Description
Jalapeño Corn Nuggets are crispy, cheesy, and spicy bite-sized appetizers perfect for parties or snacking. Made with sweet corn, jalapeños, cheddar cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb coating, these nuggets are fried to golden perfection and served hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
- 1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Breading and Frying
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine corn, chopped jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape and freeze: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and form into small balls or nuggets. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 20–30 minutes or until firm to help maintain shape during breading and frying.
- Prepare breading station: Set up three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs. This setup allows for an even and consistent breading process.
- Bread the nuggets: Take each frozen nugget and dredge it first in the flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumbs. This triple coating ensures a crispy golden crust when fried.
- Heat oil and fry: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan and heat it over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry the nuggets in batches, cooking each side for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and serve: Remove the fried nuggets with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot with ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious snack.
Notes
- You can bake the nuggets at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes as a healthier alternative to frying.
- Add chopped green onions or cooked bacon to the corn mixture for extra flavor.
- Nuggets freeze well before frying—after breading, freeze them for later use.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
