I absolutely adore this Korean Corn Cheese Recipe because it’s a perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and cheesy all in one cozy dish that comes together so quickly. Whenever I whip this up, the buttery sweetness of fresh corn paired with melty mozzarella and a touch of mayo creates a rich, irresistible texture that’s just begging to be scooped or spread on crispy bread. It’s one of those go-to recipes that never fails to impress, whether I’m serving it as a fun appetizer or a comforting side to grilled meats. Plus, it’s insanely easy, so I can enjoy a bit of gourmet without fussing in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Korean Corn Cheese Recipe
What really makes this Korean Corn Cheese Recipe stand out to me is the way it balances simple ingredients with a really satisfying flavor profile. The fresh sweet corn kernels bring a subtle, natural sweetness that melts beautifully with creamy mayonnaise and gooey mozzarella cheese. The touch of sugar intensifies that sweetness while the green onions add just the right hint of sharp freshness. When it’s fresh from the oven, the top has this golden-bubbly crust that’s absolutely dreamy, and each bite is both hearty and comforting.
Another thing I love about this recipe is how unbelievably easy it is. You literally mix, bake, and broil within 20 minutes — no complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. I find it perfect for sudden get-togethers or when I want a quick snack that feels indulgent. It’s also incredibly versatile: I often enjoy it alongside Korean BBQ or as a cheesy companion at weekend parties. Whenever I serve it, people ask for the recipe because it’s just that addictive and unique, bringing a touch of Korean comfort food magic to any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Korean Corn Cheese Recipe are refreshingly simple but essential in creating the perfect combo of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors. Each element plays a key role, whether it’s the natural sweetness of fresh corn or the richness of mozzarella melting into every bite.
- Fresh sweet corn kernels: The star ingredient that brings lovely sweetness and texture to the dish.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together for that luscious finish.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create the gooey, cheesy texture that I love.
- Sugar: Just a touch to enhance and balance the natural corn sweetness.
- Green onions: Thinly sliced for a pop of fresh, mildly sharp flavor that cuts through the richness.
- Salt and pepper: To season everything perfectly and elevate all the flavors.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400˚F. It’s important to get the oven nice and hot so the cheese melts evenly and the top gets golden.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the fresh corn kernels, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, sugar, sliced green onions, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s fully incorporated and looks creamy and inviting.
Step 3: Lightly grease a small baking dish with butter or oil to prevent sticking, then pour in your mixture. Spread it out evenly to ensure it cooks consistently.
Step 4: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to melt completely and the mixture to bubble, signaling it’s getting beautifully hot and creamy inside.
Step 5: After baking, switch your oven to the broil setting. Place the dish under the broiler for 2 minutes or until the top is perfectly browned and bubbly. Keep a close eye to avoid burning—this step gives the dish that irresistible golden crust.
Step 6: Remove the dish from the oven and serve immediately while it’s warm and gooey. I find it’s best enjoyed fresh to appreciate the full creamy texture and flavors.
Servings and Timing
This Korean Corn Cheese Recipe makes about 4 servings, which is perfect as an appetizer or side dish for a small group. Prep time is quick—around 5 minutes—since you’re mostly mixing ingredients. Cooking takes about 12 minutes total: 10 minutes baking and 2 minutes broiling, bringing your total time to approximately 17 minutes from start to finish. There’s no resting or cooling required, so you can dig in right away!
How to Serve This Korean Corn Cheese Recipe
Whenever I serve this dish, I love pairing it with something crunchy like tortilla chips, crispy baguette slices, or even some crunchy vegetable sticks for dipping. It’s a crowd-pleaser at parties when served as a cheesy dip, but I also enjoy it alongside Korean grilled meats like bulgogi or galbi for a hearty, comforting meal. The combination of smoky, savory meat with this creamy corn cheese is absolutely unbeatable.
For presentation, I sometimes garnish with a sprinkle of additional sliced green onions or a light dusting of smoked paprika to add a touch of color and extra flavor. It looks inviting when served in a small, rustic baking dish, but you can also portion it into individual ramekins for a more elegant touch.
