home cook does: I started tinkering. A little more butter here, a tweak to the sweetness there, a note scribbled on a recipe card. After a few rounds, it became one of those dependable recipes I pull out when I want something cozy but still a little unexpected. The kind of dish people hover around, spoon in hand, pretending they’re “just having a taste.”
And honestly? Sometimes that’s dinner.
Why You’ll Love This (And Probably Make It Again)
There are recipes you try once and admire from afar. Then there are recipes you quietly fold into your regular rotation. This one falls squarely into the second category.
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Melty, stretchy, unapologetically cheesy — it’s comfort food in its most charming form
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Fast and forgiving — about 20 minutes from pantry to table, no stress involved
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Family-friendly but grown-up enough for guests — kids love it, adults ask for the recipe
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Plays well with others — side dish, snack, dip, or “accidental” main
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Endlessly adjustable — switch cheeses, add heat, use fresh corn when it’s in season
It’s the sort of recipe that meets you where you are. Long day? This has your back. Hosting friends? It quietly steals the show.
Let’s Talk Ingredients (And a Few Gentle Tips)
Nothing here is complicated, but a few small choices can make the difference between “good” and why did I eat half the pan standing at the stove?
Corn
I usually reach for two cans of corn (15 ounces each), drained very well. That last part matters more than you think. Excess liquid can thin the sauce and dull the flavors.
When corn is fresh and sweet in the summer, grilled corn cut off the cob is wonderful. If you go that route, give it a quick char first. That little bit of smokiness adds depth without overpowering the dish.
Frozen corn also works in a pinch. Just thaw it fully and pat it dry.
Mozzarella Cheese
Classic Korean Corn Cheese uses mozzarella for that signature stretch. Shred it yourself if you can. Pre-shredded cheese works, but it’s often coated with anti-caking agents that affect melting.
About 1 cup is standard. More is never wrong. Let’s be honest.
Mayonnaise
Yes, mayo. This is the ingredient that raises eyebrows until people taste the final dish. It melts into the butter and corn, creating a creamy, almost custardy base.
If mayo isn’t your thing, Greek yogurt works surprisingly well. It’s slightly tangier and lighter, but still lovely.
Butter
I use 3 tablespoons, unsalted. It gives richness and helps everything come together. If you’re watching salt, this is where you can control it.
Sugar
Just 2 teaspoons. Corn is naturally sweet, but this small addition rounds out the flavors and balances the savory notes.
Salt and Pepper
Season thoughtfully. Corn needs salt to shine. Don’t skip this.
Green Onions
A handful, thinly sliced. They add freshness and a gentle bite that keeps the dish from feeling heavy.
How to Make Korean Corn Cheese (Step by Step)
This is one of those recipes where the process feels almost too simple. Trust it. It works.
1. Get Everything Ready
Before you turn on the heat, prep your ingredients. Drain the corn thoroughly. Shred the cheese. Slice the green onions. Having everything ready makes the cooking feel relaxed and unhurried.
2. Start Cooking
Grab an oven-safe skillet. Cast iron is ideal, but any sturdy skillet will do.
Set it over medium heat and melt the butter. Once it’s foamy, stir in the corn, mayonnaise, and sugar. Mix gently until the corn is evenly coated and glossy.
Season with salt and pepper. Start light. You can always add more.
Let the mixture cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through and just starting to bubble. This is where the flavors begin to meld. You’ll smell it. That’s your cue.
3. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top. Resist the urge to stir. Let the cheese sit proudly on top like it knows what it’s there for.
4. Broil Carefully
Slide the skillet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Stay close. Cheese can go from golden to scorched faster than you expect.
You’re looking for bubbling edges and light browning. Not too dark. This dish is about comfort, not crunch.
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5. Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet carefully. That handle will be blazing hot.
Let it rest for a minute, then scatter the green onions over the top. Serve it warm, melty, and unapologetically rich.
How to Serve It (There Are No Wrong Answers)
At Korean BBQ, this dish is a side. At home, it can be anything you want it to be.
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Alongside grilled meats — especially beef or chicken
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As a dip with tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted baguette slices
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Over hot rice for a cozy bowl that feels like a hug
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Tucked into tacos or wraps for something a little indulgent
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Straight from the skillet with a spoon when no one’s looking
Honestly, it’s versatile in that comforting, practical way. You’ll find your favorite.
