If you love a little kick with your comfort food, these Spicy Cheddar Corn Fritters are your new best friend. They’re the perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and spicy, making them a fantastic appetizer or side dish for any meal.
All-purpose flour is the base of our batter, giving structure to the fritters. Cornmeal adds texture and a lovely corn flavor that complements the fresh kernels. Baking powder helps the fritters puff up slightly, making them light rather than dense. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors, while eggs bind everything together. Milk adds moisture, creating a smooth batter. The star ingredient, fresh corn kernels, provides bursts of sweetness. Sharp cheddar cheese offers a rich, tangy flavor that melts beautifully. Jalapeño pepper adds heat, but feel free to adjust the amount to your liking. Finally, chives bring a mild onion-like flavor and a pop of color.
These fritters are great on their own, but why stop there? Try serving them with a dollop of sour cream or a spicy aioli for dipping. They also pair well with grilled meats or as part of a brunch spread alongside eggs and bacon. For a refreshing contrast, add a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. These dry ingredients will form the backbone of your fritters. In another bowl, beat the eggs until they’re well blended, then mix in the milk. Combine the wet ingredients with your dry mixture, stirring until they’re just combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are fine.
Next, fold in the corn kernels, cheddar cheese, jalapeño, and chives. You want these to be evenly distributed throughout the batter. Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, use a spoon to drop in the batter, pressing down slightly with the back of the spoon to flatten them a bit. This helps them cook evenly.
Cook the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them — you want a nice crust without burning. Transfer the cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining batter. Serve them warm for the best texture and flavor experience.