Name: Crispy Corn Cheese Bites
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups Canned or Frozen Corn: (Approximately 1 can or equivalent amount of frozen corn kernels). Choose sweet corn for the best flavor. If using frozen, thaw it completely and pat it dry to remove excess moisture.; 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese: (About 4 ounces). Sharp cheddar provides a robust cheesy flavor, but you can also use mild cheddar or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder taste. Pre-shredded or freshly grated cheese works well.; ½ cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: (About 2 ounces). Mozzarella adds a wonderful melt and gooey texture to the bites. Low-moisture mozzarella is recommended for better browning and less moisture content.; ½ cup All-Purpose Flour: (Approximately 60 grams). This is the binding agent that helps hold the ingredients together and provides structure to the bites. You can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if needed.; 1 Large Egg: (At room temperature). The egg acts as a binder and adds moisture, contributing to the overall texture and richness of the bites.; ¼ cup Breadcrumbs: (Approximately 20 grams). Breadcrumbs add a slight crispiness to the interior of the bites. Panko breadcrumbs can be used for extra crunch in the outer coating, but regular breadcrumbs are perfectly fine for the mixture itself.; 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: (Approximately 3 grams). Garlic powder enhances the savory flavor profile of the bites, adding a subtle aromatic note.; ½ teaspoon Onion Powder: (Approximately 1.5 grams). Onion powder complements the garlic powder, adding depth and complexity to the savory flavor.; ½ teaspoon Paprika: (Approximately 1.5 grams). Paprika adds a mild smoky and slightly sweet flavor, as well as a beautiful reddish hue to the bites. Smoked paprika can be used for a more intense smoky flavor.; ¼ teaspoon Salt: (Approximately 1 gram). Salt enhances all the flavors in the recipe. Adjust the amount to your preference, especially if using salted cheese.; ⅛ teaspoon Black Pepper: (Approximately 0.5 grams). Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and balances the sweetness of the corn and richness of the cheese.; Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil: For frying. You’ll need enough oil to deep fry or shallow fry the bites. Vegetable or canola oil are neutral oils with a high smoke point, making them ideal for frying.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ cups Canned or Frozen Corn: (Approximately 1 can or equivalent amount of frozen corn kernels). Choose sweet corn for the best flavor. If using frozen, thaw it completely and pat it dry to remove excess moisture.
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese: (About 4 ounces). Sharp cheddar provides a robust cheesy flavor, but you can also use mild cheddar or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder taste. Pre-shredded or freshly grated cheese works well.
½ cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: (About 2 ounces). Mozzarella adds a wonderful melt and gooey texture to the bites. Low-moisture mozzarella is recommended for better browning and less moisture content.
½ cup All-Purpose Flour: (Approximately 60 grams). This is the binding agent that helps hold the ingredients together and provides structure to the bites. You can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if needed.
1 Large Egg: (At room temperature). The egg acts as a binder and adds moisture, contributing to the overall texture and richness of the bites.
¼ cup Breadcrumbs: (Approximately 20 grams). Breadcrumbs add a slight crispiness to the interior of the bites. Panko breadcrumbs can be used for extra crunch in the outer coating, but regular breadcrumbs are perfectly fine for the mixture itself.
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: (Approximately 3 grams). Garlic powder enhances the savory flavor profile of the bites, adding a subtle aromatic note.
½ teaspoon Onion Powder: (Approximately 1.5 grams). Onion powder complements the garlic powder, adding depth and complexity to the savory flavor.
½ teaspoon Paprika: (Approximately 1.5 grams). Paprika adds a mild smoky and slightly sweet flavor, as well as a beautiful reddish hue to the bites. Smoked paprika can be used for a more intense smoky flavor.
¼ teaspoon Salt: (Approximately 1 gram). Salt enhances all the flavors in the recipe. Adjust the amount to your preference, especially if using salted cheese.
⅛ teaspoon Black Pepper: (Approximately 0.5 grams). Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and balances the sweetness of the corn and richness of the cheese.
Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil: For frying. You’ll need enough oil to deep fry or shallow fry the bites. Vegetable or canola oil are neutral oils with a high smoke point, making them ideal for frying.

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Instructions

Prepare the Corn: If using canned corn, drain it thoroughly in a colander. If using frozen corn, thaw it completely and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Excess moisture can make the bites soggy and harder to form.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, crack the large egg and whisk it lightly. This will ensure it’s evenly incorporated into the mixture.
Mix Dry Ingredients and Cheese: Add the all-purpose flour, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, 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 bowl with the cheese and spice mixture.
Mix Thoroughly: Use a spoon or spatula to mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Ensure that the corn, cheese, and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour and egg mixture. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky.
Form the Bites: Take a tablespoon of the corn cheese mixture and shape it into a small ball or a flattened disc. You can adjust the size to your preference, but keep them relatively small for even cooking and easy serving. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used. You should get approximately 20-25 bites depending on the size.
Prepare for Frying (Optional Baking):
- For Frying: Pour vegetable oil or canola oil into a deep frying pan or pot to a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C). You can check the temperature using a kitchen thermometer or by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil – it should sizzle and turn golden brown in about a minute.
- For Baking (Healthier Option): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly brush or spray the baking sheet with oil to prevent sticking.
Fry the Bites (or Bake):
- Frying: Carefully drop a few corn cheese bites at a time into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy bites. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Baking: Place the formed corn cheese bites on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each bite. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and heated through.
Drain Excess Oil (If Frying): Remove the fried corn cheese bites from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Cool Slightly and Serve: Allow the corn cheese bites to cool slightly before serving. They are best served warm when the cheese is still gooey and the exterior is crispy. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces.

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 180
Fat: 10 grams
Saturated Fat: 5 grams