Korean Corn Cheese - A Sweet and Savory Comfort Dish

Korean Corn Cheese is a popular comfort food that blends sweet, juicy corn kernels with creamy, melty cheese.

This dish is typically served as an appetizer or side dish in Korean restaurants, often enjoyed alongside Korean barbecue or as a shared plate at gatherings.

Its irresistible combination of flavors—sweetness from the corn, creaminess from the mayonnaise, and richness from the cheese—makes it a beloved dish for both kids and adults alike.

Whether you're new to Korean cuisine or a longtime fan, Korean corn cheese is a must-try for anyone seeking the ultimate sweet-and-savory indulgence.

What Is Korean Corn Cheese?

Korean Corn Cheese is a simple yet flavorful dish made with just a few basic ingredients: corn, mayonnaise, and cheese.

It’s typically cooked in a cast-iron skillet or served in a small oven-safe dish, where the corn is mixed with mayonnaise and then topped with a generous layer of cheese, usually mozzarella.

The dish is baked or broiled until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly, creating a gooey, cheesy topping that perfectly complements the sweetness of the corn.

While this dish is incredibly easy to prepare, its flavors are rich and comforting. It's often enjoyed as anju, which refers to Korean dishes served alongside alcoholic drinks like soju or beer.

However, Korean corn cheese is versatile enough to be served as a side dish for barbecues, a party snack, or even as a quick meal at home.

Ingredients for Korean Corn Cheese

To make Korean corn cheese, you’ll need just a few ingredients that are easily accessible in most grocery stores. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• Corn – Fresh, canned, or frozen corn kernels all work well for this dish. If you’re using fresh corn, it adds a bit of extra sweetness and crunch, but canned or frozen corn can be just as delicious.
• Mayonnaise – This adds creaminess to the dish and helps bind the ingredients together. For an extra kick, you can use Kewpie mayonnaise, a Japanese-style mayo that's slightly sweeter and richer than regular mayo.
• Mozzarella cheese – The cheese of choice for Korean corn cheese is typically mozzarella because of its excellent melting properties. It creates that stringy, gooey cheese pull that makes the dish so satisfying.
• Butter – Used for sautéing the corn to enhance its flavor.
• Sugar – A small amount of sugar is often added to enhance the natural sweetness of the corn.
• Green onions – Optional, but a sprinkle of chopped green onions adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
• Salt and pepper – To taste, for seasoning the dish.

How to Make Korean Corn Cheese

Making Korean corn cheese is incredibly easy, and it can be ready in just a few minutes. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the corn: If you’re using canned or frozen corn, drain and rinse it thoroughly. If using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob.
2. Sauté the corn: In a small skillet, heat a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the corn and cook for about 3-5 minutes until it starts to soften and develop a slight golden color. Stir in a pinch of sugar to enhance the corn’s sweetness.
3. Mix with mayonnaise: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in about 2-3 tablespoons of mayonnaise, depending on your preference for creaminess. Mix well until the corn is evenly coated.
4. Top with cheese: Spread the corn mixture evenly in the skillet or transfer it to an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese over the top. If you like extra cheese, feel free to add more!
5. Broil until bubbly: Place the skillet or dish under a broiler for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
6. Serve: Once the cheese is perfectly melted and golden, remove it from the oven. Garnish with chopped green onions for an added touch of flavor and color. Serve immediately while the cheese is still hot and gooey.

Why Korean Corn Cheese Is So Popular

The popularity of Korean corn cheese can be attributed to its irresistible combination of sweetness, creaminess, and cheesiness. Here’s why this dish has become a favorite among food lovers:

• Sweet and savory balance: The natural sweetness of corn, combined with the creamy richness of mayonnaise and the gooey, melted cheese, creates a perfect harmony of flavors. This sweet-and-savory combo makes the dish satisfying for a wide range of palates.
• Easy to make: With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, Korean corn cheese is a quick and easy dish to whip up, whether you're hosting a gathering or just craving a comforting snack.
• Versatility: While traditionally served as an appetizer or side dish, Korean corn cheese can be enjoyed in many different settings. It's perfect for a party, a late-night snack, or even as a topping for other dishes like baked potatoes or nachos.
• Cheesy indulgence: Let’s face it—there's something inherently satisfying about a dish smothered in melted cheese. The mozzarella in Korean corn cheese provides the perfect stretchy, gooey texture that makes it so enjoyable.

Variations of Korean Corn Cheese

While the traditional recipe for Korean corn cheese is delicious as is, there are several variations you can try to suit your taste or add new layers of flavor:

• Spicy corn cheese: Add a touch of heat by stirring in some diced jalapeños, Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru), or even a bit of hot sauce to the corn mixture.
• Bacon corn cheese: For a more indulgent twist, sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the top before broiling. The smoky bacon adds a savory, salty contrast to the sweet corn.
• Herb-infused: Add herbs like cilantro or parsley to brighten up the dish and add a layer of freshness.
• Vegan option: You can easily make a vegan version of this dish by using vegan mayo and plant-based cheese. The result will be just as creamy and delicious without any animal products.

Korean Corn Cheese: A Perfect Addition to Any Meal

Whether you’re enjoying Korean Corn Cheese as part of a larger meal or serving it as a standalone dish, it’s sure to be a hit.

Its sweet, savory, and cheesy combination makes it irresistible, and its ease of preparation means you can whip it up anytime you’re craving comfort food.

Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be customized with various toppings and ingredients to suit any taste.

No matter how you serve it, Korean Corn Cheese is a fun, flavorful addition to your kitchen repertoire. With its satisfying texture and bold flavors, this dish will leave you and your guests coming back for more.

Enjoy this Easy video tutorial about Korean Corn Cheese

Source: Seonkyoung Longest

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