Corn Cheese

Korean Corn Cheese Recipe | Irresistibly Creamy & Cheesy Comfort Food

Cook time : 10min

When it comes to Korean easy comfort food, few side dishes steal the spotlight like Korean Corn Cheese. This dish may look simple, but don’t let its humble ingredients fool you - it’s a creamy, cheesy, buttery dream that delivers sweet, savory, and spicy flavors all in one sizzling skillet. Served piping hot and bubbling in many Korean BBQ restaurants, corn cheese is the ultimate pairing for grilled meats, fried chicken, or even just a cold beer on a cozy evening.

In this blog post, I’ll show you how to recreate the restaurant-style Korean Corn Cheese in your own kitchen with just a handful of ingredients. It’s incredibly easy to make, ready in under 10 minutes, and impossible to stop eating. Whether you serve it as a side dish, appetizer, or midnight snack, this is one of those dishes that leaves everyone scraping the pan for more.

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Ingredients

This recipe serves 2–3 people as a side dish, or 1 person as a very indulgent main snack (no judgment here!).

• 1 cans of sweet corn (14–15 oz), drained thoroughly
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (Kewpie preferred for creaminess)
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes, optional but recommended)
• 1 to 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

🧂 Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
• A few tablespoons of diced onions for added crunch
• A pinch of black pepper or garlic powder for depth
• Hot sauce for extra heat

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How to make it

1. Drain the Corn Thoroughly

First, open your corn can and pour the contents into a colander or strainer. Let the corn sit for a few minutes to fully drain out the water. If the corn is still wet when you cook it, the dish can turn out soggy rather than creamy and golden.

💡 Tip: Gently press down with a spoon to squeeze out excess liquid, or leave the corn on a paper towel for 5–10 minutes for maximum dryness.

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2. Melt the Butter

In a medium skillet (preferably nonstick or cast iron), melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Let the butter fully melt and begin to bubble slightly - this will ensure the corn gets coated evenly and picks up a rich, nutty flavor.

The aroma of melting butter alone will let you know you’re on the right track!

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3. Add the Mayo, Sugar, and Gochugaru

Once the butter has melted, add your drained corn to the pan. Then immediately add:

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon gochugaru (optional, but adds a nice color and mild heat)

Stir everything together and sauté the mixture for 2–3 minutes. You want to remove any remaining moisture from the corn and let the mayo and sugar caramelize slightly. The mayo creates a creamy coating, while the sugar enhances the corn’s natural sweetness.

🔥 Pro Tip: Gochugaru is a game-changer - it doesn’t just add spice, it adds a warm, smoky flavor and a beautiful red hue. Even if you don’t like spicy food, a small amount adds richness without heat.

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4. Top with Mozzarella Cheese

After the corn mixture is heated through and evenly coated, flatten it out in the pan into an even layer. Now, generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. The goal is to cover the entire surface of the corn - you want every bite to be cheesy!

🧀 Cheese Choices:

• Mozzarella melts beautifully and stretches—classic choice
• Try adding cheddar for sharpness
• Monterey Jack for buttery creaminess
• Even parmesan for a salty punch (sprinkle just a little)

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5. Cook Until Melted and Bubbling

Cover the skillet with a lid or foil, turn the heat to low, and let the cheese slowly melt. This takes about 2–4 minutes, depending on the thickness of the cheese layer.

Once melted, you can stop here for the classic gooey finish—or take it one step further by broiling it!

🔥 Optional but recommended: Place the skillet under a broiler or in a hot oven (450°F) for 1–2 minutes until the cheese starts to bubble and brown slightly. This gives the corn cheese that irresistible golden crust you often see at restaurants.

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How to Serve Korean Corn Cheese

Korean Corn Cheese is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:

• As a Korean BBQ side dish: Perfectly complements grilled galbi or bulgogi.
• With Korean fried chicken: Helps balance the spicy, crunchy exterior of the chicken.
• As a party appetizer: Serve it bubbling in a cast iron pan with small spoons for scooping.
• On toasted bread or crostini: A delicious twist on cheesy corn toast.
• With chips or crackers: Like a spicy, creamy corn dip!
• With beers

Serve hot, fresh from the skillet, with melted cheese stringing between every bite.

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Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers (highly unlikely), you can store and reheat with ease.

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• To reheat, place in a skillet and heat gently over medium-low until warm and melty. You can also microwave in 30-second bursts, but it may lose some texture.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating for extra gooeyness.

Freezing not recommended- the texture of the cheese and corn changes when thawed.

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Variations to Try

Want to customize your corn cheese? Here are a few variations and creative spins:

Make it Spicier:

• Add diced jalapeños or chopped Thai chili.
• Stir in a splash of hot sauce like Tabasco or Gochujang.

Add More Depth:

• Sauté a tablespoon of minced onion or garlic with the corn.
• Use herbed butter or compound butter for flavor infusion.

Make it Meaty:

• Add bacon bits or cooked spam cubes for a savory twist.
• Top with crab meat, shrimp, or ham for protein-packed bites.

Add a Fresh Finish:

• Sprinkle chopped chives or green onion over the top just before serving.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice or dash of black pepper to balance the richness.

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• Quick & Easy: 5 ingredients and 10 minutes? Yes, please.
• Kid-Friendly: Sweet corn and cheese are universally loved.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or weeknight dinners.
• Restaurant-Style at Home: No need to wait for Korean BBQ night—you can recreate the magic anytime.

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Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Korean Corn Cheese before, you’re in for a treat. This dish is the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, savory, and spicy - and it couldn’t be easier to make. Whether you’re new to Korean cooking or just looking for a low-effort, high-reward snack, this recipe will absolutely hit the spot.

Once you try it, it’ll become your go-to for any comfort food cravings. It’s also a great “starter” dish if you’re introducing friends or family to Korean flavors. The ingredients are familiar, but the combination is uniquely addictive.

Serve it at your next gathering, share it with loved ones, or enjoy it all on your own - we won’t judge. Just don’t forget to scrape up that last bit of gooey cheese from the bottom of the pan. That’s the best part.