Korean Corn Cheese - Perfect For Sharing Or As A Side Dish
Korean Corn Cheese - Perfect For Sharing Or As A Side Dish is a easy Korean recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by allthingsbbq on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 23 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $7.03 total, $1.76 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Sweet Corn Kernels (Fresh kernels, about 2 ears of corn; can use canned (1.5 cups per can))
- 1/4 cup Red Sweet Pepper (Finely diced)
- 1/4 cup Shallot (Finely diced)
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (Cut into small pieces)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Garlic Salt (Jacobsen brand; adds garlicky umami)
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise (Cupid brand or any full‑fat mayo)
- 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar (Balances acidity; optional with fresh corn)
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha (Optional for heat)
- 1 cup Low‑Moisture Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded; melts and browns well)
- 2 tablespoons Green Onions (Thinly sliced for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat Grill and Oven Attachment
Set the pellet grill to 600°F and attach the wood‑fired oven attachment. Let it preheat for about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 600°F
Char Corn, Pepper, and Shallot
Place the fresh corn cobs, diced red pepper, and diced shallot directly on the grill grates. Turn occasionally for even browning, cooking for about 5 minutes until you see good color and a light char.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 600°F
Prepare Corn Kernels
Remove the corn cobs from the grill and, using a sharp knife, slice the kernels off the cob into a bowl. You should have roughly 2 cups of kernels.
Time: PT5M
Preheat Skillet
Place the 8‑inch skillet on the grill and lower the temperature to 475°F. Allow the skillet to heat for 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 475°F
Sauté Pepper and Shallot
Add 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet, then toss in the charred red pepper and shallot. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon black garlic salt and sauté for about 3 minutes, just until the vegetables soften but retain some bite.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 475°F
Combine Corn and Sauce
Stir in the corn kernels, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon sugar, and optional 2 teaspoons sriracha. Mix until the corn is evenly coated.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 475°F
Add Mozzarella
Evenly sprinkle 1 cup shredded low‑moisture mozzarella over the corn mixture, spreading it to the edges of the skillet for a crispy rim.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: 475°F
Bake Until Golden
Place the skillet back into the wood‑fired oven attachment and bake for about 8 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the edges are golden‑brown.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: 475°F
Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the grill, sprinkle sliced green onions over the top, and serve immediately while hot.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 10 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free, Nut‑Free
Allergens: Milk, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Sweet Corn Kernels: Canned sweet corn, Frozen corn kernels
- Instead of Red Sweet Pepper: Red bell pepper, Paprika for color
- Instead of Shallot: Yellow onion (smaller amount), Leeks
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Olive oil (use less)
- Instead of Black Garlic Salt: Regular kosher salt, Garlic powder + salt
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt (for lighter), Sour cream
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey, Maple syrup (use less)
- Instead of Sriracha: Gochujang (less sweet), Hot sauce
- Instead of Low‑Moisture Mozzarella Cheese: Cheddar, Provolone
- Instead of Green Onions: Chives, Scallions
Equipment Needed
- Pellet Grill with Wood‑Fired Oven Attachment
- 8‑Inch Cast‑Iron Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Tongs
- Aluminum Foil (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Char the corn and vegetables on high heat to develop flavor
- Spread mozzarella to the edges for a crispy cheese crust
- Bake until the cheese is golden‑brown but not burnt
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra smoky flavor, use a hickory or apple wood pellet in the grill.
- If you like extra crunch, sprinkle a thin layer of panko breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- A dash of smoked paprika in the mayo adds depth without extra heat.
Troubleshooting
Cheese didn’t brown and stayed pale.
Increase the oven temperature to 500°F or move the skillet closer to the top heat source for the last 2‑3 minutes.
Corn mixture is too dry.
Add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise or a splash of milk to create a creamier coating.
Vegetables are soggy.
Make sure the grill is hot enough for a quick char and avoid over‑cooking the peppers and shallot before adding the corn.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in a skillet or oven.
Freezer: Not recommended – cheese texture changes when frozen.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 30 minutes after cooking, but should be served hot.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the corn‑mayo mixture up to step 6 and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; add cheese and bake just before serving.
- Pre‑chop the peppers and shallot and store in an airtight container.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Korean Corn Cheese in Korean barbecue cuisine?
Korean Corn Cheese originated after the Korean War when American soldiers supplied canned corn to locals. Koreans transformed the ingredient into a hot, cheesy side that became a staple of drinking culture, often enjoyed with beer at barbecues and gatherings.
How is Korean Corn Cheese traditionally served in South Korea?
It is served hot straight from the grill or oven, often on a small skillet, topped with sliced green onions. It is presented as a communal snack to be shared alongside grilled meats, samgyeopsal, and other barbecue dishes.
What occasions or celebrations is Korean Corn Cheese associated with in Korean culture?
Korean Corn Cheese is a popular accompaniment at weekend barbecues, after‑work gatherings, and during festive occasions such as Chuseok or birthday celebrations where friends share drinks and grilled foods.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Korean Corn Cheese versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditionally the dish uses canned sweet corn, mayonnaise, and low‑moisture mozzarella. Modern versions often swap canned corn for fresh kernels, use different cheeses like cheddar, and add sriracha for heat. Substitutes like Greek yogurt or shredded cheddar can be used while keeping the creamy, cheesy profile.
What other Korean dishes pair well with Korean Corn Cheese?
It pairs beautifully with grilled samgyeopsal (pork belly), bulgogi, galbi, and Korean fried chicken. The sweet‑savory corn balances the rich, salty meat flavors and the spiciness of gochujang‑based sauces.
How has Korean Corn Cheese evolved over time in Korean barbecue culture?
Originally a simple canned‑corn and cheese snack, it has evolved to include fresh sweet corn, added vegetables, spicy sriracha, and gourmet cheese blends. Home cooks now experiment with toppings like bacon, jalapeños, or kimchi, reflecting the dish’s adaptability.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Korean Corn Cheese?
Common errors include over‑cooking the vegetables so they lose texture, using too much mayonnaise which makes the dish soggy, and not allowing the cheese to brown fully, resulting in a bland top. Keep the grill hot, stir just enough to coat, and bake until the cheese is golden.
Why does this Korean Corn Cheese recipe use a top‑down wood‑fired oven attachment instead of a regular grill?
The wood‑fired oven provides intense, direct heat from above, which browns the mozzarella quickly and creates a crispy cheese rim while also adding a subtle smoky flavor that a standard grill surface cannot achieve.
Can I make Korean Corn Cheese ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the corn‑mayo mixture up to step 6 and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Keep the cheese separate, add it just before the final bake, and reheat in the skillet until the cheese melts and browns.
What does the YouTube channel allthingsbbq specialize in?
The YouTube channel allthingsbbq focuses on Korean‑style barbecue techniques, grill equipment reviews, and side‑dish recipes that complement grilled meats, emphasizing practical tips for home grill enthusiasts.
How does the YouTube channel allthingsbbq's approach to Korean barbecue differ from other Korean cooking channels?
Allthingsbbq combines detailed grill‑specific instructions with a strong emphasis on equipment setup, such as pellet grills and wood‑fired ovens, whereas many other Korean cooking channels focus mainly on stovetop or indoor cooking methods.
Last updated: September 4, 2026





