Description
These Jalapeño Popper Corn Fritters are the perfect mash-up of creamy jalapeño poppers and crispy corn fritters. They’re loaded with sweet corn, melty cheese, spicy jalapeños, and a hint of smoky bacon. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they make a crowd-pleasing appetizer, snack, or game-day favorite.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 cup whole corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned & drained)
1/4 cup finely chopped pickled or fresh jalapeños (adjust to taste)
1/3 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
1 large egg
1/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Stir in corn, jalapeños, bacon (if using), cheddar cheese, and green onions.
In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, milk, and softened cream cheese until mostly smooth.
Pour wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Batter will be thick.
Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, drop spoonfuls of batter into the oil and flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
Fry 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Serve warm with sour cream, ranch dressing, or a spicy dipping sauce.
Notes
Use gloves when chopping fresh jalapeños if you’re sensitive to heat.
For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon.
You can bake them at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, but they won’t be quite as crispy.