Variations Worth Trying
Once you’ve made it once, you’ll start imagining tweaks. That’s half the fun.
Spicy Corn Cheese
Stir in finely diced jalapeños or a spoonful of chili paste before broiling. A drizzle of sriracha on top doesn’t hurt.
Cheese Swaps
Mozzarella is classic, but Monterey Jack melts beautifully. Cheddar adds sharpness. A mix is often the sweet spot.
Bacon, Because Bacon
Crispy crumbled bacon folded into the corn mixture adds a salty crunch that people go wild for.
Lighter Version
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo and reduced-fat cheese. It’s still comforting, just a little gentler.
Fresh Herb Finish
Swap green onions for parsley or cilantro if that’s what you have. It changes the tone slightly, but still works.
Storage and Reheating (If You Have Leftovers)
On the rare occasion there’s any left:
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Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days
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Reheat gently, either in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave
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Add a splash of milk if it looks thick — it helps revive the creaminess
Freezing isn’t ideal, thanks to the mayo, but if you must, freeze before broiling and finish it fresh later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without mayo? I’m just not a mayo person.
Totally fair, and you’re not alone. I’ve swapped in Greek yogurt more than once when that’s what I had, and it worked just fine—slightly tangier, still creamy. Honestly, once everything’s warm and cheesy, the mayo flavor isn’t obvious anyway. But if it gives you pause, go with what you’re comfortable eating.
Mine came out a little watery… did I mess something up?
Probably not. This usually comes down to the corn holding onto extra liquid. I’ve rushed that step before and regretted it. Next time, just drain the corn really well, maybe even pat it dry. The leftovers usually thicken up nicely too, so it’s not a lost cause.
Can I make this ahead, or does it really need to be eaten right away?
Here’s the thing—it’s at its absolute best fresh and bubbly, but I get real life. You can prep it earlier in the day and keep it covered in the fridge, then broil the cheese right before serving. I’ve reheated leftovers plenty of times, and while the texture softens a bit, it’s still very snackable.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
Been there. Just cook everything on the stove, then transfer it to a small baking dish before adding the cheese and broiling. It’s one extra dish, which I don’t love either, but it works. And honestly, no one eating it will know the difference.
Is this supposed to be sweet? Mine surprised me a little.
Yes—and also, it’s flexible. Korean corn cheese has that sweet-savory thing going on, which is part of the charm. If you prefer it less sweet, you can pull back a bit next time. I’ve done it both ways depending on who I’m feeding.
Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
Absolutely. Just make sure it’s fully thawed and drained so you don’t add extra moisture. I’ve used frozen corn in the winter when fresh is a distant memory, and it was still comforting and good. Slightly different texture, but nothing to stress over.
How do you keep the cheese from getting rubbery when reheating?
Low heat is your friend here. I usually add a small splash of milk and reheat gently, stopping to stir once or twice. The microwave works too, just slower than you think. Walk away for a second, and it’ll remind you why patience matters.
A Few Final Thoughts From My Kitchen to Yours
Korean Corn Cheese might sound quirky at first glance. Corn and cheese don’t always get top billing together. But once you taste it, the logic becomes clear. It’s sweet without being cloying. Rich without being heavy. Familiar, yet just different enough to feel special.
It’s also the kind of recipe that invites you in. No pressure. No perfection required. Just good ingredients, a warm skillet, and a few quiet minutes at the stove.
If you make it, I’d love to know how you served it. Did you keep it classic? Add a little heat? Eat it straight from the pan and call it dinner? All excellent choices.
Leave a comment, ask a question, or share your twist. I’m always happiest when recipes turn into conversations — especially the cheesy ones.
Korean Corn Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cans corn 15 oz each, drained
- 3 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tsp sugar
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 2 green onions sliced thin
Instructions
- Drain the canned corn well and set aside. Shred the mozzarella and slice green onions.
- In an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the corn, mayonnaise, and sugar until fully coated and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Let the mixture cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until hot and bubbling.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the corn mixture. Do not stir.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Carefully remove from oven, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve warm with chips, toast, or alongside your favorite BBQ dishes.
