These Corn and Cheese Fritters are a delightful way to enjoy fresh or frozen corn. Packed with cheddar cheese and a hint of smoked paprika, they make for a hearty snack or a fun side dish. Perfectly golden and crispy, they're hard to resist!
All-purpose flour gives structure to the fritters, holding everything together. The baking powder helps them puff up a bit, making them nice and light. A touch of salt enhances all the flavors, while black pepper adds a bit of heat. The smoked paprika introduces a subtle smokiness that complements the sweetness of the corn.
The milk and egg combine to create a smooth batter that coats the corn. Speaking of which, the sweet corn kernels are the star, bringing natural sweetness and juiciness. The shredded cheddar cheese melts into the batter, adding a rich, gooey texture. Lastly, chopped green onions provide a fresh bite, cutting through the richness.
These fritters are versatile! Serve them as a snack with a spicy sriracha mayo or alongside grilled chicken for a hearty meal. They also pair well with a fresh salad or a light soup for a balanced lunch.
Start by grabbing a large bowl for your dry ingredients. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This will ensure everything is evenly distributed before you add the wet ingredients.
In another bowl, mix the milk and beaten egg until well combined. Pour this mixture into your dry ingredients, stirring just until everything is moistened. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Now, gently fold in the corn kernels, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. You want the batter to hold together but not be too dense.
Heat a skillet over medium heat, adding butter or oil to coat the surface. Once hot, drop spoonfuls of batter into the skillet. Use the back of your spoon to flatten them slightlyβthis helps them cook evenly. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes, or until they're golden brown and crispy. Remove the fritters from the skillet and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.