Garlic Butter Corn Cheese Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, creamy, and cheesy goodness, Garlic Butter Corn Cheese is about to become your new obsession. This irresistible Korean-American side brings together juicy corn, rich butter, aromatic garlic, and gooey cheese for a flavor-packed skillet treat that’s ready in minutes. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, a side, or a late-night snack, Garlic Butter Corn Cheese is one of those dishes that disappears as soon as it hits the table. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create an unforgettable dish that’s bursting with flavor and color. Each component in Garlic Butter Corn Cheese has a special role, from the creamy base to the melty cheese topping—here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a thing!
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): The foundation of this dish, butter adds richness and helps carry the garlic flavor into every bite.
- Garlic Cloves, Minced (2): Fresh garlic infuses the corn with a deep, savory aroma and a subtle kick.
- Corn Kernels (3 cups): Use fresh, frozen, or canned—corn brings natural sweetness and a juicy pop to the dish.
- Mayonnaise (1 tablespoon): Adds creaminess and a little tang, making the corn extra luscious.
- Sugar (1/2 teaspoon): A touch of sugar heightens the corn’s natural sweetness and balances the savory notes.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Essential for pulling all the flavors together and making every ingredient shine.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): The star of the show for that signature stretchy, melty cheese pull.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (2 tablespoons): Provides a nutty, salty punch and helps brown the top beautifully.
- Green Onion, Chopped (for garnish): Finishes the dish with freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Garlic Butter Corn Cheese
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic in Butter
Start by melting your butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is bubbling and fragrant, toss in your minced garlic. Let it cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the aroma fills your kitchen. Be careful not to let the garlic brown—it should stay soft and golden for the best flavor in your Garlic Butter Corn Cheese.
Step 2: Add and Cook the Corn
Pour in the corn kernels and give everything a good stir so the garlic and butter coat each piece. Let the corn sizzle and heat through for 3–5 minutes. If you’re using fresh or frozen corn, you’ll notice some caramelization on the edges, which adds a wonderful depth. For canned corn, just make sure it’s fully heated and any excess moisture has evaporated.
Step 3: Mix in Mayo and Seasonings
Reduce the heat to low and add the mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so every kernel gets a creamy coating. This step transforms the texture, making the corn extra velvety and flavorful—don’t skip it! The mayo might sound unusual, but it’s the secret ingredient that makes Garlic Butter Corn Cheese so addictive.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the corn mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for another 2–3 minutes. The cheese will melt into gooey, bubbly perfection, forming that signature blanket on top. For an extra golden finish, you can pop the skillet under the broiler for a minute—just keep an eye on it!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and shower the top with freshly chopped green onion. The green onion adds a bright, fresh crunch that perfectly balances the richness of the cheese and butter. Serve your Garlic Butter Corn Cheese straight from the skillet for maximum wow factor!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Corn Cheese
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, try scattering a pinch of red pepper flakes or a light drizzle of sriracha across the top before serving. The heat adds a zesty kick that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, cheesy corn. Chopped cilantro or crispy fried onions are also fantastic toppings if you’re in the mood to experiment.
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Corn Cheese pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, fried chicken, or even a big bowl of steamed white rice. It’s also right at home alongside a Korean BBQ spread, tacos, or burgers. Honestly, it’s so good you might just eat it by the spoonful!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or potlucks, spoon the corn cheese into small ramekins for individual servings, or pile it onto toasted baguette slices for a fun appetizer. You could even layer it over baked potatoes or use it as a topping for nachos—the options are endless when it comes to serving Garlic Butter Corn Cheese in style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), let the Garlic Butter Corn Cheese cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing its creamy texture.
Freezing
While you can freeze Garlic Butter Corn Cheese, keep in mind that the texture may change slightly once thawed, especially because of the cheese and mayo. If you do choose to freeze it, make sure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn and use within one month for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply transfer the corn cheese to a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, but the skillet method preserves the best texture. If the cheese seems a bit dry, add a splash of milk or an extra pat of butter to bring back the creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen or canned corn works just as well as fresh in Garlic Butter Corn Cheese. Just make sure to drain canned corn well and thaw frozen corn before adding it to the skillet for best results.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Yes! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a splash of hot sauce, or even a diced fresh chili to the skillet with the garlic. This will give your Garlic Butter Corn Cheese a delicious spicy twist.
What cheese can I use if I don’t have mozzarella?
If you’re out of mozzarella, try shredded Monterey Jack, provolone, or even a mild cheddar. Any good melting cheese will give you that gooey, cheesy magic that makes this dish special.
Can I make Garlic Butter Corn Cheese ahead of time?
You can prep the corn mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, top with cheese and reheat in a skillet until hot and bubbly. This makes entertaining a breeze!
Is Garlic Butter Corn Cheese vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you use vegetarian-friendly cheeses, Garlic Butter Corn Cheese is a fantastic vegetarian side or appetizer that everyone at the table can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a skillet of bubbling Garlic Butter Corn Cheese—cheesy, creamy, and packed with irresistible flavor in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a cozy night in, I promise this recipe will win you fans. Give it a try and watch it disappear!
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Garlic Butter Corn Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Butter Corn Cheese is a deliciously creamy and cheesy side dish featuring sweet corn kernels sautéed with garlic-infused butter, combined with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This Korean-American inspired recipe brings a perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and cheesy flavors, ideal as an appetizer or accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1 green onion, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, to infuse the butter with garlic flavor.
- Cook the Corn: Stir in the corn kernels and cook for 3–5 minutes, allowing the corn to heat through and slightly caramelize for a deeper flavor and slight sweetness.
- Season the Mixture: Add the mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and evenly coat the corn with the seasonings, enhancing the creamy texture and balancing flavors.
- Add the Cheese and Melt: Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the corn. Cover the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and gooey.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the cheesy corn with chopped green onion. Serve immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Serve this dish hot to enjoy the creamy melted cheese texture fully.
- For a spicy variation, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha for heat.
- Using fresh corn kernels will elevate the natural sweetness and texture, but frozen or canned corn works well too.
- This side pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a party appetizer.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
