Cheesy Corn Fritters Recipe

The Best Cheesy Corn Fritters Recipe: Crispy, Golden Delights

Crispy, golden corn fritters with a cheesy twist have become my weekend comfort obsession.

Kernels of sweet corn burst with flavor when mixed into a light, airy batter.

Melted cheese adds a rich, indulgent layer that makes these fritters impossible to resist.

Weeknight dinners or casual gatherings will never be the same after you try this simple yet spectacular dish.

Nobody can resist the combination of crunchy exterior and soft, cheesy interior.

A sprinkle of fresh herbs takes these fritters from good to absolutely irresistible.

You’ll want to double the batch and share with everyone around the table.

Cheesy Corn Fritters That Are Crispy and Delicious

  • Whip Up Quickly: Super simple recipe that requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for beginners or busy home cooks wanting a delicious side dish.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Cheesy, crispy fritters that appeal to both kids and adults, making it an ideal dish for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, paired with various dipping sauces like ranch, salsa, or spicy aioli for added flavor excitement.
  • Flexible Ingredient Swap: Easy to customize with different cheeses, add herbs, or include extra vegetables to match your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.

Ingredients for Crispy Cheesy Corn Fritters

Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour, Cornmeal: Base for creating a crispy and tender fritter texture.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the fritters rise and become light and fluffy.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs, Milk: Provide moisture and help bind the fritter batter together.
  • Green Onions: Add a mild, fresh onion flavor to the fritters.
Main Ingredients:
  • Corn Kernels: The star ingredient that gives the fritters their signature sweet and fresh corn taste.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich, sharp flavor and creamy melted texture to the fritters.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide depth of flavor and aromatic seasoning.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance the overall taste and bring out the other ingredients' flavors.
Cooking Ingredient:
  • Oil: Used for frying the fritters to achieve a golden brown and crispy exterior.

How to Make Cheesy Corn Fritters Step-by-Step

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in corn kernels, cheddar cheese, flour, cornmeal, and baking powder.

Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Prepare Wet Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Blend thoroughly until you create a consistent batter without any dry clumps.

Step 4: Heat Cooking Oil

Set a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add enough oil to create a shallow frying surface.

Step 5: Form and Fry Fritters

Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil.

Use the back of a spoon to gently flatten each fritter.

Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.

Step 6: Drain and Rest

Transfer the fritters onto paper towels to absorb excess oil and allow them to cool slightly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the fritters while they’re warm.

Pair with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, salsa, or spicy aioli for an extra flavor kick.

Pro Tips for Perfectly Crispy and Cheesy Corn Fritters

  • Pat corn kernels dry with paper towels before mixing to remove excess moisture and ensure crispy texture.
  • Use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop for uniform fritter sizes, promoting consistent browning and cooking.
  • Keep oil at 350-375°F to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning or absorbing too much oil.
  • Experiment with different cheese types like pepper jack or add chopped jalapeños for extra kick.
  • Prepare batter in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 hours to develop deeper flavors before frying.

Variations to Try with Cheesy Corn Fritters

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and use cornmeal that's certified gluten-free for celiac and gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free cheese alternative, and swap milk with unsweetened almond or soy milk for plant-based eaters.
  • Spicy Southwest Fritters: Add diced jalapeños, replace green onions with chopped cilantro, and mix in ground cumin for a zesty Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Option: Replace flour and cornmeal with almond flour, use cauliflower kernels instead of corn, and incorporate additional cheese for added richness and texture.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Corn Fritters

  • Fiesta Fresh Dips: Pair these fritters with zesty salsa or creamy ranch for a flavor explosion that'll make taste buds dance.
  • Brunch Buddy Brilliance: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a hearty weekend morning meal that satisfies every craving.
  • Picnic Perfect Plate: Pack these golden fritters in a portable container for outdoor gatherings, where they'll be the star of any potluck or family cookout.
  • Quick Appetizer Magic

Storage Advice to Keep Cheesy Corn Fritters Fresh

  • Store leftover fritters in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place a paper towel between layers to absorb moisture and maintain crispiness.
  • Wrap individual fritters in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat to 350°F. Spread fritters on a baking sheet and warm for 8-10 minutes. This method helps restore their original crunchiness.
  • Set air fryer to 350°F. Arrange fritters in a single layer and heat for 3-4 minutes until crispy and warmed through.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?

Yes, you can use frozen corn kernels. Just make sure to thaw and drain them completely before mixing into the batter to prevent excess moisture.

  • What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is recommended, but you can also use monterey jack, pepper jack, or mild white cheese for similar results. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the corn flavor.

  • Is it possible to make these fritters gluten-free?

Substitute the regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour or a blend of rice flour and cornmeal. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still work well.

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Cheesy Corn Fritters Recipe

Cheesy Corn Fritters Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mexican-inspired cheesy corn fritters deliver crispy golden perfection on your plate. Packed with zesty flavors and easy preparation, you’ll savor this delightful appetizer that brings comfort and excitement to any meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or canned)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 large eggs

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Liquid and Flavor Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
  • Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Blend corn kernels, cheddar cheese, flour, cornmeal, and baking powder in a spacious mixing vessel.
  2. Whisk eggs, milk, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a separate container until thoroughly integrated.
  3. Merge wet and dry components, stirring until a cohesive batter forms without overmixing.
  4. Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet to 350°F over medium-high heat, creating an even cooking surface.
  5. Carefully drop rounded tablespoon portions of batter into hot oil, gently pressing each fritter with a spoon to create a flat circular shape.
  6. Cook fritters approximately 2-3 minutes per side, monitoring for a rich golden-brown exterior and ensuring crisp, even coloration.
  7. Transfer cooked fritters onto absorbent paper towels to eliminate excess oil and maintain crispness.
  8. Plate immediately while warm, accompanied by preferred dipping sauce such as ranch, spicy aioli, or herb-infused sour cream.

Notes

  • Swap cornmeal with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or chickpea flour to make the fritters suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Ensure oil temperature stays around 350-375°F for achieving perfectly crispy exterior without burning the fritters.
  • Pat corn kernels dry before mixing to prevent excess moisture that could make fritters soggy and compromise their crunchiness.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or parmesan to create unique flavor profiles and keep the recipe exciting.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 235 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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