Name: Crispy Cheddar Corn Potato Fritters
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded russet potatoes; 1 cup sweet corn kernels; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; ¼ cup chopped scallions; 2 large eggs; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Optional: 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, chives, or thyme; Oil for frying

These crispy, golden fritters combine the hearty goodness of potatoes with sweet corn and sharp cheddar for an irresistible appetizer or side dish. Crisp on the outside and tender inside, these versatile fritters are perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes
Versatile as an appetizer, side dish, or light meal
Customizable with your favorite herbs and seasonings
Perfect for using up leftover vegetables
Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Crispy exterior with a soft, flavorful interior
Can be made ahead and reheated for convenience

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Russet potatoes provide the perfect starchy base for these fritters, creating that ideal crispy exterior while remaining tender inside. Their high starch content helps bind the fritters together while delivering that classic potato flavor we all love.
Sweet corn kernels add bursts of natural sweetness and a delightful textural contrast to the fritters. Fresh, frozen, or even canned corn all work well, making this recipe accessible year-round.
Sharp cheddar cheese creates rich, melty pockets throughout the fritters and helps bind the ingredients together. The sharpness cuts through the starchiness of the potatoes, adding depth of flavor.
Scallions provide a mild onion flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. Their fresh, bright taste and hint of color elevate the overall profile of the fritters.
Eggs act as the crucial binding agent that holds everything together during cooking. They provide structure and richness to the fritters, ensuring they don’t fall apart when flipped.
All-purpose flour helps absorb moisture and creates structure in the fritters. It works with the eggs to bind all the ingredients together while contributing to that perfectly crispy exterior.
Garlic powder infuses the fritters with aromatic flavor without the bite of fresh garlic. It distributes evenly throughout the mixture for consistent flavor in every bite.
Salt and black pepper are essential for bringing out the flavors of all the other ingredients. Without proper seasoning, the fritters would taste flat despite their quality ingredients.
Parmesan cheese and herbs are optional but highly recommended for an extra flavor boost. Parmesan adds a nutty, salty quality while fresh herbs bring brightness and aromatic notes.
Oil for frying can be vegetable, canola, or even olive oil depending on your preference. The right oil at the proper temperature is crucial for achieving that golden-brown exterior without greasiness.

Directions

Grate russet potatoes and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel to ensure crispiness.
In a large bowl, combine shredded potatoes, corn, cheddar cheese, scallions, eggs, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add optional Parmesan and herbs if desired, and mix well.
Form mixture into ½-inch thick patties using a spoon or cookie scoop. Rustic shapes are fine.
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry patties for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Transfer fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, sour cream, or salsa.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 8 medium-sized fritters, which can serve 4 people as a side dish or 2-3 people as a main course when paired with a salad.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Calories: Approximately 180 kcal per fritter

Variations

Vegetable Variations: Add shredded zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for unique flavor profiles.
Protein Boost: Add shredded chicken for a more substantial fritter.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or corn flour.
Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne, or hot sauce to the mixture for a kick of heat.
Herb Garden Version: Incorporate a tablespoon each of chopped fresh basil, dill, and parsley for a garden-fresh flavor.
Mediterranean Style: Add feta cheese, chopped olives, and a teaspoon of dried oregano.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerating: Store cooled fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing: These fritters freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating from Refrigerated: For best results, reheat in a skillet with a small amount of oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until heated through and crispy again. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
Reheating from Frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy.

FAQs

Why are my fritters falling apart?

This typically happens when there’s too much moisture in the mixture. Make sure to thoroughly squeeze the liquid from the shredded potatoes using a clean kitchen towel. If the mixture still seems too wet, add an additional tablespoon of flour to help bind the ingredients.

Can I make these fritters ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. You can also fully cook the fritters, cool them, and reheat when ready to serve. They reheat beautifully in a skillet or oven.

Can I bake these fritters instead of frying them?

Absolutely. While frying gives the best crispy texture, you can bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray or brush them with a little oil before baking for better browning.

Why should I squeeze the moisture out of the potatoes?

Removing excess moisture is crucial for crispy fritters. Potatoes contain a lot of water, which can make your fritters soggy or cause them to fall apart during cooking if not removed.

What’s the best way to grate the potatoes?

A box grater works perfectly, using the large holes. You can also use a food processor with a grating attachment for faster results. Avoid grating too finely as you want some texture.

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes instead of shredded potatoes?

While the texture will be different, you can use 2 cups of cold mashed potatoes. You may need to add an extra tablespoon or two of flour to help bind the mixture since mashed potatoes have a different moisture content.

What dipping sauces work best with these fritters?

Sour cream, ranch dressing, sriracha mayo, honey mustard, or a simple garlic aioli all pair wonderfully with these fritters. A fresh tomato salsa or avocado dip also provides a nice contrast to the rich fritters.

Can I make these fritters without cheese?

Yes, you can omit the cheese entirely or substitute with a dairy-free alternative. Just note that the cheese helps bind the ingredients, so you might need to add a bit more flour to compensate.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?

The oil is ready when a small piece of the mixture sizzles immediately upon contact. If you have a thermometer, aim for around 350°F. If the oil is too hot, the fritters will brown too quickly without cooking through; if too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes make a delicious variation with a slightly sweeter flavor profile. Keep in mind that sweet potatoes have less starch than russets, so you might need to add a bit more flour to help bind the mixture.

Conclusion

These Crispy Cheddar Corn Potato Fritters represent comfort food at its finest – simple ingredients transformed into something irresistibly delicious. Perfect for breakfast alongside eggs, as an appetizer for gatherings, or as a side dish with your favorite protein, these versatile fritters are sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. The combination of crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior makes them appealing to both kids and adults alike. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with your own variations, these fritters deliver big flavor with minimal effort – proving that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most satisfying.

Crispy Cheddar Corn Potato Fritters