Crispy Corn Cheese Bites Recipe
Crispy Corn Cheese Bites are a delightful appetizer featuring sweet corn kernels mixed with a blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, lightly seasoned and fried to golden perfection. These bite-sized treats boast a crispy exterior with a gooey, cheesy interior, making them a perfect snack or party finger food. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauces for an irresistible cheesy corn experience.
- Author: mia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (frying) or 20 minutes (baking)
- Total Time: 25-35 minutes
- Yield: 20-25 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Canned or Frozen Corn (approximately 1 can or equivalent thawed frozen corn kernels)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (about 4 ounces)
- ½ cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (about 2 ounces, low-moisture preferred)
- ½ cup All-Purpose Flour (approximately 60 grams)
- 1 Large Egg (at room temperature)
- ¼ cup Breadcrumbs (approximately 20 grams)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (approximately 3 grams)
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder (approximately 1.5 grams)
- ½ teaspoon Paprika (approximately 1.5 grams, smoked paprika optional)
- ¼ teaspoon Salt (approximately 1 gram, adjust as needed)
- ⅛ teaspoon Black Pepper (approximately 0.5 grams, freshly ground)
For Frying
- Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil (enough for deep or shallow frying)
- Prepare the Corn: Drain canned corn thoroughly using a colander. If using frozen corn, thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, preventing sogginess.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Crack the large egg into a large mixing bowl and whisk lightly to ensure even incorporation.
- Mix Dry Ingredients and Cheese: Add the all-purpose flour, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the egg.
- Incorporate the Corn: Add the prepared corn kernels to the bowl containing the cheese and spice mixture.
- Mix Thoroughly: Use a spoon or spatula to blend all ingredients until well combined and the mixture is thick and slightly sticky, with cheese and seasoning evenly distributed.
- Form the Bites: Scoop a tablespoon of the mixture and shape into small balls or flattened discs. Repeat until all mixture is used, yielding about 20-25 bites depending on size.
- Prepare for Frying or Baking: For frying, heat vegetable or canola oil in a deep pan to 350-375°F (175-190°C). For baking, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, lightly greased.
- Cook the Bites: If frying, carefully drop bites into hot oil in batches, frying 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. For baking, place bites on the sheet spaced apart, bake 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until browned and heated through.
- Drain Excess Oil (If Frying): Remove fried bites with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Let the bites cool for a few minutes before serving to enjoy gooey cheese centers with crispy outsides. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Ensure corn is thoroughly dried to prevent soggy bites.
- Use low-moisture mozzarella for better texture and browning.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used for an extra crispy coating if desired.
- Adjust salt based on cheese saltiness.
- To make gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Serve immediately for best texture; reheating may reduce crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 bites (about 70 grams)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 270 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: corn cheese bites, crispy corn bites, cheesy snack, appetizer recipe, fried corn cheese balls