Savory Cheesy Corn Fritters are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or side dish that everyone will love. These fritters are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with the sweet flavor of corn and the richness of cheese. They are perfect for a quick snack, brunch, or as a side dish to complement your main course.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels (thawed if frozen)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Add Cheese and Veggies: Stir in the grated cheddar cheese, corn kernels, chopped green onions, and fresh parsley until well combined.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
- Beat Eggs and Milk: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and milk together. Add the melted butter and mix well.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick but spoonable.
Step 3: Fry the Fritters
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Scoop Batter: Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Flatten slightly with the back of the spoon.
- Fry Until Golden: Fry the fritters for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish: Garnish the fritters with extra chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
- Serve Hot: Serve the savory cheesy corn fritters hot, with your favorite dipping sauce or a side of sour cream.
Cooking Notes
- Fresh vs. Frozen Corn: If using fresh corn, make sure to cut the kernels off the cob. If using frozen corn, ensure it is fully thawed and drained of any excess water.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or feta for a unique flavor.
- Consistency: The batter should be thick enough to hold together when dropped into the hot oil. If it is too runny, add a little more flour; if it is too thick, add a splash more milk.
Variations
Low-Carb/Keto Version:
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour. Adjust the amount of milk as needed to achieve the right batter consistency.
Gluten-Free Version:
- Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour to make these fritters gluten-free.
Vegan Version:
- Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg). Use a plant-based milk and vegan cheese alternative.
Tips for Perfect Fritters
- Even Cooking: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the fritters. This helps to achieve a crispy exterior without the fritters absorbing too much oil.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the fritters in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy fritters.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the batter for a spicy kick.
Savory Cheesy Corn Fritters are a versatile and tasty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, these fritters are sure to be a hit. The combination of sweet corn, savory cheese, and aromatic herbs creates a delightful flavor that everyone will enjoy. Try making these fritters for your next gathering or family meal and watch them disappear in no time!
Enjoy your Savory Cheesy Corn Fritters!
