Jalapeño Corn Nuggets

Get ready to indulge in these irresistible Jalapeño Corn Nuggets! Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, with just the right amount of heat from the jalapeños—these little bites of goodness are the perfect appetizer, snack, or side dish for any occasion. If you love the flavor combo of spicy, savory, and a little bit of cheesy goodness, these corn nuggets will have you hooked.

And let me tell you, they’re so easy to make! A quick dip in a simple batter and a fry in hot oil and you’ll be holding a golden nugget that’s bursting with flavor. They’re a crowd-pleasing favorite that will disappear faster than you can say “yum.” Trust me, these are a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love Jalapeño Corn Nuggets

This recipe is more than just a snack—it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

Flavor Explosion:

From the creamy corn and cheese to the spicy kick of the jalapeños, these nuggets offer a full flavor experience in every bite. Sweet, savory, and spicy all at once—what more could you ask for?

Easy to Make:

You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to make these! They come together quickly with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Perfect for when you want something delicious but don’t have a ton of time.

Crispy Perfection:

That crispy, golden crust on the outside is everything. It’s the kind of crunch that makes you want to take just one more bite. And the inside? Soft, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.

Crowd-Pleasing:

Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, a family BBQ, or just having a snacky afternoon, these Jalapeño Corn Nuggets are sure to be a hit. They’re always the first thing to disappear!

Customizable:

Want to tone down the heat? Use fewer jalapeños or remove the seeds. Want to make them a bit more indulgent? Add in some crumbled bacon or extra cheese. These nuggets are your blank canvas for flavor.

Ingredients

These little nuggets are made with simple ingredients that pack a punch. Here’s everything you’ll need to make them:

Corn Kernels: Sweet corn adds a wonderful burst of flavor and texture that makes each bite juicy and delicious.

Jalapeños: The spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the corn. You can adjust the heat level depending on your preference!

Cheddar Cheese: Melty, cheesy goodness inside each nugget. It adds richness and binds everything together.

Cornmeal: Gives the nuggets that perfect crunchy exterior. It’s what makes them golden and crispy on the outside.

Flour: Helps create the perfect dough-like consistency for the batter to hold everything together.

Baking Powder: A little lift to make the nuggets light and fluffy on the inside.

Eggs: To bind everything together and give the nuggets structure.

Milk: Adds moisture to the batter and helps create the right consistency.

Salt and Pepper: Season to taste. It’s the finishing touch that ties the whole flavor profile together.

Vegetable Oil: For frying these nuggets to golden perfection.

(Note: Full ingredient list with measurements is available in the recipe card.)

Instructions

It’s time to make these crispy, cheesy nuggets! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of golden goodness in no time.

Prepare the Ingredients:

Start by draining and rinsing your corn if you’re using canned. Chop the jalapeños, removing the seeds if you prefer a milder heat. Grate the cheddar cheese and set everything aside.

Make the Batter:

In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk together to ensure everything is evenly mixed. Add the eggs, milk, and grated cheddar cheese, stirring until it forms a thick, doughy batter. Then fold in the corn kernels and chopped jalapeños. The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape but not too stiff.

Heat the Oil:

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat. You want the oil to reach around 350°F for frying. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can drop a small amount of batter into the oil—if it sizzles right away, it’s ready.

Fry the Nuggets:

Using a spoon or your hands, scoop out small portions of the batter and gently drop them into the hot oil. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan—fry in batches if necessary. Cook the nuggets for about 3-4 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy all over.

Drain and Serve:

Once the nuggets are done, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Let them cool for a minute, then serve while they’re still warm and crispy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 300
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 350mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 8g
Vitamin D: 0mcg
Calcium: 150mg
Iron: 1.5mg
Potassium: 220mg

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Jalapeño Corn Nuggets

These little nuggets are so versatile—they can be served on their own or alongside other dishes for a fun, flavor-packed spread.

Dipping Sauces:

Pair your Jalapeño Corn Nuggets with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy chipotle mayo. The creamy sauces are the perfect complement to the heat and crunch.

Side Dish:

These nuggets make a great side dish for grilled meats like burgers, chicken, or steak. Or, serve them alongside a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the nuggets.

Appetizer:

Serve these as a fun appetizer at your next party or gathering. They’re bite-sized, easy to eat, and sure to get everyone talking!

With a Drink:

Pair with a cold beer or a refreshing iced tea for the ultimate snack experience. These nuggets also go perfectly with a margarita if you’re looking for a fiesta vibe.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips for making your Jalapeño Corn Nuggets even better:

Make Ahead:

You can prep the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours. This can help the flavors meld together more, but make sure to fry them fresh for the best texture.

Adjusting the Heat:

If you prefer less heat, you can remove the seeds from the jalapeños, or use less of them. If you like it extra spicy, throw in a chopped serrano pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

Add Bacon:

Want to take it up a notch? Try adding crumbled cooked bacon to the batter. The smoky bacon flavor pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the corn and the heat from the jalapeños.

Air Fryer Option:

If you’re looking to make these a bit lighter, you can try cooking them in an air fryer. Just spray them lightly with oil and cook them at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Freezing:

These nuggets freeze beautifully! Once fried and cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. After they’re frozen solid, store them in a freezer bag for up to a month. Reheat in the oven for a crispy finish.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
A1: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen corn before using it in the batter.

Q2: Can I make these nuggets in advance?
A2: Yes! You can prep the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours. However, for the best texture, it’s best to fry them fresh.

Q3: Can I bake these nuggets instead of frying them?
A3: While frying gives them that irresistible crispy texture, you can bake them at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes. Just make sure to flip them halfway through to get them golden and crispy on all sides.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover corn nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to crisp them up again.

Q5: Can I make these nuggets without cheese?
A5: Yes! You can skip the cheese or try a dairy-free cheese alternative if you prefer.

Q6: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A6: Sure! You can substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for an extra kick.

Q7: How do I make these less spicy?
A7: To reduce the heat, simply remove the seeds from the jalapeños, or use a milder pepper like a poblano or banana pepper.

Q8: Can I make these nuggets without cornmeal?
A8: Yes, you can use breadcrumbs or even panko breadcrumbs for a different texture, but cornmeal gives them that signature crunch.

Q9: Can I freeze the batter?
A9: You can freeze the batter! Portion it out and store it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to fry, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Q10: How do I make these nuggets healthier?
A10: To make these a bit lighter, try air frying them instead of deep frying. You can also reduce the amount of cheese and use less oil when frying.

Conclusion

These Jalapeño Corn Nuggets are the ultimate snack or appetizer! Crispy, cheesy, and just the right amount of heat, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Whether you’re making them for a party or just enjoying a quick snack, they never disappoint. Give them a try, and I promise you won’t be able to stop at just one!

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