When it comes to drinks, I find that light and refreshing beverages work best. A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling water with lemon balances the richness nicely. For a fun twist, Korean rice wines like makgeolli also pair wonderfully. Serve this dish hot or warm to really enjoy the melty cheese texture and the burst of sweet corn flavor.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Korean Corn Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to customize. For instance, if you can’t find fresh corn, frozen kernels work just fine; just thaw and drain them well before mixing. For a bit more texture and heat, I like to add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper into the mix.
If you’re looking for a vegan option, I’ve successfully swapped the mozzarella for a vegan melting cheese and replaced mayonnaise with vegan mayo. The dish remains creamy and satisfying, although the flavor shifts slightly to suit plant-based preferences. To keep it gluten-free, just confirm your mayo and any seasonings don’t contain gluten, and you’re good to go.
For a more indulgent twist, try stirring in some crispy bacon bits or topping with panko breadcrumbs before baking to add a crunchy, savory layer. You can also experiment with different cheeses like cheddar for a sharper taste or incorporate herbs like thyme or chives to bring freshness.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I usually recommend using a glass or BPA-free plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. The dish should keep fresh for up to 3 days, giving you ample time to enjoy it again without sacrificing flavor.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place the cooled Korean Corn Cheese into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, leaving a little room for expansion. It will keep well for about 1 month. When freezing, it’s best to freeze portions individually if possible, to make reheating easier.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer using an oven or toaster oven at 350˚F to gently warm the dish without drying it out—about 10-15 minutes should do the trick. This method helps restore the melty texture and keeps the top from becoming soggy, unlike microwaving which can make it rubbery. If using a microwave in a pinch, heat in short intervals and stir halfway through for more even warming.
FAQs
Can I use canned corn instead of fresh?
You absolutely can! Just drain the canned corn well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the dish watery. While fresh corn has a brighter, sweeter flavor, canned corn still works well for a quick and easy version of Korean Corn Cheese.
Is mayonnaise necessary for this recipe?
Mayonnaise adds creaminess and richness that really helps bind the ingredients, but if you prefer, you could substitute it with sour cream or Greek yogurt. Keep in mind these swaps may slightly change the flavor and texture but still keep it delicious.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can mix the corn, mayo, sugar, and onions ahead of time and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. However, I recommend baking and broiling fresh right before serving to get that perfect cheesy crust and warm, gooey texture.
What’s the best cheese to use besides mozzarella?
Mozzarella is ideal because of its melting quality and mild flavor, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, fontina, or mild cheddar for a different taste. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts smoothly to maintain that creamy texture.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, finely chopped mushrooms, or even sweet peas can add interesting textures and flavors. Just be mindful to keep the mix balanced so the creamy corn and cheese remain the stars of the dish.
Conclusion
If you’re on the hunt for a quick, comforting dish that’s both familiar and unique, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Korean Corn Cheese Recipe. It’s a beautiful celebration of simple ingredients that come together to create something magically creamy, sweet, and cheesy. I promise it will become one of your favorite snacks or sides, showing up again and again for its ease and addictive flavor. So grab some corn and cheese, and get ready for a cozy, delicious experience!
Print
Korean Corn Cheese Recipe
Korean Corn Cheese is a creamy, cheesy appetizer featuring sweet corn, mayonnaise, mozzarella cheese, and a touch of sugar and green onions. This easy and quick recipe is perfect for serving as a dip with chips or bread, or as a side dish to accompany grilled meats, delivering a deliciously gooey and bubbly delight in under 20 minutes.
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 ears fresh sweet corn kernels (kernels removed and cobs discarded)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400˚F (200˚C) to prepare it for baking the dish.
- Mix the ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the fresh corn kernels, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, sugar, sliced green onions, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare to bake: Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking, then pour the corn mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the corn cheese: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture is melted and bubbles up.
- Broil for browning: Transfer the dish to the oven’s broiler and broil for an additional 2 minutes, just until the top of the cheese is nicely browned and has a golden crust.
- Serve immediately: Remove from the oven and serve the Korean Corn Cheese hot as a delicious appetizer or side dish with chips, bread, or grilled meats.
Notes
- Using fresh sweet corn kernels provides the best flavor, but frozen corn can be used as an alternative.
- Adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of your corn and personal preference.
- Keep a close eye during broiling to avoid burning the cheese topping.
- For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of chili flakes or some diced jalapeños before baking.
- Serve warm for the best gooey texture; leftovers can be reheated but may lose some creaminess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean
