If you are a fan of sweet, spicy, and cheesy flavors coming together in one irresistible dish, you are going to adore this Korean Cheese Corn Recipe. It is a delightful fusion of creamy melted mozzarella, sweet corn kernels, and that unmistakable tang from Kewpie mayonnaise paired with just a hint of heat from Sriracha. Perfect as a comforting snack or a shareable side, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a warm, bubbly delight that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is surprisingly simple, yet every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, and spice. Fresh corn brings a natural pop of sweetness and texture, while the Kewpie mayonnaise adds a rich, tangy depth that elevates the dish beyond ordinary cheese corn. The combination of sugar, salt, and pepper tones down and brightens the flavors, and shredded mozzarella gives you that gooey, melty cheese magic.
- Ears of corn, shucked: Fresh corn kernels add natural sweetness and a satisfying bite that’s essential for this dish.
- Kewpie mayonnaise: This Japanese-style mayo is creamier and slightly sweeter than regular mayo, giving the dish a unique tang.
- Sriracha: Just the right amount of spiciness to add a subtle kick and balance the sweetness.
- Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the corn and rounds out flavors perfectly.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors in every bite.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity that complements the Sriracha kick.
- Whole milk mozzarella, shredded: Melts beautifully to create that irresistible gooey cheese layer.
- Green onions, thinly sliced: Provides a fresh, crisp finish and a pop of color when garnishing.
How to Make Korean Cheese Corn Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Lightly oil a large cast iron skillet or spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures your corn mixture will bake evenly and not stick, helping the cheese get beautifully golden and bubbly.
Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Corn Base
In a spacious bowl, combine the fresh corn kernels with Kewpie mayonnaise, Sriracha, sugar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together until well incorporated, then fold in about 4 ounces of shredded mozzarella. This mix is where the creamy, spicy, and sweet harmonize to create the irresistible base of the Korean Cheese Corn Recipe.
Step 3: Transfer and Top
Spread your flavorful corn mixture evenly into the prepared skillet. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella on top. This extra cheese layer will melt and brown to form that crave-worthy gooey crust that makes this dish so special.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the skillet in your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the edges are bubbling and golden. For the perfect finishing touch, switch to broil for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to get that top layer beautifully browned and irresistibly crispy without burning.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Immediately
Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with thinly sliced green onions. The fresh onion adds a nice contrast to the rich dish and a lovely splash of green to brighten every serving.
How to Serve Korean Cheese Corn Recipe
Garnishes
While green onions are the classic and beloved topping, you can also try sprinkling a bit of toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and texture. These garnishes not only add visual appeal but layer in exciting new tastes that complement the creamy corn perfectly.
Side Dishes
This cheesy corn makes an excellent side dish for Korean BBQ, grilled meats, or even a casual burger night. It pairs especially well with savory dishes that have bold flavors, as it offers both a creamy refuge and a touch of sweetness to contrast those heavy, smoky flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elevated touch, serve the Korean Cheese Corn Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets to impress guests with warm, personalized portions. You can also scoop it onto crispy toasts or flatbreads for a fantastic appetizer or party snack that’s sure to disappear fast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers should be cooled to room temperature then transferred to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator and consume within 2 to 3 days to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to avoid it as the texture of the corn and cheese can divide after thawing. If you do freeze, place the cooled dish in a suitable freezer container and use it within one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly again—about 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve the dish’s creamy texture and prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn for the Korean Cheese Corn Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen corn if fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the texture of the final dish.
Is Kewpie mayonnaise necessary, or can I substitute regular mayo?
Kewpie mayo gives the dish a uniquely creamy and slightly sweet flavor that traditional mayo can’t quite match, but you can use regular mayo with a small drizzle of honey or extra sugar to mimic the sweetness.
How spicy is this Korean Cheese Corn Recipe?
The dish has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the Sriracha, which balances beautifully with the sweetness of the corn and the creaminess of the cheese. You can easily adjust the amount of Sriracha to suit your spice preference.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the mozzarella for a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well, and use vegan mayo instead of Kewpie mayonnaise to create a delicious vegan version of this creamy, cheesy corn dish.
What makes this Korean Cheese Corn Recipe different from other cheesy corn dishes?
The magic lies in the combination of Kewpie mayonnaise and Sriracha, which add a distinctive tangy and spicy layer of flavor that blends perfectly with fresh corn and mozzarella. This fusion is what makes the dish uniquely Korean and irresistibly addictive.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one recipe to bookmark for your next cozy night in or foodie gathering, let it be this Korean Cheese Corn Recipe. It is a joyous, simple dish that takes humble ingredients and transforms them into a warm, cheesy treat you will find yourself craving again and again. So don’t hesitate—grab your skillet, fire up the oven, and enjoy this heartwarming taste of flavorful comfort!
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 Fusion
Description
Korean Cheese Corn is a delightful fusion dish featuring sweet corn kernels tossed in a creamy, spicy mayonnaise mixture, topped with melted mozzarella cheese, and baked until golden and bubbly. This comforting side dish blends the sweetness of corn with the rich umami flavors of Kewpie mayonnaise and a hint of heat from Sriracha, making it perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 ears of corn, shucked
- 1/3 cup Kewpie mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 6 oz whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided as 4 oz and 2 oz)
- 2 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Skillet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a large cast iron skillet or coat it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and to help with even baking.
- Mix Corn Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shucked corn kernels, Kewpie mayonnaise, Sriracha, sugar, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the corn. Then, fold in 4 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese to the mixture.
- Arrange in Skillet: Spread the prepared corn mixture evenly into the oiled cast iron skillet. Sprinkle the remaining 2 ounces of mozzarella cheese evenly on top to create a cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake and Broil: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly. Then, switch to the broil setting and broil for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese is golden brown and slightly crispy on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions for a fresh, mild onion flavor. Serve immediately while warm and cheesy.
Notes
- You can use frozen corn if fresh ears are unavailable; thaw and drain well before using.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha according to your preferred spice level.
- Kewpie mayonnaise is key for authentic flavor, but regular mayonnaise can substitute in a pinch.
- Use a cast iron skillet or an oven-safe dish to ensure proper baking and broiling.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top before broiling.
- Leftovers can be reheated but are best enjoyed fresh for optimal cheesiness.
