Korean Corn Cheese is a creamy, cheesy side dish made with sweet corn and pantry staples in just 15 minutes. A popular Korean BBQ side dish, it also doubles as a delicious dip for chips and bread! This recipe uses a blend of mozzarella and Mexican cheese for a rich, gooey texture that’s way better than mozzarella alone. It’s perfect for sharing at any meal or enjoying as a comforting snack.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter

• ¼ small onion, finely chopped

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 cup (8 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

• ½ cup (4 oz) shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided

• 1 green onion, finely chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft. Remove from heat.

3. Stir in the corn, mayonnaise, and sugar. Mix well.

4. Add half of the mozzarella and half of the Mexican cheese to the corn mixture, blending thoroughly.

5. Spread the mixture evenly in the skillet or an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

6. Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.

7. For a golden crust, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.

8. Garnish with chopped green onion if desired and serve warm.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 343 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 5 g

• Protein: 21 g

• Fat: 27 g

• Saturated Fat: 13 g

• Cholesterol: 70 mg

• Sodium: 672 mg

• Fiber: 0.2 g

• Sugar: 2 g

• Calcium: 649 mg

The Harmony of Sweet Corn and Cheese

At the core of Korean Corn Cheese is sweet corn, which provides a natural sweetness and juicy pop that balances the savory richness of the cheese. While fresh corn can be used, canned whole kernel corn is often preferred for convenience and consistency, as it is already cooked and easily accessible year-round. The sweetness of the corn is further enhanced by the addition of a small amount of sugar, a common ingredient in Korean recipes that elevates the natural flavor without making the dish overtly sweet. This subtle sweetness is a key element that makes Korean Corn Cheese distinct from other cheesy corn dishes.

The choice of cheese is what truly elevates this dish. The combination of shredded mozzarella and a Mexican cheese blend is intentional and essential for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Mozzarella provides excellent meltability, stretchiness, and a mild creaminess, making the dish irresistibly gooey. The Mexican cheese blend—often composed of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and sometimes queso quesadilla—adds sharpness, nuttiness, and complexity, providing a flavor depth that pure mozzarella cannot achieve alone. This blend creates a luscious, bubbly topping that browns beautifully in the oven, adding an inviting golden crust that contrasts with the soft, creamy interior.

Building Layers of Flavor with Simple Ingredients

Though the ingredient list is short and straightforward, each element plays an important role in developing the rich flavor profile of Korean Corn Cheese. The dish begins with a base of butter, melted in a skillet to create a rich foundation. Finely chopped onions are sautéed until soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness and adding aromatic depth. Minced garlic follows, infusing the dish with its characteristic pungent warmth, which complements the sweet corn and creamy cheese.

Mayonnaise is stirred into the mixture to lend extra creaminess and a slight tang. In Korean cuisine, mayonnaise is often used to add moisture and richness to dishes without overpowering the other ingredients. Its inclusion in this recipe helps bind the corn and cheese together and creates a smooth, velvety texture that makes every bite comforting and indulgent.

The careful incorporation of cheeses—half mixed into the corn filling and half sprinkled on top—ensures that the gooey cheesy goodness is evenly distributed. The top layer of cheese melts and bubbles under the heat, then browns under the broiler to form a perfectly crispy, golden crust that adds textural contrast and visual appeal.

Quick and Convenient Preparation

One of the most appealing aspects of Korean Corn Cheese is how quickly it can be prepared, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or casual snacking. The entire dish comes together in roughly 15 minutes, starting with sautéing onions and garlic, mixing in the corn and mayonnaise, blending in the cheeses, and baking until bubbly and golden.

This speed and simplicity mean you don’t need to sacrifice flavor or comfort just because time is tight. The minimal equipment needed—a skillet and an oven-safe dish or the skillet itself if ovenproof—also adds to the convenience. The broiling step at the end, while optional, is a small extra effort that yields big results, delivering a beautiful caramelized cheese crust that makes the dish even more irresistible.

Versatility and Serving Suggestions

Korean Corn Cheese is incredibly versatile. It can be served as a classic side dish with Korean BBQ, pairing beautifully with grilled meats and other banchan (small side dishes). However, it also shines as a standalone appetizer or snack. Its creamy, cheesy texture makes it perfect for dipping crusty bread, tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables like celery and carrots.

This dish is also easily adaptable. For those wanting to add a little extra texture, finely chopped bell peppers or jalapeños can be stirred into the corn mixture for a mild crunch or a spicy kick. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of spicy mayo on top can introduce new flavors and elevate the presentation. Garnishing with finely chopped green onions adds a fresh, mildly sharp note and vibrant color that contrasts beautifully with the golden cheese.

Nutritional Insights and Balance

While Korean Corn Cheese is undeniably rich and indulgent, it also packs a good amount of protein and calcium thanks to the generous cheese content. Each serving contains approximately 21 grams of protein and 649 mg of calcium, which support muscle function and bone health. The fat content, largely from butter, mayonnaise, and cheese, is significant but can be moderated by adjusting quantities or using lighter versions of these ingredients.

Carbohydrate content is low, coming mostly from the corn, while the dish has minimal fiber. Sodium levels are moderate due to the cheese and canned corn, so balancing this dish with fresh vegetables or a light salad on the side is recommended to create a well-rounded meal.

Cultural Significance and Popularity

Korean Corn Cheese is more than just a tasty dish; it holds a special place in Korean culinary culture. Frequently featured in Korean BBQ restaurants and street food markets, it’s often a comfort food that evokes memories of sharing meals with friends and family. Its popularity has grown internationally as Korean cuisine gains global recognition, and it has become a favorite among food lovers looking for creamy, cheesy, and sweet savory snacks.

The dish exemplifies Korean cuisine’s flair for combining simple ingredients in innovative ways to produce bold and satisfying flavors. It’s a perfect example of how comfort food transcends cultural boundaries, appealing to people worldwide for its comforting texture, balance of flavors, and universal appeal.

Conclusion

Korean Corn Cheese is a delectable, creamy, and cheesy delight that combines the sweetness of corn with the richness of mozzarella and Mexican cheese blends, enhanced by sautéed onions, garlic, and a touch of mayonnaise. Its quick preparation and simple ingredients make it accessible to cooks of all levels, while its gooey, bubbly texture and golden crust ensure every bite is indulgent and satisfying.

Whether served as a side dish at a Korean BBQ, a casual snack for sharing, or a dip for your favorite chips and bread, Korean Corn Cheese brings warmth and comfort to the table. Its balanced blend of flavors—sweet, savory, creamy, and slightly tangy—combined with its versatility and ease of preparation, make it a perfect dish to enjoy any time. Embracing both traditional Korean influences and global appeal, Korean Corn Cheese is a must-try recipe that promises to delight and satisfy with every cheesy, sweet, and savory spoonful.