If you’re ready for a side dish that instantly steals the spotlight, Garlic Butter Corn Cheese is the answer. Imagine juicy kernels of corn kissed with golden butter and fragrant garlic, all melting into a blanket of bubbly, stretchy cheese. With a creamy touch from mayo and the gentle bite of green onions, this dish is both cozy and craveable—impossible to resist whether you’re serving it as a snack, appetizer, or the star at your next barbecue. Garlic Butter Corn Cheese truly delivers a flavor-packed, cheesy experience that keeps you coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how just a handful of ingredients can create such an unforgettable dish! Each component of Garlic Butter Corn Cheese brings its own special magic, contributing to the irresistible depth, creaminess, and color that make this recipe a keeper.
- Frozen sweet corn (2 cups): Opt for frozen for quick prep, or use fresh, cooked corn if it’s in season—the star ingredient adds a hint of natural sweetness and crunch.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Rich, luxurious butter coats every kernel and carries the garlic flavor all the way through.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): The irresistible, aromatic backbone that brings depth and a punch of flavor in every bite.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Adds a velvety, creamy body and helps the cheeses blend into the corn mixture beautifully.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (½ cup): Melts to that wondrous, stretchy, Insta-worthy cheese pull!
- Shredded cheddar cheese (¼ cup): Brings a tangy, bold kick and gorgeous golden color to the finished dish.
- Chopped green onions, optional (2 tablespoons): Sprinkle these over the top for a pop of color and freshness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season just right to make all the flavors sing—the cheese brings salt, so taste before adding more.
How to Make Garlic Butter Corn Cheese
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic in Butter
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and melting the unsalted butter. Add your minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute. The goal here is fragrant, barely golden garlic—this starts building the iconic flavor foundation that makes Garlic Butter Corn Cheese so dreamy.
Step 2: Cook the Corn
Toss the sweet corn into the skillet, stirring to coat the kernels in that luscious garlic butter. Let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until heated through and slightly golden. If your corn is fresh, you’ll notice it getting a touch sweeter and deeper in color—this step locks in juicy flavor!
Step 3: Stir in Mayonnaise and Season
With the corn sizzling away, add the mayonnaise and gently fold it through until every kernel glistens and looks creamy. Give it a taste, then season with a sprinkle of salt and a few cracks of pepper to brighten the flavors. This step gives Garlic Butter Corn Cheese that irresistible richness.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the top of the corn mixture. Lower the heat to keep things gentle, then cover the skillet with a lid. In about 2 or 3 minutes, the cheeses will melt into a gooey, bubbling blanket—absolutely magical!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese is fully melted and invitingly bubbly, take the skillet off the heat. Scatter chopped green onions over the top for color and freshness (if you’re a fan of extra crunch and brightness!). Serve Garlic Butter Corn Cheese piping hot—grab a spoon and dive in.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Corn Cheese
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a final flourish! Bright, chopped green onions add just the right crunchy, fresh kick on top. For extra sparkle, a quick sprinkle of smoked paprika or a few chili flakes can make each bite of Garlic Butter Corn Cheese even more exciting. Of course, a little extra cheese broiled for a golden top is always a crowd-pleaser!
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Corn Cheese pairs beautifully with all your favorite main courses—try it alongside sizzling grilled meats, roast chicken, or as a standout at potlucks and barbecues. It also makes a stellar companion to dishes like fried rice, spicy noodles, or even on a brunch spread next to eggs and toast.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the skillet! Spoon your Garlic Butter Corn Cheese into small ovenproof ramekins and broil for an individual cheesy crust. Spread it over toasted baguette slices for easy appetizers, or use it as a decadent topping for baked potatoes. This dish also makes for a unique and irresistible filling inside quesadillas or savory pancakes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Corn Cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The cheeses may firm up as they cool, but the flavors deepen and meld even more, making for a savory snack or side dish at a moment’s notice.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Garlic Butter Corn Cheese if you need to. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space at the top. When thawed, the texture may become a little less creamy due to the cheese, but a gentle reheat can help bring everything back together.
Reheating
To reheat, simply scoop your corn cheese into a microwave-safe dish and warm in short bursts, stirring occasionally until hot and melty. For that fresh-from-the-skillet feel, you can also reheat gently on the stovetop or even broil briefly to revive the cheesy top!
FAQs
Can I make Garlic Butter Corn Cheese with canned corn?
Absolutely! Just be sure to drain the canned corn well and give it a quick rinse. Canned corn works wonderfully, though you may want to sauté it a touch longer to evaporate excess moisture.
What’s the best cheese combination for Garlic Butter Corn Cheese?
A blend of mozzarella (for gooey melt) and cheddar (for sharp flavor and color) creates the ultimate cheesy harmony. You’re welcome to experiment with other melty cheeses, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack, based on your personal taste.
Is this dish spicy?
As written, Garlic Butter Corn Cheese isn’t spicy—it’s all about savory, buttery, and cheesy goodness. If you’d like a gentle kick, try adding chili flakes, a hint of gochujang, or diced fresh jalapeño before melting the cheese.
Can I prepare Garlic Butter Corn Cheese ahead for parties?
You can, and it’s a smart move for entertaining! Assemble everything up to the point before adding cheese, then refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just sprinkle on the cheeses and heat gently until hot and bubbly.
Is there a vegan version of Garlic Butter Corn Cheese?
Yes! Use plant-based butter, vegan mayo, and your favorite vegan cheeses to craft a dairy-free version. The corn and garlic stay the stars, and you’ll still get all that creamy, dreamy comfort.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that makes everyone at the table smile, Garlic Butter Corn Cheese never disappoints. It’s easy, so satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Try it once, and you might just find yourself making it every chance you get!
Print
Garlic Butter Corn Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the savory and cheesy goodness of Garlic Butter Corn Cheese. This easy stovetop recipe combines sweet corn with garlic, mayonnaise, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, creating a creamy and flavorful dish perfect as a side or snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups frozen sweet corn (or fresh, cooked)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Additional:
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Corn: Add the corn and cook for 3–4 minutes until heated through and lightly golden. Stir in the mayonnaise and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the corn mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the cheese melt for 2–3 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Once the cheese is bubbly and melted, garnish with chopped green onions if using. Serve hot as a side dish, snack, or appetizer.
Notes
- This dish is inspired by Korean corn cheese.
- You can broil it for 1–2 minutes for a golden, bubbly top.
- Add a pinch of sugar or gochujang for a sweet-spicy twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
