Name: Korean Corn Cheese
Ingredients: Canned Corn Kernels (2 cups): The star of the show! Canned corn, whether whole kernel or creamed style, provides that essential sweet and juicy base. Drain it well to avoid excess moisture in your corn cheese. You can also use frozen corn, just make sure to thaw and drain it properly.; Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, shredded): The melty, stretchy magic. Low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella is ideal as it melts beautifully and provides that classic cheese pull we all crave. Pre-shredded is convenient, but shredding it yourself from a block can sometimes offer better melting and flavor.; Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): The creamy binder and flavor enhancer. Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie) is often preferred for its richer flavor and tang, but regular mayonnaise works perfectly well too. It adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the corn.; Sugar (1 tablespoon): A touch of sweetness to complement the savory elements. Granulated sugar is typically used, but you can adjust the amount to your preference depending on how sweet you like it.; Butter (1 tablespoon): For richness and preventing sticking. Unsalted butter is recommended to control the overall saltiness of the dish. It adds a lovely buttery flavor and helps create a golden crust.; Salt (1/4 teaspoon): To enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness. Table salt or sea salt both work.; Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A hint of spice and depth of flavor. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferable for a more aromatic and robust flavor.; Optional Add-ins (to taste): This is where you can get creative! Consider adding chopped onions, bell peppers, jalapeños for a kick, a sprinkle of paprika for color and smokiness, or even a dash of garlic powder for extra savory notes.

Ingredients

Canned Corn Kernels (2 cups): The star of the show! Canned corn, whether whole kernel or creamed style, provides that essential sweet and juicy base. Drain it well to avoid excess moisture in your corn cheese. You can also use frozen corn, just make sure to thaw and drain it properly.
Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, shredded): The melty, stretchy magic. Low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella is ideal as it melts beautifully and provides that classic cheese pull we all crave. Pre-shredded is convenient, but shredding it yourself from a block can sometimes offer better melting and flavor.
Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): The creamy binder and flavor enhancer. Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie) is often preferred for its richer flavor and tang, but regular mayonnaise works perfectly well too. It adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the corn.
Sugar (1 tablespoon): A touch of sweetness to complement the savory elements. Granulated sugar is typically used, but you can adjust the amount to your preference depending on how sweet you like it.
Butter (1 tablespoon): For richness and preventing sticking. Unsalted butter is recommended to control the overall saltiness of the dish. It adds a lovely buttery flavor and helps create a golden crust.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): To enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness. Table salt or sea salt both work.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A hint of spice and depth of flavor. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferable for a more aromatic and robust flavor.
Optional Add-ins (to taste): This is where you can get creative! Consider adding chopped onions, bell peppers, jalapeños for a kick, a sprinkle of paprika for color and smokiness, or even a dash of garlic powder for extra savory notes.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven (or Skillet): Get ready to melt! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you prefer a stovetop method, you’ll need a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Preheating ensures even cooking and that perfect golden-brown cheese crust. For the oven method, placing the rack in the center is generally best for even heat distribution. For the skillet method, ensure the heat is medium to prevent burning and allow the cheese to melt slowly.
Prepare the Corn Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the drained corn kernels, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. This step is crucial for ensuring all the corn kernels are coated in the flavorful mayonnaise mixture, which will help them bind together and become creamy when baked or cooked. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning at this stage. If you like it sweeter, add a little more sugar; for a saltier flavor, add a pinch more salt.
Butter Your Baking Dish (or Skillet): Take your butter and generously grease your oven-safe baking dish or non-stick skillet. This prevents the corn cheese from sticking and ensures easy cleanup later. If using a skillet, make sure the butter is evenly melted across the bottom surface. For baking dishes, ensure the bottom and sides are well-buttered, especially if using a dish with intricate designs where food might get stuck.
Layer the Corn and Cheese: Spread the corn mixture evenly into the buttered baking dish or skillet. Then, generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, ensuring an even layer of cheese to cover all the corn. The amount of cheese is key here – don’t be shy! A good layer of cheese is what makes Korean Corn Cheese so decadent and satisfying. If you want extra cheesy goodness, you can even add a layer of cheese in the middle of the corn mixture before topping it off.
Bake or Cook to Golden Perfection:
- Oven Method: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. Keep a close eye on it towards the end to prevent burning. The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so watch for visual cues. The cheese should be fully melted and starting to brown in spots.
- Skillet Method: Place the skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey. If you want a slightly browned top, you can remove the lid for the last minute or two and increase the heat slightly, watching carefully to prevent burning. The lid helps trap heat and melt the cheese quickly and evenly.
Optional Broil for Extra Brownness (Oven Method): For an extra golden and slightly crispy cheese topping, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes. Keep a very close watch as broiling can quickly burn the cheese. Position the dish closer to the broiler element and monitor it constantly. Broiling adds a beautiful color and texture contrast to the melted cheese.
Serve Hot and Enjoy!: Once the Korean Corn Cheese is cooked to your liking, remove it from the oven or stovetop. Let it cool slightly for a minute or two before serving. It’s best enjoyed hot when the cheese is at its meltiest and stretchiest. Serve immediately as a side dish, appetizer, or snack. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of paprika for visual appeal, if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 300
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 60mg