If you’re craving a dish that’s creamy, spicy, cheesy, and packed with sweet corn goodness, then you absolutely need to try this Korean Cheese Corn Recipe. It’s one of those irresistible comfort foods that bring everyone to the table with smiles. Picture tender corn kernels roasted just right, tossed in a luscious mix of Kewpie mayonnaise and a kick of Sriracha, all melted under a blanket of gooey mozzarella. This dish has the perfect balance of rich texture and vibrant flavor that will quickly turn into a favorite snack or side dish you want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Korean Cheese Corn Recipe lies in its simplicity, with ingredients that are easy to find yet so essential in creating that iconic flavor and texture. Each component plays a special role, whether it’s the sweet crunch of fresh corn, the creamy tang of Kewpie mayonnaise, or the spicy zing of Sriracha that brings it all together.
- Fresh ears of corn, shucked: Fresh corn provides the sweetest, juiciest base for the dish, making every bite burst with natural flavor.
- Kewpie mayonnaise: This Japanese mayo is creamier and richer than regular mayonnaise, giving the dish a smooth, velvety texture.
- Sriracha: A spicy chili sauce that adds just the right amount of heat to balance the sweetness of the corn.
- Sugar: A little sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the corn and brightens the overall flavor.
- Kosher salt: Seasoning with kosher salt helps bring out all the savory notes in the dish.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a mild kick of warmth that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Whole milk mozzarella, shredded: Melted mozzarella creates that irresistible cheesy top with gooey, stretchy goodness.
- Green onions, thinly sliced: Freshly sliced green onions add a pop of color and a touch of oniony brightness for balance.
How to Make Korean Cheese Corn Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Skillet
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F. While the oven warms up, lightly oil a large cast iron skillet or your favorite ovenproof pan with some nonstick spray. This ensures the corn mixture doesn’t stick and helps achieve a lovely golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Corn and Key Ingredients
In a spacious bowl, combine your fresh corn kernels, Kewpie mayonnaise, Sriracha, sugar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This blend will be the heart of your Korean Cheese Corn Recipe, balancing creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors. Stir in about 4 ounces of shredded mozzarella to integrate that melty magic right into the mixture.
Step 3: Spread and Top with Cheese
Spread the tasty corn mixture evenly into your prepared skillet. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella generously over the top—this creates that golden, bubbly, and slightly crispy cheese layer everyone loves.
Step 4: Bake and Broil to Perfection
Place your skillet in the oven and bake for around 15 minutes, or until you see the cheese bubbling and the corn heated through. To get that irresistible golden brown topping, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning, but don’t be shy about getting that perfect color!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Immediately
Once out of the oven, sprinkle thinly sliced green onions over the top for a fresh, crisp contrast. Serve your Korean Cheese Corn Recipe piping hot to enjoy the full melty, creamy experience.
How to Serve Korean Cheese Corn Recipe
Garnishes
Although green onions are the classic garnish, feel free to get creative. Try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat or a drizzle of extra Kewpie mayo for richness. Fresh herbs like cilantro or chives can also brighten up the plate and add a touch of freshness.
Side Dishes
This cheesy corn works wonderfully as a side dish for Korean barbecue, fried chicken, or even a casual burger night. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, rice bowls, or any dish where you want a creamy, spicy pop of flavor to complement your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve the Korean Cheese Corn Recipe in small individual ramekins for parties or as a fun appetizer. You can also stuff it inside baked potatoes or serve it alongside crispy toasted bread as an unforgettable party dip worth sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors tend to deepen, but the cheese might firm up, so reheating properly is key for that creamy texture.
Freezing
Because of the creamy mayonnaise and cheese, freezing Korean Cheese Corn Recipe is not ideal. Freezing may cause the mayonnaise and cheese to separate or become grainy when thawed. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh for maximum flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in an oven or toaster oven at around 350°F until heated through and the cheese is again melty. Microwave reheating is possible but might result in a less appealing texture, so oven reheating is preferred to preserve the dish’s creamy deliciousness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works well in this recipe if fresh corn isn’t available, just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid extra moisture, which can affect the texture of your Korean Cheese Corn Recipe.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level from Sriracha is quite mild and can be adjusted to taste. If you prefer it less spicy, reduce the amount of Sriracha, or add more for a bolder kick.
What can I substitute for Kewpie mayonnaise?
If Kewpie mayo isn’t on hand, you can use regular Japanese or American mayonnaise, but Kewpie’s unique flavor and creaminess really elevate the dish. Mixing a little rice vinegar into regular mayo can help mimic its tang.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, Korean Cheese Corn Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that your mayonnaise and Sriracha sauces do not contain any gluten additives. Always double-check labels just to be sure.
Can I add other cheeses to this recipe?
Definitely! While mozzarella gives that classic stretch and meltiness, you can try mixing in a bit of cheddar or Monterey Jack for extra flavor. Just keep a cheese that melts well for the best outcome.
Final Thoughts
This Korean Cheese Corn Recipe is an absolute gem that deserves a spot in your recipe collection. It’s quick to whip up, irresistibly tasty, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re looking for a game day snack, a side dish to elevate dinner, or a cozy comfort food treat, this recipe checks all the boxes. Don’t wait to give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this cheesy, spicy, and sweet corn masterpiece in your life!
Print
Korean Cheese Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
Korean Cheese Corn is a creamy, spicy, and cheesy side dish that combines sweet corn with Kewpie mayonnaise, Sriracha, and melted mozzarella cheese. This baked Korean-inspired comfort food is easy to prepare and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn, shucked
- 1/2 cup Kewpie mayonnaise
- 1–2 tablespoons Sriracha, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 ounces whole milk mozzarella, shredded
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Skillet: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly oil a large cast iron skillet or coat it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and to help the cheese melt evenly.
- Mix Corn and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the shucked corn kernels, Kewpie mayonnaise, Sriracha, sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Then add 4 ounces of the shredded mozzarella cheese and stir again to distribute the cheese throughout the mixture.
- Assemble in Skillet: Spread the corn mixture evenly into the prepared skillet. Sprinkle the remaining 4 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese on top for a cheesy crust once baked.
- Bake and Broil: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the mixture is bubbly. After baking, switch to broil and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to achieve a golden-brown, slightly crispy top layer.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and immediately garnish with thinly sliced green onions. Serve hot to enjoy the creamy, spicy, cheesy flavors at their best.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of Sriracha based on your preferred spice level.
- Using fresh corn yields the best flavor; however, frozen corn can be substituted if necessary.
- Kewpie mayonnaise has a unique flavor compared to regular mayo and is key to authentic Korean taste.
- For a richer dish, try mixing in some cream cheese or additional types of cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella blend.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated, but best enjoyed fresh.
