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Cheesy Corn Fritters Recipe

Let me tell you about this Cheesy Corn Fritters Recipe that has truly become one of my go-to comfort snacks. The perfect balance of sweet corn and melty cheddar cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy, golden exterior—what’s not to love? Whenever I’m craving something savory yet satisfying, these fritters hit the spot, and they’re surprisingly easy to throw together.

Whether you’re whipping these up for a quick lunch, an afternoon snack, or even a delightful appetizer for friends, this Cheesy Corn Fritters Recipe will not disappoint. The combination of spices and fresh green onions adds a lovely depth of flavor that keeps me coming back for seconds, and I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy them just as much as I do.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these in your pantry already, so no last-minute grocery runs.
  • Perfect Texture: Crispy on the outside with tender, cheesy corn on the inside every time.
  • Flexible & Fast: Cooks in under half an hour and you can easily swap fresh, frozen, or canned corn.
  • Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: These fritters disappear quickly whether at family dinners or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cheesy Corn Fritters Recipe combines familiar ingredients that come together beautifully to make a crispy yet creamy bite every time. Picking the right corn and cheese really ramps up the flavor, so let me share some easy tips to get you started.

  • Corn kernels: Whether fresh, frozen, or canned, sweet corn is the star here—fresh offers crispness, frozen is super convenient, and canned works in a pinch.
  • All-purpose flour: Helps bind the fritters and gives just the right structure for that golden crust.
  • Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor without overpowering the corn’s natural sweetness.
  • Cayenne pepper: Just a little heat to brighten the overall flavor and keep things interesting.
  • Granulated sugar: Balances the spices perfectly and enhances the corn’s natural sweetness.
  • Baking powder: Gives the fritters a light, fluffy texture on the inside, making that outside crisp even more delightful.
  • Eggs: The ultimate binder to keep everything together effortlessly.
  • Whole milk: Adds just enough moisture to create a batter that’s easy to drop and shape into fritters.
  • Green onion: Offers a fresh, mild bite that complements the cheese without taking over.
  • Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it adds richness and that classic cheesy pull we all love.
  • Vegetable oil: Essential for frying, choose one with a high smoke point for crispier results.
  • Kosher salt & black pepper: Season to taste, balancing all those layers of flavor.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love customizing this Cheesy Corn Fritters Recipe depending on the season or what I have in the fridge. You can easily turn these into a versatile dish by switching up the cheeses or adding your favorite herbs. It’s all about what you enjoy most, so don’t be shy about experimenting.

  • Variation: Sometimes I swap the cheddar for pepper jack to add a little spicy kick, and it’s fantastic—adds a whole new dimension of flavor I know you’ll appreciate.
  • Dietary tweak: For a gluten-free version, try using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour; it works really well without changing the texture.
  • Extra mix-ins: Feel free to add chopped jalapeños or corn kernels roasted lightly for smoky flavor bursts.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Corn Fritters Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by combining the corn kernels, flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. I like to give everything a good stir to spread out the spices evenly—this ensures every fritter has perfect flavor without any clumps. If you’re using frozen corn, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry so the batter isn’t watery.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients and Cheese

Next, whisk in the beaten eggs and milk. This starts to bring the batter together—don’t overmix; just enough to combine. Then gently fold in your chopped green onion and grated cheddar cheese. The cheese adds not only gooey richness but also helps the fritters hold their shape as they cook.

Step 3: Heat the Oil and Cook

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until it shimmers—about 1/4 inch deep is perfect. Use a couple of tablespoons of batter for each fritter and flatten them slightly in the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they’re crispy and golden brown. If the heat is too high, they’ll burn before the inside cooks, so medium heat is key. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding and keep your fritters crispy.

Step 4: Drain and Serve

Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil. Serve them warm for best taste and texture. Trust me, those crispy edges combined with the melted cheese inside make every bite irresistible.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Overmix: Stir your batter just enough to combine for light, tender fritters instead of dense ones.
  • Temperature Control: Keeping the oil at medium heat avoids burning the outside before the cheese melts inside.
  • Drain Properly: Using paper towels to soak up excess oil keeps fritters crisp and not greasy.
  • Batch Cooking: Cook in small batches for even frying and to avoid crowding, which can lower oil temperature.

