Cheesy Corn Nuggets are crispy on the outside with creamy, melted cheese and corn on the inside! Serve as a tasty appetizer or side dish.
Corn nuggets are similar to jalapeno popper bites with corn kernels instead of diced jalapenos. They have an irresistible combination of flavors and textures that the whole family will love.
Corn Nuggets Ingredients
To make corn nuggets you’ll need the ingredients to make the filling as well as the ingredients to make the breading. Scroll down for the complete recipe with ingredient measurements.
Corn Nuggets Filling
- Cheese: We used shredded mozzarella cheese because it melts so well and has a mild flavor. For something spicier, go with shredded pepper jack cheese instead.
- Cream Cheese: The cream cheese holds the filling together and makes it creamy.
- Corn: You can use canned corn, fresh sweet corn, or frozen corn that has been thawed.
- Sugar: The sugar adds a little sweetness to the filling.
- Seasonings: To add flavor to the filling we used salt, pepper, and onion powder.
Breading Ingredients
- Flour: The all-purpose flour makes a dry even surface for the eggs to stick to.
- Eggs: The beaten eggs stick to the flour and then help the breadcrumbs mixture adhere.
- Bread Crumbs: We used plain breadcrumbs but panko or seasoned breadcrumbs would work too.
- Cornmeal: We added cornmeal to the breading because we are making corn nuggets!
- Seasoning: To season the breading we used salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Peanut Oil: We used peanut oil for deep frying but vegetable oil can be used as well.
- Parsley: A little parsley makes a great garnish!
How To Make Corn Nuggets
There are three main steps to making corn nuggets: make the filling, coat in breading, and deep-fry. Scroll down for the printable recipe card and complete instructions.
- Filling: Mix together the filling ingredients, form the nuggets, and chill them in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Breading: This is a three-step breading process. First coat the balls in flour, then in beaten eggs, and finally in the breadcrumbs mixture.
- Deep-Fry: Carefully deep fry the corn nuggets until they are golden brown.
Corn Nuggets Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can cook the corn nuggets in batches in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375˚F, place several nuggets in the basket, coat them with olive oil spray and cook for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Reheat the corn nuggets in the oven at 375˚ for 5-8 minutes or warm them in the microwave on high for 15-20 seconds.
Yes, these corn nuggets can be made ahead of time. After adding the breading to the cheese balls, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for 2-3 days. Or store them in the freezer, for up to three months, and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
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Corn Nuggets
Cheesy Corn Nuggets are crispy on the outside with creamy, melted cheese and corn on the inside! Serve as a tasty appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Corn Nuggets
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 3/4 cup fresh sweet corn kernels (or 15.25 oz can corn, drained)
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Breading
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup peanut oil for frying
- 1/2 tsp parsley, optional garnish
Instructions
Corn Nuggets
- Mix together the shredded mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, corn, sugar, salt, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Scoop the mixture and form it into balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes.
Breading
- Put the flour into one bowl and the beaten eggs in a second bowl. In the third bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, plain bread crumbs, salt, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Coat the balls with flour, then with the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the bread crumbs mixture.
- Place the corn nuggets in a parchment-lined pan and place them in the freezer for 1 hour.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer (or use a large pot with a thermometer) to 365˚F. Carefully fry several bites at once for 2 minutes, until golden brown. Since oil may splatter if the filling spills out, cover the fryer, wear long sleeves, and use oven mitts to protect your hands.
- Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Garnish with parsley, if desired, and serve warm. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
Nutrition facts were calculated using three tablespoons of oil since most of it wasn't absorbed. Your results may vary depending on your oil temperature, length of cooking time, and the fryer you use.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 17 Serving Size: 2Amount Per Serving: Calories: 162Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 400mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 5g
Nutrition data is calculated automatically by Nutritionix and isn't always accurate. I am not a certified nutritionist and make no claims to the contrary. Each individual’s dietary needs and restrictions are unique to the individual. You are ultimately responsible for all decisions pertaining to your health.
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