Name: Delicious Cheesy Corn Fritters
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 1½ cups sweet corn (canned, drained or thawed frozen); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup mashed potatoes (cold or room temp); ½ cup all-purpose flour; 1 large egg; ¼ cup finely chopped green onions; ¼ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste); 2–3 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency); 2–3 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying); Optional Equipment:; Non-stick skillet or frying pan; Mixing bowl; Measuring cups/spoons; Spatula

Delicious Cheesy Corn Fritters

There’s something incredibly comforting about a golden, crispy fritter that you can whip up in minutes—and these cheesy corn fritters have completely stolen our hearts. I made them on a whim one afternoon when the fridge was looking a little bare and dinner plans were still up in the air. I had a can of sweet corn, some shredded cheese, and just enough leftover mashed potatoes from the night before to make something magical happen. What started as a last-minute snack has now become one of our family’s favorite side dishes—or even a quick main when paired with a salad.

The best part? These fritters are pan-fried to perfection, with crispy edges and melty cheese pockets that kids (and husbands) go absolutely wild for. The corn gives them a juicy pop of sweetness, and the cheesy, creamy interior is just heavenly. Whether I’m making them for a weeknight dinner, packing them in lunchboxes, or serving them at a casual brunch with friends, they always disappear faster than I can cook them.

They’re simple, budget-friendly, and come together with ingredients you probably already have. And they’re versatile too—you can play with herbs, cheeses, and even toss in some chopped jalapeños for a bit of heat. If you’re looking for that one recipe that checks all the boxes—easy, crowd-pleasing, and downright addictive—these cheesy corn fritters might just become your new go-to. They certainly have in our home.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use frozen or fresh corn instead of canned?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw frozen corn or lightly cook fresh corn before adding it to the mixture.

Can I make these fritters gluten-free?
Absolutely—just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.

Do they reheat well?
They sure do! Pop them in the air fryer or oven to restore the crispiness. The microwave works too, but you’ll lose that crunch.

Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the mixture and refrigerate it for up to a day, or cook the fritters and store them in an airtight container for up to three days.

What dipping sauce goes best with these?
We love sour cream with a dash of hot sauce, garlic aioli, or even a simple ranch dressing.

What You Need to Make Delicious Cheesy Corn Fritters

1½ cups sweet corn (canned, drained or thawed frozen)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup mashed potatoes (cold or room temp)

½ cup all-purpose flour

1 large egg

¼ cup finely chopped green onions

¼ tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp black pepper

¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

2–3 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)

2–3 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)

Optional Equipment:

Non-stick skillet or frying pan

Mixing bowl

Measuring cups/spoons

Spatula

How to Make Delicious Cheesy Corn Fritters

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, corn, cheddar cheese, green onions, flour, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Mix well until everything is evenly combined. If the mixture feels too dry or stiff, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you get a scoopable, slightly sticky batter.

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil.

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter for each fritter and gently flatten it into a patty. Add them to the hot skillet without overcrowding.

Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully using a spatula.

Remove the fritters from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil as needed.

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a fresh salad.

Tips for Making the Best Delicious Cheesy Corn Fritters

Cold mashed potatoes work best—they hold their shape better in the pan.

Don’t skip the flour, as it helps bind everything together.

Use a cast iron skillet for maximum crispiness.

Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a little kick.

You can also add a handful of finely chopped bell peppers or cooked bacon for extra flavor.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These are dangerously good! Made them as a snack and my kids ended up eating the entire batch before dinner.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great for busy nights! I had everything on hand and they came together so quickly. I might try mozzarella next time.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I brought these to a potluck and everyone asked for the recipe. Crispy, cheesy, and SO satisfying.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️ “They were tasty but I wish I’d added more salt or a spicier cheese. Next time I’ll kick it up a notch.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This is now my go-to for using up leftover mashed potatoes. Perfect with a dollop of sour cream on top!”

Printable Recipe

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