Introduction

Crispy Corn Cheese Bites are a delightful snack combining sweet corn and melted cheese in a crispy, golden shell. Perfect for parties or a comforting treat, these bites are easy to make and wonderfully satisfying.

The image shows a white bowl filled with six round, golden-brown fried balls with a crispy texture. Each ball has a crunchy outer layer covered with fine breadcrumbs, and yellow corn kernels peek through the creamy, melted cheese inside. Fresh green herb leaves are sprinkled on top, adding a touch of bright color and freshness. The balls are stacked closely in the bowl, with the focus on the top one that has some cheese oozing down its side. The background features a soft white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ cups canned or frozen corn (sweet corn preferred, thaw and pat dry if frozen)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 2 ounces, low-moisture recommended)
½ cup all-purpose flour (about 60 grams)
1 large egg (room temperature)
¼ cup breadcrumbs (about 20 grams)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (about 3 grams)
½ teaspoon onion powder (about 1.5 grams)
½ teaspoon paprika (about 1.5 grams, smoked paprika optional)
¼ teaspoon salt (about 1 gram)
⅛ teaspoon black pepper (about 0.5 grams, freshly ground)
Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the corn by draining canned corn thoroughly or thawing and patting dry frozen corn to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: In a large bowl, lightly whisk the egg to combine.
Step 3: Add flour, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the egg and mix briefly.
Step 4: Incorporate the prepared corn into the cheese and spice mixture.
Step 5: Mix all ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is thick and slightly sticky, with ingredients evenly distributed.
Step 6: Form the mixture into small balls or flattened discs using about a tablespoon of mixture for each bite. You should get around 20-25 bites.
Step 7: For frying, heat oil in a deep frying pan to 350-375°F (175-190°C). For baking, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet with a light oil coating.
Step 8: Fry bites in batches without overcrowding, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Alternatively, bake bites on the sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 9: If fried, drain bites on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 10: Let the bites cool slightly before serving warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a milder flavor.
Panko breadcrumbs can be added to the coating for extra crunch when frying.
If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt, if your cheese is already salty.
For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.

Storage

Store any leftover corn cheese bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bites soggy.

How to Serve

Seven round, golden-brown fried balls with a rough, crispy texture and bits of yellow corn are arranged on a white plate with a thin gold rim. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with some green cilantro leaves nearby. Behind the plate, there is a white sauce boat filled with a reddish-brown sauce. Part of an orange cloth is seen on the left side of the frame. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and shape the corn cheese mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. This helps the flavors meld and makes forming the bites easier.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Absolutely! Baking at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes with a flip halfway through yields crispy, healthier bites with minimal oil.

Crispy Corn Cheese Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 72 reviews

Crispy Corn Cheese Bites are delightful, golden-fried or baked snacks made from sweet corn kernels combined with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. These bite-sized treats are seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and paprika, offering a perfect balance of savory flavors and a crispy exterior. Ideal as appetizers or party snacks, they can be fried for a traditional crunch or baked for a healthier alternative.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes (frying) or 20 minutes (baking)
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Yield: 20–25 bites 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Corn & Cheese Mixture

1 ½ cups Canned or Frozen Corn (approximately 1 can or equivalent thawed frozen corn)
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (about 4 ounces)
½ cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (about 2 ounces, low-moisture preferred)

Binding & Seasonings

½ cup All-Purpose Flour (approximately 60 grams)
1 Large Egg (at room temperature)
¼ cup Breadcrumbs (approximately 20 grams)
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (about 3 grams)
½ teaspoon Onion Powder (about 1.5 grams)
½ teaspoon Paprika (about 1.5 grams, smoked paprika optional)
¼ teaspoon Salt (approximately 1 gram)
⅛ teaspoon Black Pepper (approximately 0.5 grams)

For Frying

Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil (enough for deep or shallow frying, about 2-3 inches deep)

Instructions

Prepare the Corn: Drain canned corn thoroughly or, if using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps prevent sogginess in the bites.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, crack and lightly whisk 1 large egg to ensure it mixes evenly into the mixture.
Mix Dry Ingredients and Cheese: Add all-purpose flour, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper into the bowl with the egg.
Incorporate the Corn: Add the prepared corn kernels to the bowl and combine them gently with the cheese and spices mixture.
Mix Thoroughly: Use a spoon or spatula to mix all ingredients until well combined. The mixture should be thick, sticky, and evenly distributed with corn, cheese, and seasoning.
Form the Bites: Scoop about a tablespoon of the mixture and shape into small balls or flattened discs. Arrange the formed bites on a clean plate or tray. This will yield approximately 20-25 bites depending on size.
Prepare for Frying (or Baking): For frying, pour vegetable or canola oil to a 2-3 inch depth in a deep pan and heat it 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 with oil.
Cook the Bites: Frying: Carefully drop bites into hot oil without overcrowding. Fry 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Baking: Place bites spaced apart on prepared sheet. Bake 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and heated through.
Drain Excess Oil (if fried): Using a slotted spoon, remove fried bites and transfer to paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Cool Slightly and Serve: Allow bites to cool briefly so cheese remains gooey and exterior crisp. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces for an irresistible snack.

Notes

Ensure corn is thoroughly dried to avoid soggy bites.
Using low-moisture mozzarella helps achieve better browning and less moisture in the bites.
Adjust seasoning and salt according to taste and cheese saltiness.
For a healthier version, baking is a great alternative to frying.
Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
These bites are best served warm for optimal gooey cheese texture.
Panko breadcrumbs can be used in the mixture for added crunch if desired.

Keywords: corn cheese bites, crispy corn snacks, fried cheese bites, appetizer, party snack