Dinner

Cheesy Corn Fritters Recipe

ByLila Prescott August 18, 2026August 18, 2026

Introduction

Cheesy Corn Fritters are a delightful, crispy snack perfect for any time of day. Packed with fresh corn, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and a hint of jalapeno heat, these fritters make a tasty appetizer or side dish that’s easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.

A tall stack of five golden-yellow corn fritters sits in the center of the image, each fritter showing a rough texture with visible bits of corn and green herbs. The top fritter is decorated with a small dollop of white sour cream and a sprig of fresh green cilantro. Around the stack, small pieces of corn and lime wedges are scattered on a white marbled surface. The background is softly blurred but shows pale green corn husks. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups corn kernels (approximately 4 corn cobs)
¼ cup cilantro (chopped)

¼ cup green onion (chopped)
1 jalapeno (deseeded, membranes removed, diced)

Juice from ½ a lime (about 1 tablespoon)
1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper

¼ tsp chili powder
2 large eggs (beaten)
¼ cup milk

1½ cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the corn by cutting the kernels off fresh cobs into a large bowl. If using canned or frozen corn, drain and thaw before using.

Step 2: Add chopped cilantro, green onion, diced jalapeno, and the lime juice to the bowl with the corn. Stir to combine.
Step 3: In a separate small bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and chili powder until evenly combined.
Step 4: Pour the dry ingredients into the corn mixture and stir well to distribute.

Step 5: Add the beaten eggs, milk, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese to the bowl. Stir until the batter is thick and well mixed.
Step 6: Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom.
Step 7: Scoop about ¼ cup of batter into the hot oil, pressing it down gently to form a compact patty with the edges pressed in.

Step 8: Cook the fritters for 2-3 minutes until the edges turn golden brown, then carefully flip and cook the other side until golden.
Step 9: Remove the cooked fritters and place them on a paper towel-lined tray to absorb excess oil. Sprinkle with extra salt or pepper if desired.
Step 10: Serve the fritters warm for best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, add a tablespoon of cornmeal to the dry ingredients.
Swap Monterey Jack cheese for sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.
Add a little smoked paprika to the batter to enhance the smoky notes.

Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a spicy salsa for dipping.

Storage

Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain their crispiness, or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

A stack of five golden brown corn fritters sits in the middle of the image, each fritter thick with visible pieces of corn and bits of green herbs mixed in. The top fritter is adorned with a dollop of white sour cream and garnished with bright green parsley leaves. The fritters have a crispy, slightly textured surface with a warm yellow color and green flecks throughout. To the foreground right, there are small pieces of fresh corn kernels and a lime wedge with a light green rind and juicy pale green flesh. In the blurry background, fresh corn with husks and more fritters are visible on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?

Yes, frozen corn works well. Thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before mixing it into the batter to prevent sogginess.

How do I make these fritters gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend you choose is suitable for savory frying to maintain the texture.