Sweet and Savory Corn Fritters with Cheddar and Scallions Recipe
Crispy and savory corn fritters made with fresh corn, sharp cheddar, and a blend of spices. These golden fritters are pan-fried to perfection and served with a dollop of tangy sour cream, making a perfect appetizer or side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 fritters (serves 4)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups corn kernels (from about 3 ears fresh corn)
- ¾ cup chopped scallions (about 5, plus more for garnish)
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
Dry Ingredients & Spices
- 1½ teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¾ cup cornmeal, spooned and leveled
- ½ cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
Cooking & Serving
- Neutral oil, for the pan
- Sour cream, for serving
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until well combined.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: Stir in the corn kernels, chopped scallions, grated sharp cheddar cheese, and apple cider vinegar to the milk and egg mixture.
- Incorporate Spices: Sprinkle sea salt, onion powder, baking powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and freshly ground black pepper over the mixture, then stir thoroughly to combine.
- Add Cornmeal and Flour: Sprinkle the cornmeal and all-purpose flour over the mixture and stir until the batter is well combined and holds together.
- Heat the Skillet: Coat the bottom of a cast-iron skillet with a thin layer of neutral oil and heat it over medium heat until hot.
- Form and Cook Fritters: Using a ¼-cup measuring cup, scoop the batter into the skillet. Use the back of the cup or a spatula to gently press the batter down into approximately 3-inch disks.
- Fry Each Side: Cook the fritters for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Ensure even cooking by flipping carefully.
- Work in Batches: If necessary, cook the fritters in batches. Wipe out the pan and add more oil between batches to maintain the right frying conditions.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a plate, garnish with extra chopped scallions, and serve warm with a side of sour cream.
Notes
- Using fresh corn kernels gives the fritters a sweet, juicy flavor. Frozen corn can be used if fresh is not available but thaw and drain well.
- Cast-iron skillet is recommended for even heat distribution and crispiness, but a heavy non-stick pan also works.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for desired spice level, or omit for a milder flavor.
- For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Serve the fritters immediately for best texture; they tend to lose crispiness when cooled.