How to Serve Cheesy Corn Fritters Recipe

A stack of four golden-brown corn fritters with a crispy texture is placed on a white plate. The fritters have visible corn kernels and some brown, slightly charred spots, showing a rich, crunchy surface. The top fritter is drizzled with a white creamy sauce that flows down the sides slightly. In the background, a white rectangular baking dish filled with more fritters sits on a white marbled surface, adding depth to the image. The scene is bright with natural light highlighting the warm colors of the fritters. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top my cheesy corn fritters with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley—it adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy flavor. A squeeze of lime or a drizzle of hot sauce also works wonders if you prefer zest or heat. You can really play around with garnishes to suit your mood!

Side Dishes

These fritters go great alongside a crisp salad or some roasted veggies for a balanced meal. When I’m feeling indulgent, I serve them with a bowl of chili or a hearty soup—perfect for dipping and soaking in all those cozy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I like to make mini fritters and serve them on skewers with a little ramekin of dipping sauce—everyone loves finger food! Another fun idea is stacking them with layers of guacamole and salsa for a playful twist on loaded corn cakes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I recommend letting the fritters cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 2 days and still taste good reheated, which is a total win for busy days.

Freezing

I’ve frozen extra fritters by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can pull out just what you need later without them sticking together. They freeze beautifully for up to a month and make quick snacks!

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming them in a skillet with a tiny bit of oil to bring back that crisp exterior rather than microwaving, which can make them soggy. A quick 2-minute flip on each side is usually enough to revive their deliciousness.

FAQs

  1. Can I use canned corn for this Cheesy Corn Fritters Recipe?

    Absolutely! Just make sure to drain and pat the corn kernels dry to avoid watery batter. Canned corn works well and is very convenient when fresh or frozen isn’t available.

  2. What type of cheese is best in these fritters?

    Cheddar is classic—sharp cheddar especially—because it melts nicely and pairs with corn’s sweetness. But feel free to experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses to suit your taste.

  3. How do I ensure my fritters are crispy and not soggy?

    Use medium heat when frying, don’t overcrowd the pan, and drain cooked fritters on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Also, avoid adding too much liquid to the batter.

  4. Can I make these fritters ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead and refrigerate it for a few hours before cooking. Alternatively, make the fritters and reheat them gently later—both methods work well for convenience.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Corn Fritters Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s the kind of recipe that’s easy enough for weeknights but tasty enough to share with friends and family on the weekend. I hope you’ll enjoy making and eating these as much as I do because there’s nothing quite like biting into that warm, crispy, cheesy goodness. So grab your skillet and let’s get frying—you won’t regret it!

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Cheesy Corn Fritters Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 18 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Deliciously crispy and cheesy corn fritters packed with fresh corn kernels, cheddar cheese, and a hint of spice, perfect as a snack or side dish.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 3 cups corn kernels, fresh, frozen, or canned (thawed, if frozen)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup green onion, chopped
  • 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, grated
  • Vegetable oil, as needed
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste


Instructions

  1. Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, all-purpose flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, granulated sugar, baking powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to mix all dry ingredients evenly.
  2. Add wet ingredients: Add the beaten eggs and whole milk to the dry mixture and stir until well combined. Fold in the chopped green onion and grated cheddar cheese gently until just incorporated.
  3. Heat oil: Place a skillet over medium heat and add enough vegetable oil to generously coat the bottom of the skillet. Heat the oil until it shimmers.
  4. Cook fritters: Drop the batter onto the hot skillet in 2 tablespoon portions, flattening each to form small patties. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side, or until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Flip and finish: Carefully flip each fritter and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the other side is golden and the fritters are cooked through.
  6. Drain excess oil: Remove cooked fritters from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining batter.
  7. Serve warm: Serve the cheesy corn fritters warm as a delicious snack or side dish.

Notes

  • Use fresh, frozen, or canned corn kernels based on availability. If using frozen corn, thaw and drain well before use to avoid excess moisture.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the spiciness according to your preference.
  • For a crispier texture, ensure the oil is hot before adding the batter to the skillet.
  • Fritters can be served with sour cream, salsa, or a spicy dipping sauce for added flavor.
  • You can substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg

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