Introduction

Crispy Corn Cheese Bites are a delightful snack that combines sweet corn and melted cheese in a crunchy, golden exterior. Perfect for parties or a quick appetizer, these bites are easy to make and irresistibly tasty.

A close-up view of six golden brown deep-fried balls placed in a white bowl, each ball has a rough crispy crust with visible bits of corn inside, melted creamy cheese sauce drizzling over them, and small bright green parsley leaves sprinkled on top and around. The texture looks crunchy on the outside and soft with gooey cheese inside. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ cups canned or frozen corn (sweet corn recommended, thawed and dried 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 (approximately 60 grams, or gluten-free blend if needed)
1 large egg (at room temperature)
¼ cup breadcrumbs (approximately 20 grams)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (approximately 3 grams)
½ teaspoon onion powder (approximately 1.5 grams)
½ teaspoon paprika (approximately 1.5 grams, smoked paprika optional)
¼ teaspoon salt (approximately 1 gram, adjust if using salted cheese)
⅛ teaspoon black pepper (approximately 0.5 grams, freshly ground)
Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the corn by draining canned corn thoroughly or thawing frozen corn completely. Pat the corn dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Crack the egg into a large mixing bowl and whisk lightly until evenly combined.
Step 3: Add the flour, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the egg. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Add the prepared corn kernels to the mixture, then mix thoroughly with a spoon or spatula until all ingredients are well incorporated and form a thick, slightly sticky mixture.
Step 5: Shape the mixture into small balls or flattened discs using about a tablespoon of mixture per bite. Aim for 20-25 bites depending on size.
Step 6: For frying, heat oil in a deep pan to 350-375°F (175-190°C). For baking, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a lightly oiled baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 7: Fry a few bites at a time in hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. If baking, arrange bites on the sheet and bake 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and heated through.
Step 8: If fried, drain bites on paper towels to remove excess oil. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

Tips & Variations

Use smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
To keep bites crispier longer, serve immediately or keep warm in a low oven.
Try mixing in finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives for fresh flavor.
For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
Bake instead of fry for a healthier version with less oil.

Storage

Store leftover corn cheese bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

The image shows seven round, deep-fried balls with a golden-brown crispy outer layer arranged closely together on a white marbled surface. One of the balls is broken in half and placed on top of the others, revealing a soft, creamy, white melted cheese filling stretching slightly between the two halves. The outer crust has a rough texture with small crunchy bits visible. The cheese inside looks smooth and glossy, and there are small green bits mixed in the filling near the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh corn instead of canned or frozen?

Yes, fresh corn kernels can be used. Blanch or lightly cook them first, then drain and dry before adding to the mixture to avoid excess moisture.

Can these bites be made ahead and frozen?

Absolutely. Shape the bites and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Fry or bake from frozen, just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Crispy Corn Cheese Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 123 reviews

Crispy Corn Cheese Bites are deliciously golden, cheesy, and crunchy snacks made with sweet corn, cheddar, and mozzarella cheese, bound together with flour, egg, and seasoned with garlic, onion, and paprika. These versatile bites can be deep-fried or baked for a healthier option, perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or quick dinner treat.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes (baking) or 10 minutes (frying)
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 20–25 bites 1x
Category: Snacks, Appetizers
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Dairy

1 ½ cups Canned or Frozen Corn (approximately 1 can or equivalent amount of frozen kernels)
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (about 4 ounces)
½ cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (about 2 ounces)
1 Large Egg (at room temperature)

Dry Ingredients & Spices

½ cup All-Purpose Flour (approximately 60 grams)
¼ cup Breadcrumbs (approximately 20 grams)
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (approximately 3 grams)
½ teaspoon Onion Powder (approximately 1.5 grams)
½ teaspoon Paprika (approximately 1.5 grams)
¼ teaspoon Salt (approximately 1 gram)
⅛ teaspoon Black Pepper (approximately 0.5 grams)

Oils

Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil (enough for deep or shallow frying)

Instructions

Prepare the Corn: Drain canned corn thoroughly or thaw frozen corn completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture which prevents sogginess and helps the bites hold their shape.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Crack the egg in a large mixing bowl and whisk lightly to ensure even incorporation in the mixture.
Mix Dry Ingredients and Cheese: Add all-purpose flour, shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the egg.
Incorporate the Corn: Add the prepared corn kernels to the mixture of cheese and spices in the bowl.
Mix Thoroughly: Stir all ingredients together until fully combined, ensuring an even distribution of corn, cheese, and spices. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky.
Form the Bites: Scoop about a tablespoon of mixture and shape into small balls or flattened discs. Repeat to make approximately 20-25 bites.
Prepare for Frying or Baking: For frying, heat vegetable or canola oil in a deep pan to 350-375°F (175-190°C). For baking, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), line a baking sheet with parchment, and lightly oil the sheet.
Cook the Bites: Fry a few bites at a time in hot oil without overcrowding for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden and crispy. Alternatively, bake the bites on the prepared sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and heated through.
Drain Excess Oil (Frying only): Remove fried bites with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Cool Slightly and Serve: Let the bites cool briefly so the cheese sets slightly but remains gooey, then serve warm with your preferred dipping sauces.

Notes

Ensure corn is completely dry to avoid soggy bites.
Use low-moisture mozzarella for better texture and browning.
Panko breadcrumbs can be used in the coating for extra crunch.
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour if needed.
Baking is a healthier alternative to frying without sacrificing much on texture.
Adjust salt according to the saltiness of the cheese used.

Keywords: corn cheese bites, crispy corn snacks, fried cheese bites, cheesy appetizers, corn snacks recipe, easy party snacks