Cheddar and Corn Mashed Potato Fritters: Crispy, Flavorful, and Simple to Make

Mastering cheddar corn potato fritters

Cheddar corn potato fritters are a delightful and satisfying snack or side dish that perfectly blends creamy mashed potatoes with the sweet crunch of corn and the rich, savory bite of cheddar cheese. These fritters stand out for their crispy golden exterior and soft, flavorful inside, making them an irresistible treat for all occasions. The combination of textures and tastes offers a comforting yet exciting culinary experience that lends itself well to any meal, from casual family dinners to special gatherings.

The recipe is simple and approachable: using day-old mashed potatoes helps achieve the ideal consistency, while cooked corn kernels add natural sweetness and a burst of freshness. Scallions provide a subtle oniony note, balancing the richness of the cheddar cheese, which melts wonderfully throughout the fritters. This dish is versatile, quick to prepare, and suits various dietary needs based on ingredient choices, making it a must-try option for home cooks.

With straightforward preparation steps, these fritters allow even beginner cooks to enjoy making a crispy, flavorful dish. They can also be baked or fried, offering options based on preference or dietary restrictions. The recipe’s adaptability makes it easy to spice up with additional ingredients such as jalapeños or fresh herbs, providing creative possibilities to suit different tastes.

Benefits and Advantages of cheddar corn potato fritters

The cheddar corn potato fritters recipe offers numerous benefits that contribute to both its popularity and practicality. One of the most significant advantages is the ease of preparation—requiring minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, these fritters are quick to assemble and cook, perfect for busy home cooks seeking a tasty solution without complicated techniques.

The use of mashed potatoes as the base allows for the economical use of leftovers, reducing food waste and making this dish budget-friendly. Corn kernels contribute valuable dietary fiber and natural sweetness, while cheddar cheese provides a good source of calcium and protein. This balance of ingredients makes the fritters satisfying and nutritionally beneficial, providing energy and essential nutrients.

Another key advantage is their versatility. These fritters pair well with various mains, such as roasted chicken or salads, or serve as a delicious appetizer or snack. They can be customized to suit dietary preferences, including gluten-free options by substituting the flour used. Furthermore, baking instead of frying offers a healthier cooking approach without compromising flavor or texture. This adaptability ensures that cheddar corn potato fritters appeal to a wide audience, from families to health-conscious individuals.

The crispy yet tender nature of the fritters also makes them highly enjoyable for all age groups, including children, and they can be easily incorporated into meal plans as an accessible, crowd-pleasing recipe.

Essential Ingredients for cheddar corn potato fritters

• 1 cup day-old mashed potatoes
• 1 cup cooked corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• ¼ cup chopped scallions
• ⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup canola oil (for frying)

Each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting these fritters. Day-old mashed potatoes provide the base and ensure a sturdy structure that binds well with the other components. Corn kernels add sweetness and a pleasant bite into the fritters. Scallions introduce subtle sharpness and freshness, perfectly complementing the melted cheddar cheese which infuses the fritters with rich flavor. Eggs act as a binder to hold the mixture together, while flour and baking powder contribute to the right texture and lightness.

Using canola oil for frying helps achieve the signature golden crust without overpowering the flavors. These ingredients work in harmony to produce fritters that are crispy outside, tender inside, and full of balanced flavors.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your cheddar corn potato fritters

Cheddar corn potato fritters are quite versatile and can be adjusted to meet different dietary needs or ingredient preferences. Here are some popular substitutions:

• Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to maintain binding without gluten, making the fritters suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Vegan: Substitute the large egg with a flaxseed or chia “egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water, set until gelled) to provide binding properties suitable for vegan diets. Use vegan cheddar cheese alternatives to maintain cheesy flavor.
• Low-fat Option: Reduce or omit the oil for frying by baking the fritters at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, which delivers a lighter version without compromising texture significantly.
• Cheese Variations: Replace cheddar with mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for different flavor profiles—whether you want a milder or spicier taste.
• Additional Vegetables: Add finely chopped jalapeños for heat or fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill to brighten and enhance flavor.
• Potato Alternatives: Use sweet potatoes for a different sweetness and nutritional profile, making the fritters more colorful and nutrient-rich.

