The Perfect Cheese Pairings For Corn: A Tasty Guide

Korean corn cheese is a delicious side dish made with sweet corn, cheese, creamy mayonnaise, and sugar. It is cooked over melted butter, giving it a wonderful aroma. The combination of sweet corn, the creaminess of mayonnaise, and the meltiness of the cheese makes it a sweet and savoury delight. The dish is usually served as a side dish or appetizer or alongside alcohol.

Korean Corn Cheese

Ingredients:

• Corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• Butter (unsalted or salted)
• Mayonnaise (Kewpie mayo is a popular choice)
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Sugar (optional, to enhance the sweetness of the corn)
• Green onions or chives, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients:

• Bell peppers, diced
• Parsley flakes
• Garlic powder

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Drain the corn kernels, especially if using canned corn, to remove excess water. If using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob. Combine the corn with the remaining ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir until fully combined. For a more authentic flavour, you can use Kewpie mayo, which is a Japanese variety made with only egg yolks, resulting in a richer and creamier taste.

Pour the mixture into a lightly greased baking dish or skillet. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the mixture is warmed through. Then, broil for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and slightly charred.

Tips:

• It is important to remove as much moisture from the corn as possible before baking to avoid a soggy dish. Salting the corn for 30 minutes before cooking helps achieve this.
• This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
• Korean Corn Cheese pairs well with grilled meat, tortilla chips, toasted bread, or other Korean dishes like kimchi, gochujang-glazed eggplant, bulgogi, or galbi.

Corn Cheese Ingredients

Corn cheese is a simple and delicious Korean side dish that can be made with a few basic ingredients. The ingredients needed for corn cheese are:

• Corn: Fresh, frozen, or canned corn can be used, but if using canned corn, be sure to drain the kernels and omit any added sugar as canned corn is already quite sweet.
• Butter: Butter is used to sauté the corn and any other vegetables, adding a rich, creamy flavour.
• Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is the most commonly used variety, but other mild, melty cheeses such as fontina, gouda, or even a blend of multiple cheeses can be used.
• Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds a creamy texture and tangy flavour to the dish. Kewpie mayonnaise is a popular choice for corn cheese.
• Sugar: A small amount of sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the corn and balances the salty, savoury flavours of the cheese and mayonnaise.
• Seasonings: Salt and pepper are typically used to season corn cheese, but garlic powder can also be added for an extra kick of flavour.

Optional ingredients that can be added to corn cheese include bell peppers, onions, parsley, scallions, or other vegetables. These ingredients add colour, texture, and flavour to the dish.

How to Make Corn Cheese

Corn cheese is a uniquely Korean-American creation, inspired by the two cultures. It is a simple dish that combines corn, butter, cheese, and mayonnaise. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious corn cheese.

Ingredients:

• Corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• Butter (unsalted)
• Mayonnaise (Kewpie or regular)
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• Sugar (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Bell peppers/onion/scallions/garlic powder (optional)

Method:

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

If using fresh corn, remove the kernels from 2 ears of corn. If using canned corn, drain the kernels from a 15-ounce can. For frozen corn, thaw and drain about 1 1/3 cups of kernels. You can also rinse the corn with water to remove any excess salt or brine.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the corn with the mayonnaise, sugar, and any optional ingredients you choose to include. Season with salt and pepper and stir until fully combined.

Step 3: Cook the Corn Mixture

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a small baking dish or skillet. Pour the corn mixture into the dish and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the mixture is heated through.

Step 4: Broil the Corn Cheese

After baking, transfer the dish to the broiler and broil for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and slightly charred.

Tips and Variations:

• You can use other mild, melting cheeses such as fontina, gouda, or a mix of mozzarella and Muenster.
• If using canned or fresh corn, remove as much moisture as possible before cooking to avoid a soggy dish. Salting the corn for 30 minutes before cooking helps draw out excess water.
• Corn cheese can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, simply bake and broil as directed.
• Corn cheese is a versatile dish. Enjoy it as a side, a dip with tortilla chips or bread, or a drinking snack with a cold beer.

Now you know how to make corn cheese! Impress your friends and family with this delicious and easy-to-make dish.

What to Serve with Corn Cheese

Korean corn cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a drinking snack. It goes well with a variety of dishes and is especially delicious when paired with cold beer. Here are some ideas on what to serve with corn cheese:

Korean BBQ

Corn cheese is commonly served as a side dish with Korean BBQ. It complements grilled meats perfectly and can be a tasty addition to your barbecue spread.

Chips, Bread, or Crackers

Corn cheese can be served as a dip with tortilla chips, toasted bread, or crackers. The creamy, gooey cheese and sweet corn make for a delicious appetizer when paired with these crunchy accompaniments.

Korean Fried Chicken

For a true Korean feast, pair your corn cheese with Korean fried chicken. This combination offers a contrast of flavours and textures, making for a satisfying and indulgent meal.

Spicy Dishes

The creamy, cheesy corn dish also goes well with spicy dishes like kimchi, gochujang-glazed eggplant, or galbi. The richness of the corn cheese helps balance out the spiciness of these dishes.

Other Snacks

Corn cheese is a versatile snack that can be enjoyed with various other snacks like French fries, spicy squid, or even added to instant ramen. Its sweet and savoury flavours make it a great addition to a snack spread.

Vegetables

While corn is the star of this dish, you can also add some vegetables to the mix. Diced bell peppers or onions, lightly salted and with excess moisture removed, can be sautéed with the corn for added texture and flavour.

Corn Cheese Pairings

Corn cheese is a uniquely Korean-American creation, combining sweet corn and mild shredded cheese. It is a simple dish, often served as a side, and is extremely versatile.

The most common cheese used in corn cheese is mozzarella, which is mild and stretchy, and goes well with the sweet corn. However, you can use any melty cheese, such as Colby, Havarti, Swiss, Fontina, Monterey Jack, Provolone, or American.

How to Make Corn Cheese

The beauty of corn cheese is its simplicity. The basic ingredients are corn, butter, cheese, and mayonnaise, with optional additions of sugar, salt, and pepper. You can also add in vegetables such as onions or bell peppers, or experiment with other ingredients like Chinese mustard, doenjang, or bone marrow.

When to Serve Corn Cheese

Corn cheese is a great side dish to serve with Korean BBQ, or as a drinking snack, particularly with a cold beer. It is also a good dish to serve with other main meals. It can be served as a dip with tortilla chips or toasted bread, or as a snack with alcoholic drinks.

Frequently asked questions