The Perfect Cheese Partners For Corn

Korean corn cheese is a delicious side dish made with sweet corn, savoury 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 for a sweet and savoury dish. The dish can be served as a side dish or an appetizer, and also pairs well with alcohol, especially a cold beer.

Mozzarella and corn

The dish is a gloriously golden, cheesy, hot, and delicious mess of sweet corn and cheese. The sweetness of the corn is balanced by the saltiness of the cheese, and the creaminess of the mayonnaise brings it all together. The best part? It's so easy to make!

How to Make Mozzarella and Corn

The beauty of this dish is its simplicity. All you need are a few basic ingredients and less than 20 minutes to whip it up. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• Corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• Mayonnaise
• Butter (unsalted)
• Sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients:

• Green onions/chives
• Bell peppers
• Parsley flakes
• Sriracha or hot sauce

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Combine corn, mayonnaise, sugar, and half of the mozzarella in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
• If using, stir in optional ingredients like green onions or bell peppers.
• Grease an oven-safe dish or skillet with butter.
• Pour the corn mixture into the dish and top with the remaining mozzarella.
• Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• For an extra crispy top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• You can use other types of cheese in addition to mozzarella, such as mature cheddar, fontina, or gouda.
• If using canned corn, be sure to drain the kernels and omit the sugar, as canned corn is already quite sweet.
• This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
• For a spicy kick, add some Sriracha or hot sauce to taste.
• Get creative with your serving suggestions – try it as a dip with tortilla chips or crostini, or spread it on toast or ramen for a hearty snack.

Korean corn cheese

To make Korean corn cheese, you will need the following ingredients:

• Corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• Butter (unsalted)
• Mayonnaise (Kewpie or regular)
• Sugar
• Cheese (mozzarella or other mild melting cheese)
• Green onions or chives
• Salt and pepper to taste

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir until fully combined.
• Season with salt and pepper and give it a final stir.
• Pour the mixture into a lightly greased baking dish or skillet.
• Bake the corn cheese for 10 minutes to melt the cheese and heat it through.
• Transfer the dish to the broiler and broil for about 2 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
• Serve and enjoy!

This dish is a perfect combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and gooey. It is a great side dish for grilled meats or BBQ recipes. It can also be enjoyed as an appetizer with chips or bread for dipping.

Mexican corn on the cob

Ingredients:

• Corn: You will need four shucked corn cobs for this recipe, but you can adjust the quantity based on your serving size.
• Butter: Use melted butter to add a rich and creamy element to the dish.
• Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise, along with butter, provides a savoury and indulgent coating for the corn.
• Cheese: Cotija cheese, a salty and crumbly Mexican cheese, is traditionally used in this recipe. However, if you cannot find Cotija cheese, you can substitute it with other cheeses such as feta or Parmesan.
• Lime: A lime wedge is optional but adds a bright pop of acidity to the dish.
• Seasonings: For an extra kick of flavour, you can use seasonings such as chili powder, tajin seasoning, or cayenne pepper. Fresh cilantro is also a great addition.

Instructions:

• Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat setting.
• Grill the corn: Place the shucked corn cobs on the preheated grill and cook until they are lightly charred all over, which should take around 7 to 10 minutes.
• Coat with butter and mayonnaise: Once the corn is grilled, roll it in melted butter and then spread mayonnaise evenly over the corn.
• Sprinkle with cheese: Generously sprinkle the Cotija cheese over the corn, ensuring it sticks to the butter and mayonnaise coating.
• Serve: Serve the Mexican corn on the cob with optional lime wedges on the side.

Tips and Variations:

• Make-ahead: If you are entertaining, you can grill the corn a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just before serving, add the butter, mayonnaise, and cheese to ensure the corn is fresh and warm.
• Oven-baked: If you don't have access to a grill, you can bake the corn in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the corn, in its husks, directly on the oven rack. Roast for about 40-45 minutes, or until tender. Then, peel down the husks and proceed with the remaining steps.
• Customise toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You can try using Parmesan or Romano cheese, adding a squeeze of lime juice, or even mixing in some chopped cilantro.

