Cheesy Corn Fritters Recipe

There's something about the crispy edges and gooey, cheesy centers of Cheesy Corn Fritters that makes them absolutely irresistible. Picture golden brown patties sizzling on a skillet, each bite bursting with sweet corn, melted cheese, and a whisper of spice.

The first time I made these was on a lazy Sunday afternoon with a surplus of summer corn and no idea what to do with it. What began as a simple snack turned into a full-blown family obsession. Now, they're a regular on our dinner table, often served alongside a fresh salad or as a fun appetizer.

Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a satisfying snack, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these cheesy fritters check all the boxes. Let's dive into what makes them so lovable.

Why You'll Love These Cheesy Corn Fritters

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite skillet recipe. These Cheesy Corn Fritters are more than just a side dish – they’re a deliciously addictive experience.

First of all, they’re incredibly quick and easy to make. From start to finish, you’ll need just about 20 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous weekend cravings.

They’re budget-friendly, too. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or inexpensive grocery items, so you can whip up a batch without breaking the bank.

Plus, they’re super kid-friendly. The crispy texture and cheesy goodness are a huge hit with little ones – especially when served with their favorite dipping sauce.

And let’s not forget how versatile they are. Serve them as a side with grilled meats, as a brunch addition, or even as a vegetarian main with a hearty salad. However you enjoy them, they always deliver.

Now that you're eager to try them, let’s talk about what goes into these crispy little gems.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Cheesy Corn Fritters lies in their simple ingredients, each contributing to their crave-worthy flavor and perfect texture.

Corn is the star of the show. Fresh, frozen, or canned – any variety works, but fresh summer corn brings out the sweetest, juiciest results. If you're using frozen, make sure it's thawed and well-drained to avoid soggy fritters.

Cheese adds the creamy, savory depth that balances the sweetness of the corn. I like using shredded sharp cheddar for its bold flavor and melty texture, but pepper jack is a fun twist if you want a bit of a kick.

Flour and eggs bind everything together, giving the fritters structure while keeping them tender inside. A touch of baking powder adds a lightness that prevents them from feeling too dense.

Green onions and garlic powder provide a subtle yet delicious flavor boost. You can add finely diced red pepper or jalapeño if you're after a little extra color or heat.

To make the fritters extra crispy, you'll need a bit of oil for frying – vegetable or canola oil works best for even browning. A good nonstick skillet or cast-iron pan is ideal for getting that golden crunch.

How To Make These Cheesy Corn Fritters

Making these fritters is a breeze – you'll be amazed how quickly they come together.

Start by combining your corn, shredded cheese, sliced green onions, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Crack in the eggs and stir everything together until a thick, scoopable batter forms. If it seems too dry, add a splash of milk; if too wet, a spoonful more flour should do the trick.

Next, heat about two tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, drop heaping spoonfuls of the batter into the pan, flattening each one slightly with the back of the spoon to form a patty shape.

Cook the fritters for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until they're golden brown and crispy on both sides. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan – work in batches, adding more oil as needed.

Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Sprinkle with a little extra salt while they're still hot for an extra pop of flavor.

From prep to plate, the whole process takes just around 20 minutes. What you’ll end up with are crispy, cheesy, flavor-packed fritters that are perfect for dipping, stacking, or enjoying all on their own.

Storage Options

Cheesy Corn Fritters store surprisingly well, making them great for meal prep or leftovers.

To store in the fridge, place cooled fritters in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking. They'll stay fresh for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze the fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating is simple: just pop them in a hot skillet for a few minutes per side to regain their crispy exterior, or use an oven or toaster oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. Microwaving is possible, but they won’t be as crisp.

Variations and Substitutions

These fritters are endlessly adaptable to suit your taste buds and pantry staples.

Want to spice things up? Add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of smoked paprika to the batter for a flavorful kick.

Need a gluten-free option? Swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and you’re good to go.

For a protein boost, fold in some cooked and crumbled bacon or diced ham. Both pair beautifully with the sweetness of the corn and the richness of the cheese.

Trying to sneak in more veggies? Finely chopped zucchini, spinach, or even shredded carrots can be mixed into the batter. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture first.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses – feta, mozzarella, or even gouda can bring a new twist to the flavor profile.

No matter how you tweak them, these Cheesy Corn Fritters are a fun and delicious way to get creative in the kitchen. Enjoy the process – and even more so, enjoy the results!

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