If you’ve ever enjoyed Korean BBQ or visited a Korean restaurant, you may have noticed a small sizzling dish filled with sweet corn and bubbling cheese served on the side. This delightful dish is called Korean corn cheese melt, and it’s one of the easiest yet most satisfying Korean recipes you can make at home. Combining sweet corn, creamy mayonnaise, melted mozzarella cheese, and a hint of sweetness, it’s the perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish that pairs beautifully with any meal.
In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step to make your own Korean corn cheese melt recipe in less than 15 minutes. This dish is incredibly simple, requires only a few ingredients, and delivers a mouthwatering mix of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, craving a cheesy snack, or just want to try something new from Korean cuisine, this recipe is sure to impress!
What is Korean Corn Cheese Melt?
Korean corn cheese melt is a popular Korean side dish (banchan) often served at BBQ restaurants. It’s made with sweet corn kernels mixed with mayonnaise, sugar, and sometimes butter, topped with a generous amount of mozzarella cheese, and then baked or broiled until golden and bubbly.
This dish has the perfect balance of sweetness from the corn and sugar, creaminess from the mayo, and gooey richness from the melted cheese. It’s served warm and enjoyed as a side to grilled meat, but it also makes a great stand-alone snack or appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Ready in less than 15 minutes
✅ Uses simple ingredients
✅ Creamy, cheesy, and comforting
✅ Perfect for parties or casual meals
✅ Easy to customize with extra flavor
Ingredients You Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this cheesy, sweet Korean delight:
Main Ingredients:
- 1½ cups canned sweet corn (drained)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)
- A pinch of salt and black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- A sprinkle of chili flakes for spice
Step-by-Step Korean Corn Cheese Melt Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Corn Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine the drained sweet corn, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- If you like, you can also melt the butter in a pan and mix it in for extra richness.
- Stir everything well until the corn is evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Corn
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it (if not using butter already).
- Pour in the corn mixture and sauté for 2–3 minutes until it’s warm and slightly golden.
- Spread the corn evenly in the pan.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the warm corn mixture.
- Cover the pan with a lid and lower the heat to let the cheese melt gently for about 3–5 minutes.
Alternative method: Transfer the corn mixture to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with cheese, and broil in the oven for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Once the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, remove from heat.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or a pinch of chili flakes if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Tips for the Best Korean Corn Cheese Melt
Use Sweet Corn
Fresh, frozen, or canned sweet corn works, but make sure to drain well if using canned.
Don’t Overcook
Cook just enough to warm the corn and melt the cheese, so it stays soft and creamy.
Customize the Flavors
Add diced onions, bell peppers, or even a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor.
Make it Spicy
Sprinkle in some gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) or sriracha to give it a spicy kick.
Fun Variations to Try
Spicy Corn Cheese
Add finely chopped jalapeños or Korean chili paste for heat.
Bacon Corn Cheese
Mix in crispy bacon bits for a smoky twist.
Herbed Corn Cheese
Add fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives for a fresh flavor.
Cheesy Garlic Corn
Stir in minced garlic while cooking the corn for a delicious garlic kick
What to Serve with Korean Corn Cheese Melt?
This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with:
- Korean BBQ beef, pork, or chicken
- Grilled vegetables
- Fried rice
- As a dip with toasted bread or chips
- Even on its own as a warm snack
How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
- Let the dish cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm and the cheese melts again.
FAQs about Korean Corn Cheese Melt
Q1: Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
Yes, absolutely! Just thaw the frozen corn and drain any excess water before cooking.
Q2: What kind of cheese works best?
Mozzarella is ideal for its melty, gooey texture, but you can also mix in cheddar or Monterey Jack for added flavor.
Q3: Is Korean corn cheese melt served hot or cold?
It’s best served hot and fresh so you can enjoy the gooey melted cheese and creamy corn mixture.
Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the corn mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, top with cheese and heat it until melted.
Q5: Is Korean corn cheese melt vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian as long as you use vegetarian-friendly cheese and mayonnaise.
Related Recipes
Final Thoughts
The Korean corn cheese melt recipe is a quick, easy, and irresistible dish that brings a little taste of Korea into your home. With its sweet, creamy corn base and gooey, bubbly cheese topping, it’s no wonder this side dish has become a favorite at Korean BBQ restaurants and beyond.
Whether you enjoy it as a snack, a side dish, or even as a cheesy dip with bread or chips, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds. Try it today, and you’ll see just how easy and delicious Korean comfort food can be!
Korean Corn Cheese Melt Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 15 oz can sweet corn, drained
- ½ cup mayonnaise Kewpie preferred
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions optional
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix corn, mayo, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat and add the corn mixture.
- Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes until warm.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Cover and cook for another 2–3 minutes until cheese melts.
- Broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden top (optional).
- Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen corn for a crunchier texture.
- Add a dash of gochujang for a spicy twist.
- Serve with toasted bread or as a cheesy taco filling.