Korean Cheese Hotteok - knedir Recipes

The Korean Cheese Hotteok is a delightful twist on a traditional street food, reimagined with a savoury edge. These chewy, golden potato pancakes are stuffed with stretchy, melty mozzarella that oozes out with every bite. Think of it as Korea’s answer to the grilled cheese—but in crispy, handheld form.

Perfect for cold days or cozy evenings, this quick-to-make snack is packed with comforting flavor. The rice flour and mashed potato dough creates the perfect texture, balancing crispiness on the outside with a soft, chewy inside. Serve it fresh from the pan, and you’ll be hooked on that iconic cheese pull every single time.

Full Recipe:

1 medium-sized potato (approx. 300g)
2–3 tbsp rice flour
1 tbsp sugar
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1–2 tbsp oil (for frying)

Directions:

Peel the potato and chop it into large chunks.
Steam the chunks for 10–15 minutes, or until soft and fork-tender.
Transfer the steamed potato into a bowl. Add rice flour, sugar, and salt.
Mash the mixture until smooth and fully combined.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough into your palm and flatten it.
Place a spoonful of shredded mozzarella in the center.
Carefully wrap the dough around the cheese and pinch to seal the seams.
Gently flatten the ball into a thick pancake.
Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
Lower the heat to medium-low and pan-fry each pancake for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Serve immediately for the best cheese pull and texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 185 kcal (per hotteok) | Servings: 5 hotteoks

Recipe Overview

Imagine biting into a golden, pan-fried pancake with a crispy exterior that gives way to a warm, chewy interior—only to be rewarded with a stretchy, gooey mozzarella center that oozes out in the most satisfying way. That’s the magic of Korean Cheese Hotteok, a savory spin on one of Korea’s most beloved street snacks.

While traditionally known as a sweet treat filled with brown sugar and nuts, Hotteok has undergone a cheesy transformation in recent years. This version replaces the sugary filling with melted mozzarella and incorporates mashed potato and rice flour into the dough, offering a uniquely chewy and slightly crispy texture. It’s the perfect harmony of East-meets-West comfort food: crispy, chewy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying.

History and Origin

Hotteok (pronounced “ho-tok”) originally came to Korea via Chinese merchants in the late 19th century. The original iteration was derived from the Chinese “tang bing,” or sugar-filled pancake, brought over by Chinese immigrants. Over time, Koreans adapted the dish to local tastes, transforming it into a winter street food staple now synonymous with childhood nostalgia and seasonal markets.

In its classic form, Hotteok is filled with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts, which caramelize when pan-fried. It’s typically sold piping hot from carts lining busy Korean streets, particularly during the cold months, making it the ultimate handheld heater.

The cheese-filled version of Hotteok is a more contemporary twist that reflects Korea’s love affair with cheese. Korean cuisine has seen a rise in cheese-centric adaptations—from cheese-topped ramen to mozzarella-stuffed tteokbokki. This Hotteok variant taps into that modern craving while still honoring the original’s texture and preparation style. What makes this dish unique is its dough base, which uses mashed potatoes and rice flour, adding a distinct chew and a neutral palette that allows the cheese to shine.

Variations and Adaptations

While the mozzarella-stuffed version is currently trending, Hotteok is far from a one-note recipe. In fact, its versatility is one of its greatest charms. Here are a few delicious twists:

Sweet Versions: The traditional sweet Hotteok remains a favorite, filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped walnuts or peanuts, and sometimes even sesame seeds.
Savory Versions: Alongside the cheese variant, you’ll find Hotteok filled with stir-fried vegetables, kimchi, bulgogi beef, or mashed sweet potatoes.
Fusion Styles: Creative cooks have experimented with international flavors, like pesto and mozzarella, spicy sausage and cheddar, or even Nutella and banana for dessert lovers.
Gluten-Free Variants: Rice flour is naturally gluten-free, making this particular cheese Hotteok recipe accessible to those with gluten sensitivities. You could even swap the rice flour with tapioca or potato starch for a different texture.

These variations not only reflect changing tastes but also how well Hotteok adapts to different cultural contexts and dietary needs.

Nutritional Information

Korean Cheese Hotteok isn’t just about indulgence—it also has some nutritional value depending on how it’s prepared and portioned.

A typical cheese hotteok made with one medium potato, rice flour, mozzarella, and a bit of oil for frying contains roughly 180–220 calories per serving. Here’s a more detailed breakdown per hotteok:

Carbohydrates: ~25–30g (from potato and rice flour)
Protein: ~6–8g (primarily from mozzarella cheese)
Fat: ~8–10g (including healthy fats from cooking oil and dairy fats from cheese)
Calcium: ~100mg (thanks to the mozzarella)
Fiber: ~2g (from the potato and rice flour combo)

If you’re watching your intake, you can reduce the oil used for frying or air-fry them for a lighter version. Using part-skim mozzarella also helps lower the fat content without sacrificing the gooey cheese pull.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Korean Cheese Hotteok is best enjoyed fresh off the skillet, when the crust is still crisp and the cheese is gloriously melty. It’s ideal as a snack, quick lunch, or cozy brunch addition. To elevate your Hotteok experience, consider these fun pairings:

Dipping Sauces: Try a soy-based dipping sauce with a hint of honey and sesame oil, or a spicy gochujang aioli for heat lovers.
Soup Pairings: A mild Korean seaweed soup (miyeok-guk) or even a creamy potato soup pairs beautifully, balancing out the richness.
Drinks: For a traditional touch, pair with warm Korean barley tea. For something modern, a cold glass of sparkling lemonade or kombucha cuts through the cheesy richness perfectly.

You can even serve mini versions at a brunch party or as appetizers for a Korean-themed dinner night.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Making Hotteok might seem intimidating at first, but with a few expert tips, you’ll be a pro in no time:

Seal the Dough Well: When stuffing the cheese, make sure to pinch and seal all seams completely. This prevents cheese from leaking out and burning during frying.
Use Non-Stick Cookware: A well-heated non-stick pan reduces the need for excess oil and ensures even browning.
Control Your Heat: Start with medium-high heat to preheat the pan and then reduce to medium-low during frying. This allows the outside to crisp up while the inside cooks through without burning.
Pre-Grate and Chill the Cheese: Cold shredded mozzarella is easier to stuff and melts at the right pace during cooking.
Make Ahead: You can shape and freeze the stuffed dough balls. Just defrost slightly before pan-frying for an instant cheesy snack.

Potential Health Benefits

While it may not be classified as a “superfood,” this dish has some surprising nutritional advantages when made mindfully:

Rich in Calcium: Mozzarella is a great source of calcium, essential for bone health.
Potato Perks: Potatoes are high in potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, especially if you leave a bit of skin on.
Gluten-Free Friendly: Rice flour provides a chewy texture without gluten, making it suitable for people with gluten intolerance.
Comfort Factor: There’s something to be said about the emotional health boost that comes from indulging in a warm, homemade comfort snack.

Add some finely chopped spinach or kimchi to the dough for an extra antioxidant and probiotic kick.

Conclusion

Korean Cheese Hotteok is a beautiful example of how traditional recipes can evolve while preserving their cultural roots. It’s the kind of dish that invites creativity, comforts the soul, and brings people together—whether you’re whipping it up on a lazy weekend or sharing it with friends during a cozy get-together.

Its crispy exterior, chewy dough, and melty center make it a standout snack that hits all the right notes. So if you’re craving something that’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and totally satisfying—look no further. Fire up your skillet, grab some cheese and potato, and let the Hotteok magic begin.