If there’s one snack that guarantees to steal the show at any gathering, it’s Cheesy Corn Fritters. These golden, crisp-edged little gems are packed with juicy corn, oozy cheese, and a lively mix of fresh herbs—all formed into irresistible fritters begging to be dunked into your favorite sauce. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or that comforting food craving, they strike a delicious balance between satisfying crunch and savory goodness. Whether you’re outfitting your brunch menu or looking for a new way to use up summer corn, Cheesy Corn Fritters are about to become your new go-to recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheesy Corn Fritters lies in their simplicity—each ingredient is a game-changer for flavor, texture, and color. With just a few kitchen staples and a couple of fresh add-ins, you’re set up for fritter greatness.
- All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your batter, providing structure and helping everything stick together.
- Baking powder: Lends that irresistible lift for light, fluffy centers.
- Salt: A must for bringing out all the savory and sweet notes.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat to brighten up each bite.
- Paprika: For a subtle kick and beautiful golden hue.
- Eggs: These bind all the ingredients and give the fritters their rich texture.
- Milk: Keeps the batter moist and creamy so the fritters cook up beautifully.
- Corn kernels: The star of the show! Use fresh, canned, or thawed frozen corn for bursts of sweetness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers gooey, melty deliciousness in every bite.
- Green onions: Give a gentle onion flavor and pop of vibrant green color.
- Fresh parsley: Provides freshness and a touch of garden-bright flavor.
- Butter or oil for frying: Achieves that perfect crispy crust every fritter dreams of.
How to Make Cheesy Corn Fritters
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika until thoroughly combined. This dry mix is what will give your Cheesy Corn Fritters their beautiful lift and flavor, so make sure everything is evenly distributed before moving on.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, crack your eggs and pour in the milk. Give them a good whisk until smooth and light, ensuring those eggs are fully incorporated. This step sets the foundation for moist, tender fritters that hold together but aren’t heavy.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Pour the egg and milk mixture into your dry ingredients. Stir gently—just until you don’t see any streaks of flour. Overmixing can make fritters tough, so punch up the flavor with a tender touch! Now, fold in the corn kernels, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and parsley. The batter will be thick and colorful, brimming with cheesy, herby promise.
Step 4: Cook the Fritters
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your butter or oil. When hot, drop generous spoonfuls of batter into the pan, gently flattening them with the back of your spoon. Leave space between each so they crisp up nicely. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side—watch for that gorgeous golden brown color—then transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Cheesy Corn Fritters are best enjoyed warm, with their cheesy interiors all melty and the outsides perfectly crunchy! Serve with sour cream, your favorite dipping sauce, or just a sprinkle of extra herbs for the ultimate snacking experience.
How to Serve Cheesy Corn Fritters
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh parsley or chopped chives on top brings both color and a refreshing herbal note. For a touch of luxury, add a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt. A dash of smoked paprika or chili flakes never hurts for those who like a little extra fire!
Side Dishes
Cheesy Corn Fritters pair beautifully with crisp salads—think a zesty tomato and cucumber medley or a crunchy slaw—for balance and freshness. They also shine alongside soups or chili, where their hearty texture soaks up every drop. And let’s be honest, they’re right at home on a brunch platter with crispy bacon and scrambled eggs too.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling your Cheesy Corn Fritters into a basket for passing around at parties, turning them into sliders with a little lettuce and sauce, or stacking them high with a fried egg on top for an unforgettable breakfast. For a street-food twist, serve skewered with spicy mayo or salsa for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop cooled fritters into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Their flavor actually blooms as they rest, making next-day snacking something to look forward to.
Freezing
If you’ve made a big batch (or want to plan ahead), Cheesy Corn Fritters freeze like a dream. Layer them between parchment in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their magic for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best crunch, reheat your fritters in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. The air fryer also works wonders! Microwaving is fastest but may soften the fritters’ texture a bit, so save that for emergencies.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour for Cheesy Corn Fritters?
Absolutely! Most all-purpose gluten-free flour blends work well as a direct substitute. The result is still crispy, cheesy, and totally satisfying.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar delivers bold flavor and melts beautifully, but you can mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a little pepper jack for extra zing. Try a blend if you’re feeling adventurous!
Can I make Cheesy Corn Fritters ahead for a party?
Yes, you can whip them up a day ahead, chill in the fridge, then reheat on a baking sheet in a warm oven just before serving. They retain their crispness and flavor if reheated the right way.
What sauces go well with Cheesy Corn Fritters?
Sour cream, ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or even a fresh salsa all work perfectly. Pick something with a creamy or tangy finish to compliment the fritters’ richness.
How do I make them spicier?
Looking for heat? Add finely chopped jalapeños, a dash of cayenne, or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the batter for some extra kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that delivers on comfort, flavor, and a little wow-factor, you can’t go wrong with Cheesy Corn Fritters. With their crispy exterior, gooey cheese, and bursts of sweet corn, these fritters are a treat worth making again and again. Make a batch soon, and just watch how quickly they disappear!
Print
Cheesy Corn Fritters Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 fritters (about 4 servings)
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Corn Fritters are a delicious appetizer or side dish made with corn, cheddar cheese, and a flavorful blend of spices. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these fritters are perfect for snacking or as a party dish.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
Add-Ins:
- 1 1/2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For Frying:
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk until smooth. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Fold in the corn, shredded cheese, green onions, and parsley.
- Fry Fritters: Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the skillet, flattening slightly. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the pan and drain excess oil on paper towels. Serve warm with sour cream or dipping sauce.
Notes
- You can use a mix of cheeses such as mozzarella or pepper jack for extra flavor.
- To add spice, include finely chopped jalapeños to the batter.
- Fritters can be kept warm in a low oven if making a large batch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 fritters
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