These substitutions allow you to customize the recipe, accommodating dietary restrictions or simply experimenting with flavors and textures to suit your household’s preferences.

For a visual guide and inspired techniques on similar dishes, explore how to make crispy potato fritters and learn more about the nutritional benefits of corn.

How to Prepare the Perfect cheddar corn potato fritters: Step-by-Step Guide

1. First Step: Heat ¼ cup of canola oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat until the oil is hot but not smoking.
2. Second Step: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of day-old mashed potatoes, 1 cup of cooked corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned), ¼ cup chopped scallions, ⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 large beaten egg, ½ cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
3. Third Step: Using a rounded spoon, scoop portions of the mixture and carefully place them into the hot oil. Gently flatten each portion into a fritter shape using the back of the spoon or a spatula.
4. Fourth Step: Fry each fritter for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until they develop a golden-brown crust. Use a spatula to carefully flip them mid-way through cooking to ensure even browning.
5. Fifth Step: After frying, place the cooked fritters on paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step helps maintain their crispiness.
6. Final Step: Serve the fritters warm as a tasty side dish or a snack. Pair them with roasted chicken or a light salad for a complete meal.

Mastering cheddar corn potato fritters: Advanced Tips and Variations

• Use starchy potatoes: Russet potatoes work best as they absorb less oil and help the fritters hold their shape better. Ensure excess moisture is squeezed out from cooked potatoes or corn kernels to avoid soggy fritters.
• Maintain oil temperature: Keep the frying oil hot, around medium-high heat, to crisp the fritter’s outside quickly without absorbing too much oil.
• Prepare mixture in advance: You can mix the ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate the batter, frying the fritters just before serving for maximum crispness.
• Add flavor variations: Incorporate finely chopped jalapeños, fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro, or spice blends like smoked paprika to create a unique twist.
• Baked alternative: For a healthier option, bake the fritters on a greased baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through until crispy.

How to Store cheddar corn potato fritters: Best Practices

To preserve the crispness and flavor of leftover cheddar corn potato fritters, store them in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

When reheating, warm them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) on a baking sheet for 5-8 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this tends to make the fritters soggy.

For longer storage, place the unfried batter or cooked fritters in a freezer-safe bag and freeze. Cooked fritters can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

Nutritional Value of cheddar corn potato fritters

Thanks to the combination of starchy potatoes and nutrient-rich corn, these fritters offer a good balance of carbohydrates and fiber, along with moderate protein from cheddar cheese and eggs. For more on the nutritional benefits of corn and the role of cheddar cheese in cooking, check these resources.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About cheddar corn potato fritters

Cheddar and Corn Mashed Potato Fritters: Crispy, Flavorful, and Simple to Make

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• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

🧀 Experience the delightful crunch and savory taste of Cheddar and Corn Mashed Potato Fritters, perfect as a quick side dish or a tasty snack.
🌽 Easy to make with simple ingredients, these fritters are a great way to enjoy leftover mashed potatoes in a new and exciting form!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup day-old mashed potatoes
1 cup cooked corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
¼ cup chopped scallions
⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 large egg, beaten
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup canola oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Heat the canola oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat until hot.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes, cooked corn, chopped scallions, cheddar cheese, beaten egg, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined.
3. Take rounded spoonfuls of the mixture and place them into the hot oil, slightly flattening each fritter.
4. Cook each fritter for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Once cooked, remove the fritters from the pan and drain on paper towels to soak up excess oil.

Notes

🥔 For best results, use starchy potatoes like Russets and squeeze out any excess moisture.
⏰ To maintain crispness, fry fritters just before serving and avoid refrigerating them after cooking.
🌶️ Add variety by incorporating ingredients like jalapeños or herbs; alternatively, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes if preferred.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Resting Time: None
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 fritter
• Calories: 146
• Sugar: 1 gram
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 6 grams
• Saturated Fat: 2 grams
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 grams
• Trans Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Protein: 5 grams
• Cholesterol: 40 mg