Dive into the creamy and savory delight of “Seoul-ful Snack: Korean Cheese Corn,” a popular Korean side dish that combines sweet corn with melted cheese for a truly indulgent experience. This simple yet flavorful dish is often found in Korean BBQ restaurants and is beloved for its irresistible blend of sweetness, saltiness, and cheesy goodness. Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or a unique party snack, Korean Cheese Corn is sure to be a hit with its comforting warmth and crowd-pleasing flavors.
Why You’ll Love Korean Cheese Corn:
- Quick and Easy: Requires minimal ingredients and can be prepared in just a few minutes.
- Comfort Food: The combination of sweet corn and melted cheese offers ultimate comfort.
- Versatile: Perfect alongside Korean BBQ, as a side with dinner, or enjoyed on its own.
- Kid-Friendly: A great way to get kids excited about eating their veggies.
Ingredients Notes For Korean Cheese Corn:
- Corn: Use canned sweet corn for convenience, or fresh corn kernels if in season for the best flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and depth to the dish.
- Sugar: A touch of sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the corn.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey and stringy topping. You can also mix in a bit of cheddar for extra flavor.
- Butter: Provides richness and helps bind the corn and cheese together.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste.
- Green Onions or Parsley: For garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness.
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or prepare your broiler if you prefer to broil the cheese topping.
- Prepare the Corn Mixture:
- Drain the corn well if using canned. In a mixing bowl, combine the corn, a good dollop of mayonnaise, a sprinkle of sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the corn is evenly coated.
- Cook the Corn:
- In a skillet, melt a small amount of butter. Add the corn mixture and sauté briefly until the corn is heated through and infused with the butter.
- Add Cheese:
- Transfer the heated corn to an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella (and cheddar, if using) over the top.
- Bake or Broil:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. For a browner, more caramelized top, broil for the last few minutes of cooking.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley. Serve hot as a side dish or with toothpicks as a snack.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Best reheated in the oven or microwave to maintain the creaminess of the cheese.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Korean chili powder or paprika (optional, for color and a hint of spice)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is perfect for getting a nicely browned top.
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed corn kernels, mayonnaise, half of the mozzarella, half of the cheddar, green onion, and sugar if using. Season with salt, pepper, and Korean chili powder or paprika if desired.
- Mix everything thoroughly until the corn is well-coated with the mayonnaise and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer to a Baking Dish:
- Transfer the corn mixture to a suitable ovenproof dish. Spread the mixture evenly.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the top of the corn mixture. This will create a deliciously cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Bake:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch it closely to prevent burning.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, ideally as a side with Korean BBQ or as a savory-sweet appetizer. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a standalone dish with some crusty bread.