If you are craving a delightful snack that bursts with bold flavor and irresistible crunch, then you are in for a treat with this Jalapeno Corn Nuggets Recipe. These golden, bite-sized nuggets combine sweet corn kernels with a spicy kick from fresh jalapeños, all encased in a cheesy, crispy fried batter that will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at a party, a side dish for dinner, or a fun finger food for any occasion, these nuggets bring together the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory in every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Jalapeno Corn Nuggets Recipe comes together with simple yet essential ingredients that deliver fantastic texture, vibrant flavor, and eye-catching color. Each component adds its own magic, from fluffy batter to melty cheese and the perfect spicy pop.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy base for the batter, ensuring a nice, crisp coating.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a rich, tangy flavor and helps bind the nuggets together.
- Baking powder: Leavens the batter for light and fluffy nuggets.
- Garlic powder: Infuses subtle savory depth to balance the sweetness of corn.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Brings out the natural sweetness of the corn.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness.
- Whole milk: Moistens the batter for tender nuggets.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and folded in for a buttery undertone.
- Sweet corn kernels: The star ingredient providing juicy bursts and vibrant yellow color.
- Jalapeños: Seeded and finely diced for controlled heat and texture.
- Vegetable oil: For frying to golden perfection.
- Parsley: Fresh herb garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Jalapeno Corn Nuggets Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients with Cheese
Start by mixing together the all-purpose flour, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, baking powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. This thorough blending ensures that each nugget will have the perfect savory and slightly sweet foundation.
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the large egg, whole milk, and melted unsalted butter until smooth and consistent. This mix brings moisture and richness, which help create nuggets with tender centers.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, because a light batter will yield the fluffiest texture once fried.
Step 4: Fold in Corn and Jalapeños
Gently fold in the drained sweet corn kernels and the finely diced jalapeños to evenly distribute their flavor and texture throughout the batter without breaking up the corn.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a heavy pot and heat over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Maintaining this temperature is key to getting perfectly crispy and evenly cooked nuggets.
Step 6: Fry the Nuggets
Using a spoon, drop 4 to 5 spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil per batch. Fry each batch for about 2 to 3 minutes, flipping as needed, until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on the oil temperature between batches to ensure consistent cooking.
Step 7: Drain and Garnish
Carefully remove the nuggets with a slotted spoon and place them onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Garnish immediately with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and a touch of herbaceous brightness.
How to Serve Jalapeno Corn Nuggets Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that adds a fresh visual appeal and a subtle herbal note, balancing perfectly with the heat from the jalapeños. You can also try a light drizzle of sour cream or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra flavor boost.
Side Dishes
These nuggets pair wonderfully with creamy coleslaw, cool ranch dressing, or a fresh garden salad to complement their crispness and spice. For a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or barbecued ribs to soak up all that cheesy, spicy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these nuggets on a platter with a trio of dipping sauces: spicy chipotle mayo, tangy lime crema, and classic ketchup. You can also skewer a few nuggets with cherry tomatoes and small cubes of cheese for a playful appetizer that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Jalapeno Corn Nuggets Recipe, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days when properly stored, ready for quick reheating or snacking.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the nuggets in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, cook directly from frozen for best texture.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat the corn nuggets in a hot oven or air fryer rather than the microwave. This method revives their crunchy exterior while heating the insides thoroughly in just a few minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this Jalapeno Corn Nuggets Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavor will still be just as fantastic.
How spicy are the jalapeños in this recipe?
The heat level is moderate since the jalapeños are seeded and finely chopped. You can adjust the spiciness by using fewer peppers or including some seeds if you like more kick.
Is it possible to bake instead of fry these nuggets?
You can bake them for a healthier version, but the texture will be less crispy. Bake at 400°F (200°C) on a greased baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for best results.
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese with another type?
Yes! Pepper jack cheese will add extra spice, while mozzarella will give a milder flavor and gooier texture. Choose based on your preference or what you have on hand.
What dipping sauces go best with Jalapeno Corn Nuggets Recipe?
Classic options like ranch, sour cream, or a tangy barbecue sauce all complement these nuggets beautifully. For adventurous eaters, try a spicy chipotle aioli or honey mustard for added layers of flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make treat, you absolutely must try this Jalapeno Corn Nuggets Recipe. The marriage of sweet corn, sharp cheddar, and zesty jalapeños delivers an unforgettable taste experience that’s perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in. Trust me, once you make these crispy little nuggets, they’ll quickly become a beloved favorite to keep in your recipe rotation!
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Jalapeno Corn Nuggets Recipe
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Crispy and flavorful Jalapeno Corn Nuggets are a perfect snack or appetizer featuring a golden-fried batter packed with sweet corn, sharp cheddar cheese, and spicy jalapeños. These bite-sized nuggets combine creamy, cheesy goodness with a spicy kick and a crunchy exterior, ideal for serving at parties or as a satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Batter Ingredients
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (113 g) sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ½ cup (122.5 g) whole milk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (15.25 ounces) sweet corn, drained (about 1 ½ cups kernels)
- 2 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine cheese with dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, sharp cheddar cheese, baking powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and granulated sugar until evenly combined.
- Whisk egg, milk, and butter: In a separate bowl, whisk the large egg, whole milk, and melted unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
- Pour wet mixture into dry: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to ensure a tender batter.
- Fold in corn and jalapeños: Carefully fold in the drained sweet corn kernels and finely diced jalapeños until evenly distributed in the batter.
- Heat oil: Pour vegetable oil into a heavy pot or deep pan and heat over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), suitable for frying.
- Drop batter into hot oil and fry: Using a spoon, drop 4-5 spoonfuls of batter at a time into the hot oil. Fry the nuggets until they turn golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F between batches for perfect frying.
- Remove nuggets from oil: Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the fried nuggets from the oil and transfer them onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the nuggets and serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F to prevent soggy or burnt nuggets.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the nuggets light and tender.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch or spicy mayo for extra flavor.
- Drain excess oil thoroughly to keep the nuggets crispy and less greasy.
- Prep Time: 6 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
