Description
The ultimate savory appetizer, blending sweet corn with a sharp cheddar kick and a spicy jalapeño finish. These bite-sized nuggets feature a crisp, golden-brown exterior and a tender, cheesy center. Perfect for parties, they are best served piping hot with a cooling dip.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15.25 oz) sweet corn (thoroughly drained)
- 1 cup (113g) sharp cheddar cheese (finely shredded)
- 2 medium jalapenos (seeded and finely diced)
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg, 1 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
- Vegetable oil (for frying), Fresh parsley (garnish)
Instructions
Dry Mix: Stir together flour, cheese, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and sugar in a medium bowl.
Wet Mix: In a separate bowl, whisk egg, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
Batter: Pour wet into dry; stir until just combined. Fold in corn and jalapenos. Do not overmix to keep them light.
Fry: Heat oil to 350°F. Drop tablespoon-sized portions into oil and fry for 2–3 mins until deep golden brown.
Drain: Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve immediately garnished with parsley.
Notes
The 350°F Rule: Consistent oil temperature is critical. If too cool, nuggets will be greasy; if too hot, the exterior burns before the center cooks. Check temp between batches.
Draining the Corn: Ensure corn is bone-dry. Excess moisture thins the batter and causes dangerous oil splattering.
Finely Shredded Cheese: Use a fine shred for even melting. This creates a cohesive, cheesy interior rather than large, oily pockets that can compromise the nugget’s structure.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Snack
- Method: Deep-Frying
- Cuisine: American / Southern Style
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 nuggets
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 240
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 40
Keywords: jalapeno corn nuggets, fried corn balls, sweet corn appetizers, spicy cheddar nuggets, homemade corn fritters