Corn and Sausage Fritter Recipes
When golden, crispy fritters meet sizzling sausage and sweet corn kernels—and then melt together with gooey cheese—it’s the kind of comfort food magic that brings people to the table fast. Whether you're craving a hearty breakfast, a satisfying brunch, or a finger-licking appetizer, cheesy corn and sausage fritters are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Today, we’re sharing three distinct recipes that spotlight this crave-worthy combo: a Southern-inspired classic with cheddar, a spicy jalapeño and mozzarella twist, and a sweet-and-savory mini fritter featuring breakfast sausage and cream cheese. Each recipe packs flavor, texture, and cheesy goodness into bite-sized bliss. Let’s dive in.
1. Southern Cheddar Corn & Sausage Fritters
A crispy, savory fritter inspired by down-home Southern cooking.
Ingredients:
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1/2 lb cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk or buttermilk
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix together the corn, sausage, shredded cheddar, and green onions.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then stir in the flour and cornmeal until a thick batter forms.
Heat 2–3 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Scoop heaping tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, flatten slightly with the back of the spoon.
Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Pairing Tip: Serve with a smoky chipotle aioli or creamy ranch for dipping. These fritters go great with collard greens or a simple cucumber salad.
Why It Works: Sharp cheddar adds boldness that balances the sweet corn, while cornmeal gives that signature fritter crunch. Breakfast sausage adds richness without overpowering the dish.
2. Spicy Jalapeño, Mozzarella & Sausage Fritters
These heat-kissed fritters are loaded with flavor, cheese pulls, and a little zing.
Ingredients:
1 cup corn kernels
1/2 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed and cooked
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
2 eggs
1/3 cup flour
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cumin
Salt to taste
Oil for frying
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine corn, sausage, mozzarella, jalapeño, bell pepper, and cilantro.
Add eggs and stir well to coat the mixture.
Sprinkle in the flour, paprika, cumin, and salt. Mix until just combined. The batter should be thick and sticky.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan and flatten slightly.
Fry each side until golden brown and cheese starts to ooze, about 2–3 minutes per side.
Drain on paper towels.
Pairing Tip: Drizzle with a creamy avocado-lime sauce or dip into sour cream mixed with lime juice and chopped herbs.
Why It Works: The combination of melty mozzarella and spicy jalapeños turns these fritters into flavor bombs. Italian sausage brings a savory depth, and the cumin and paprika give it an earthy, smoky finish.
3. Mini Cream Cheese & Maple Breakfast Fritters
A sweet-and-savory twist with creamy pockets of cheese and hints of maple.
Ingredients:
3/4 cup corn kernels
1/2 lb maple breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
1/3 cup whipped cream cheese
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
2 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 cup flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
Pinch of cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Oil for shallow frying
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and maple syrup.
Stir in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Fold in the corn, sausage, and cream cheese. Stir gently—don’t overmix or break up the cheese too much.
Heat a thin layer of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.
Spoon out small mounds of batter and fry for about 2 minutes per side.
Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
Pairing Tip: Serve with warm maple syrup or honey butter on the side. Add sliced fruit for a balanced brunch plate.
Why It Works: These fritters embrace the sweet side of sausage. Cream cheese creates silky pockets inside the crispy exterior, while maple syrup adds an irresistible breakfast vibe.
Fritter-Making Tips for Success
1. Don’t overmix.
You want the batter to be just combined. Overmixing will make your fritters dense and tough.
2. Adjust thickness.
If the batter is too runny, add a tablespoon of flour. If it’s too thick, loosen it with a splash of milk.
3. Use medium heat.
Cooking on high heat can burn the outside before the inside cooks through. Medium to medium-low gives you that crispy outside and cooked center.
4. Drain well.
After frying, transfer fritters to a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil and keep them crisp.
5. Reheat like a pro.
Pop leftover fritters in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to re-crisp. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crunch.
Fritter Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the cheesy corn and sausage combo, you can switch it up:
Swap the corn for zucchini or shredded carrot for a veggie-packed version.
Try pepper jack or gouda cheese for different flavor profiles.
Mix in chopped cooked bacon or ham with the sausage.
Add herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme for extra freshness.
Use pancake batter as a shortcut for the sweet fritters.
Serving Ideas
These fritters are as versatile as they are delicious. Here are a few creative ways to serve them:
Brunch Board: Stack mini fritters with fruit, hard-boiled eggs, and spreads.
Appetizer Tray: Serve bite-size fritters with dipping sauces at parties.
Breakfast Sandwich: Slide a fritter into a biscuit or English muffin with a fried egg.
Side Dish: Serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh salad.
Kids’ Lunchbox: Pack mini fritters with a small dipping container of ranch or ketchup.
Cheesy corn and sausage fritters are the kind of comfort food that’s both rustic and refined. Each bite bursts with sweet corn, savory sausage, and cheesy richness wrapped in a golden crunch. Whether you like them spicy, creamy, or sweet with a maple glaze, there’s a fritter here to satisfy every craving.
Further Reading
Cornbread Around the World
https://www.amazon.com/Cornbread-Around-World-Southern-Nutritious-ebook/dp/B0F8PKVQWR/
Growing Purple Cabbage
https://www.amazon.com/Grow-Purple-Beginners-Antioxidant-Powerhouse-ebook/dp/B0F8V8V943/
Orchid Recovery
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F8YW51YZ/
Zaha Hadid Interiors
https://www.amazon.com/Zaha-Hadid-Interiors-Furniture-Lighting-ebook/dp/B0F8W8QV6Z/
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