Korean Cheese Hotteok

Name: Korean Cheese Hotteok
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 medium-sized potato (300g); 2-3 tbsp rice flour; 1 tbsp sugar; ¼ tsp salt; Shredded mozzarella cheese; 1-2 tbsp oil (for cooking)

Recipe By:

Natalia

Posted:

January 31, 2026

Updated:

January 31, 2026

Pin1

1 Shares

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Korean Cheese Hotteok combines a crispy exterior with a chewy, fluffy interior filled with gooey melted cheese. This delightful snack is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy nights in. With its irresistible cheese pull and comforting flavors, Korean cheese hotteok is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes just 45 minutes total, making it easy to whip up for a snack or meal.
Versatile Flavor: The combination of crispy potato and melted mozzarella offers a delicious flavor that pleases everyone.
Perfect for Sharing: With five servings, it’s great for parties or sharing with family and friends.
Unique Experience: Enjoy the fun of making and eating hotteok with a gooey cheese center that surprises with every bite.
Customizable Filling: While this recipe features mozzarella, you can experiment with different cheeses or fillings to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make Korean cheese hotteok, you’ll need some essential tools for an easy cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Steamer
Fork
Spoon
Frying pan

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly without spills.
Steamer: Helps cook the potatoes evenly and retain their moisture for the perfect texture.
Fork: Ideal for mashing potatoes to achieve a smooth consistency before cooking.
Frying pan: Necessary for achieving that golden-brown crust on your hotteok.

Ingredients

Korean cheese hotteok features a crispy, chewy, and fluffy potato pancake stuffed with melted cheese inside. It is easy and quick to make, with an ultimate cheese pull that will get you drooling!

For the Pancake

1 medium-sized potato (300g)
2-3 tbsp rice flour
1 tbsp sugar
¼ tsp salt
shredded mozzarella cheese
1-2 tbsp oil (for cooking)

How to Make Korean Cheese Hotteok

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel off the potato skin then chop into big chunks. Steam for 10-15 minutes until soft.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

Transfer the steamed potatoes to a bowl. Add in rice flour, sugar, and salt. Use a fork to mash the potatoes and mix until well combined.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

Use a spoon to scoop out the dough into your palm. Roll it into a ball and use your thumb to gently push out and flatten it.

Step 4: Add the Filling

Place shredded mozzarella cheese in the center of your flattened dough. Wrap the dough around the cheese filling. Pinch to seal all seams properly.

Step 5: Cook the Hotteok

Roll the cheese-filled dough back into a ball and flatten it again. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Transfer your potato pancakes into the pan.

Step 6: Fry Until Golden Brown

Lower the heat and pan-fry both sides until golden brown, which should take about 10-12 minutes total. Enjoy your delicious Korean cheese hotteok!

How to Serve Korean Cheese Hotteok

Korean cheese hotteok is a delightful snack that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it simple or with a twist, here are some creative serving suggestions.

Sweet Topping Ideas

Honey Drizzle: Add a touch of sweetness by drizzling honey over your hotteok for a perfect balance of flavors.
Chocolate Sauce: For a more indulgent treat, pour warm chocolate sauce on top to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Savory Pairings

Kimchi: Serve with a side of kimchi for a spicy and tangy contrast that complements the cheesy filling.
Soy Sauce Dip: Mix soy sauce with sesame oil for a simple dip that enhances the savory taste of the hotteok.

Fresh Garnishes

Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for an added crunch and flavor boost.
Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds make a great garnish, adding nuttiness and texture to the dish.

How to Perfect Korean Cheese Hotteok

To make your Korean cheese hotteok truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

Bold Potato Choice: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for the best texture. They create a fluffier pancake that’s perfect for holding cheese.
Bold Cheese Selection: Opt for high-quality mozzarella cheese. It melts beautifully and gives you that perfect cheese pull.
Bold Cooking Temperature: Ensure your pan is hot enough before frying. This helps achieve that crispy outer layer while keeping the inside soft.
Bold Dough Consistency: Aim for a dough that is moist but not sticky. Adjust rice flour as needed to get the right texture.
Bold Sealing Technique: Be sure to pinch the seams tightly when wrapping the dough around the cheese to prevent any leaks during cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Korean Cheese Hotteok

Pairing side dishes with Korean cheese hotteok can elevate your snack experience. Here are some delicious options to consider.

Spicy Tofu Stew: A warming stew made with soft tofu and kimchi; it adds spice and richness to your meal.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad balances the richness of hotteok with its crispness and acidity.
Pickled Radish: Tangy pickled radish provides a crunchy contrast and cuts through the cheese’s creaminess effectively.
Seaweed Soup: Light and nutritious, seaweed soup offers umami flavors that complement the cheesy snack well.
Fried Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls stuffed with vegetables or meat provide an additional layer of flavor and texture.
Steamed Dumplings: These savory bites can be filled with vegetables or meat, making them an excellent companion to hotteok.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Korean cheese hotteok can be straightforward, but several common mistakes can affect the final result.

Using the wrong potato: Not all potatoes are suitable for this recipe. Use starchy potatoes like Russet for the best texture and flavor.
Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to a tough texture. Combine the ingredients just until they’re mixed; it’s okay if there are some small lumps.
Not sealing properly: If you don’t seal the dough tightly, the cheese may leak out during cooking. Ensure you pinch the seams well before rolling it into a ball.
Cooking at high heat: Cooking on too high heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside raw. Start at medium-high to get a good sear, then lower to cook through evenly.
Skipping the resting time: Allowing the dough to rest helps improve its texture. Letting it sit for about 10 minutes before shaping will yield better hotteok.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container. This prevents moisture loss and keeps them fresh.
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Korean Cheese Hotteok

Place uncooked hotteok in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Korean Cheese Hotteok

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place hotteok on a baking sheet and reheat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds at a time until warm. Be cautious as this method may make them chewy.
Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Korean Cheese Hotteok?

Korean cheese hotteok is a delicious snack made from potato pancakes filled with melted mozzarella cheese. It offers a crispy exterior and gooey interior that many love.

Can I customize the filling of Korean Cheese Hotteok?

Yes! You can experiment with different cheeses or add other fillings like vegetables or meats to suit your taste preferences.

How do I know when my hotteok is cooked properly?

The outside should be golden brown, and when you cut one open, melted cheese should ooze out, indicating it’s cooked thoroughly.

Is there a gluten-free version of Korean Cheese Hotteok?

Absolutely! Substitute rice flour with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking, ensuring you maintain that chewy texture.

Final Thoughts

Korean cheese hotteok is not only tasty but also versatile enough to cater to various preferences. You can customize fillings or pair them with dips for extra flavor. This easy recipe is perfect for snacks, parties, or late-night cravings—give it a try!