Canned corn and cheese

Ingredients

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. All you need are a few basic ingredients:

• Canned corn: Sweet corn kernels, either from a can or freshly cut from the cob, form the base of this recipe.
• Cheese: Mild, melty cheeses like mozzarella are perfect, but feel free to experiment with other options like fontina, gouda, or even a blend of mozzarella and Muenster.
• Mayonnaise: Kewpie mayo is a popular choice for its distinct flavour, but any regular mayonnaise will also work.
• Butter: A generous amount of butter adds a wonderful aroma and enhances the creamy texture.
• Sugar: A small amount of sugar brings out the natural sweetness of the corn and balances the savoury notes of the cheese.
• Seasonings: Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning, while green onions or chives can add a nice flavour boost.

Preparation

Once you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to bring them together:

• Drain the canned corn thoroughly to remove any excess liquid.
• Preheat your oven to a temperature between 400°F and 428°F.
• Combine the corn, mayonnaise, butter, sugar, and half of the cheese in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Transfer the mixture to an oven-proof dish or skillet. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
• Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• For an extra touch of browning, pop the dish under the broiler for a minute or two.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish can be served in multiple ways:

• As a side dish: It pairs perfectly with Korean BBQ, grilled meats, or other banchan (Korean side dishes).
• As a drinking snack: It's a fantastic companion for a cold beer or a shot of soju, a popular Korean alcoholic beverage.
• As an appetizer or dip: Serve it with tortilla chips, toasted bread, or crackers for a tasty pre-dinner treat.

Tips and Variations

• Fresh or frozen corn: While canned corn is convenient, you can also use fresh corn cut from the cob or frozen corn that has been thawed and drained.
• Spicy kick: Add a touch of spice with red bell peppers, jalapenos, or red pepper flakes to create a cheesy corn with a kick.
• Customise the cheese: Experiment with different types of melty cheeses like Colby, Havarti, Swiss, or Monterey Jack to find your favourite combination.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare this dish up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you're ready to serve it.

So, there you have it! Canned corn and cheese is a simple yet versatile dish that can be tailored to your taste buds. Whether served as a side, a snack, or an appetizer, it's sure to impress and satisfy.

Corn cheese as a drinking snack

Corn cheese is a uniquely Korean-American creation, combining the simplicity of canned corn, mayonnaise, and mild shredded cheese. This versatile, sweet-and-savory dish is commonly served as a side or appetizer, but it truly shines as a drinking snack, especially when paired with a cold beer. Here's why corn cheese makes the perfect drinking snack:

Balanced Flavors and Textures

Corn cheese strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. The sweetness of the corn kernels is enhanced by the addition of sugar and complemented by the creaminess of mayonnaise and the meltiness of cheese. The result is a dish that is both comforting and addictive. The varying textures also add to the appeal, with the crunchy corn and soft, gooey cheese creating an irresistible contrast.

Easy to Prepare and Share

Corn cheese is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and preparation time. It can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months. When you're ready to serve it, simply pop it in the oven and bake until bubbly and golden. Corn cheese is best enjoyed hot, straight from the oven, making it a convenient snack to prepare and share with friends.

Versatile and Customizable

While the classic corn cheese recipe is delicious on its own, it also serves as a versatile base for experimentation. You can add ingredients like bell peppers, green onions, or even spicy chicken to create unique flavors and make it your own. It can be served as a dip with tortilla chips or spread on crackers, offering a range of presentation options to suit different occasions.

Pairs Well with Alcoholic Beverages

Corn cheese is considered an "anju" in Korean culture, which refers to food specifically meant to be enjoyed with alcohol. It pairs exceptionally well with soju, a popular Korean alcoholic beverage, as well as ice-cold beer. The combination of the savory, cheesy dish and a refreshing drink creates a delightful contrast that enhances the overall drinking experience.

A Social and Interactive Snack

Corn cheese is typically served in a skillet or a small dish, making it perfect for sharing. It encourages a social and interactive dining experience as people gather around, scoop up the cheesy corn, and enjoy it together. This interactivity adds to the enjoyment of the snack and makes it ideal for casual get-togethers or parties.

So, the next time you're looking for a tasty drinking snack to accompany your beverages, consider trying out corn cheese. With its balanced flavors, ease of preparation, and versatility, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser and elevate your drinking experience to a whole new level.

Frequently asked questions