If there is a dish that always draws a crowd around my kitchen counter, it’s these Cheesy Corn Fritters. Each fritter is a little round of golden goodness: crisp at the edges, loaded with juicy corn kernels and melty cheese, just begging to be dunked, stacked, or devoured straight from the pan. With irresistible flavors, a fluffy interior, and a tempting savory kick from sharp cheddar and smoked paprika, they capture everything I love about comfort food with a breezy, summery twist. Whip up a batch and watch these Cheesy Corn Fritters disappear in moments—trust me, they never last long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Cheesy Corn Fritters is delightfully easy, built on a handful of ingredients most of us have tucked away at home. Every piece of the puzzle matters here, delivering crunch, color, and mouthwatering cheesy flavor in every bite.
- Corn kernels: Fresh, frozen (thawed), or even canned in a pinch—they’re the stars, offering pops of sweetness and texture.
- All-purpose flour: The humble binder that holds things together and gives each fritter a soft, pillowy bite.
- Baking powder: Just enough to puff up the fritters and make them fluffy rather than dense.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors to life, never to be skipped.
- Black pepper: Infuses a gentle warmth that balances the sweetness of the corn.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a whisper of smokiness and a hint of color, utterly irresistible.
- Eggs: Essential for binding and giving the fritters structure and richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, bold, and savory—the classic cheesy element you crave in Cheesy Corn Fritters.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Lends saltiness and a hint of umami for deeper, more complex flavor.
- Chopped green onions: A pop of freshness, color, and crunch to cut through all that melty cheese.
- Milk: Helps the batter come together smoothly, for fritters that are tender in the center.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Use this as a finishing touch for a burst of herbal brightness and a pretty garnish.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Neutral in flavor and perfect for crisping up those golden edges without overpowering the dish.
How to Make Cheesy Corn Fritters
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
Lay everything out: measure your corn, shred the cheeses, chop the green onions and parsley, and get your bowls ready. This quick bit of prep turns the rest of the process into a breeze and ensures you won’t be frantically hunting for anything mid-batter.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the corn kernels, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mixing these first ensures your leaveners and seasonings are evenly distributed, so every bite sings with flavor.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. This makes it easier to combine the wet and dry ingredients later, helping you avoid over-mixing and keeping your Cheesy Corn Fritters light.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Pour your egg and milk mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and corn. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir gently until just combined—don’t fret if you see a few streaks of flour. Now, fold in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and green onions to create a lumpy, glorious batter. Overmixing can make the fritters tough, so stop as soon as everything is incorporated.
Step 5: Fry the Fritters
Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the pan, then gently flatten each with the back of your spoon. Fry the fritters for 2 to 3 minutes per side until their exteriors are gloriously golden and crisp. The aroma at this stage will tempt you to sneak an early taste—resist if you can!
Step 6: Drain and Finish
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a fresh hint of flavor. Serve them warm and watch jaws drop with every cheesy, corny bite.
How to Serve Cheesy Corn Fritters
Garnishes
The right garnish makes Cheesy Corn Fritters shine. Finely chopped fresh parsley or cilantro adds herbaceous brightness, while a generous dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side delivers a tangy contrast. For a spicy twist, try a touch of hot sauce or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Corn Fritters play perfectly with crisp salads—think a simple green salad or tangy coleslaw. They’re also lovely alongside grilled proteins like chicken or shrimp, or even as a show-stopping topper for a hearty bowl of chili or soup.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re aiming to impress, serve your Cheesy Corn Fritters stacked in towers with layers of avocado slices, or tuck them into a soft slider bun with arugula and a swipe of spicy mayo. Mini fritters make a fun appetizer for parties, especially when plated with a trio of dipping sauces for guests to sample.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Corn Fritters can be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They make a terrific quick-lunch or midnight snack straight from the fridge or gently reheated.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooled fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months, making it easy to grab a few whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Cheesy Corn Fritters in an oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through and crispy—about 8-10 minutes. A quick warm-up in a skillet also revives their signature crunch, while the microwave offers a speedy (if slightly less crisp) alternative.
FAQs
Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?
Absolutely! Just be sure to drain the canned corn thoroughly before adding it to the batter—excess moisture can make the fritters soggy and harder to crisp up.
Are Cheesy Corn Fritters gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can easily swap in a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for delicious results. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy them.
What type Appetizer
A sharp cheddar and Parmesan combo is classic, but you can play around with other cheeses like pepper jack for heat, smoked gouda for added smokiness, or mozzarella for stretchy, gooey texture. Just aim for a cheese that melts well and packs plenty of flavor.
Can I make Cheesy Corn Fritters in advance for a party?
Definitely! Cheesy Corn Fritters can be cooked ahead, cooled, and refrigerated or frozen as needed. Simply reheat and crisp them up right before serving and no one will know they weren’t made fresh on the spot.
How do I keep my fritters from falling apart?
If you’re finding that your fritters aren’t holding together, try adding a bit more flour to help bind them or make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. Chilling the batter for 10-15 minutes can also make the mixture easier to shape and cook.
Final Thoughts
Let’s be honest: there’s something truly special about gathering around a plateful of Cheesy Corn Fritters, fresh from the skillet. Whether you serve them as a snack, side, or centerpiece, they radiate warmth and comfort with every bite. I hope you’ll give these a try and share them with someone you love—because if there’s one recipe that always gets people asking for seconds, it’s this one.
Print
Cheesy Corn Fritters Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 10–12 fritters
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Corn Fritters are a delicious appetizer or snack that’s perfect for summer gatherings or as a tasty treat any time of year. Packed with sweet corn, gooey cheese, and savory seasonings, these fritters are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (thawed if frozen)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons milk
Optional Ingredient:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Prepare Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk, then stir into the corn mixture until just combined.
- Add Cheeses: Fold in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and green onions.
- Fry Fritters: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, drop batter into the oil, flatten slightly, and cook until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
- Serve: Drain on paper towels, sprinkle with parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute canned corn (drained) for fresh or frozen.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicier kick, or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
