Corn Nuggets

Introduction

Corn Nuggets deliver crisp, golden exteriors with creamy, sweet corn-filled centers—making them a surefire crowd pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a comforting snack, a fun party appetizer, or a unique side dish, this easy recipe brings maximum flavor and a playful crunch, perfect for those who love a bit of Southern-inspired comfort food.

Why Corn Nuggets Are a Flavorsome Favorite

What sets corn nuggets apart is their irresistible combination of textures: a crunchy, golden-brown shell revealing a warm, creamy sweet corn mixture inside. Each bite pairs the subtle sweetness of corn with a perfectly seasoned batter, making these nuggets an instant hit with both kids and adults. Plus, they’re quick to prepare and can be made ahead—ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous get-togethers.

Creating the Creamiest Corn Filling

For the signature creamy filling, canned or fresh corn is mixed with a touch of cream cheese and seasoning before being enveloped in a crispy batter. Fold in the cream cheese gently to maintain little pockets of creaminess throughout the nuggets. If you want to elevate the flavor, add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped chives to the filling for a gentle kick and extra aroma.

Assembling and Frying the Perfect Corn Nuggets

After forming the corn mixture into small balls, they’re dipped in a seasoned batter, then fried to golden perfection. Be sure to chill the mixture before shaping—it helps the nuggets hold their shape while frying. Fry in small batches so the oil remains hot and the coating crisps evenly, resulting in bite-size delights that are crunchy outside, creamy within.

Serving Suggestions for Showstopping Corn Nuggets

Corn nuggets are best served hot and crispy, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauces like creamy ranch, tangy ketchup, or spicy chipotle mayo. For a striking appetizer platter, add fresh veggie sticks and a sprinkle of chopped green onions over the top. They also make an excellent side to grilled meats, salads, or barbecue spreads.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes about 18 to 20 corn nuggets, serving 4 to 6 as an appetizer or snack. Each serving typically contains around 180 to 220 calories depending on frying oil used and dipping sauces, making it a delicious indulgence to enjoy in moderation.

Corn Nuggets: The Perfect Balance of Crunch and Creaminess (Recap)

Corn nuggets boast a crave-worthy blend of crispy, golden batter and soft, sweet corn centers. Their easy preparation and irresistible flavor make them a staple for parties, family dinners, or snacking any time.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and streamlined meal planning.

Instructions

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine corn, cream cheese, 2 tablespoons flour, and optional seasonings (cayenne, chives). Mix well. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
2. While the mixture chills, prepare the batter: In a bowl, combine the remaining flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, black pepper, and baking powder.
3. In a separate small bowl, beat together the egg and milk. Add wet ingredients to the dry and mix just until combined—the batter should be thick and smooth.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (about 2 inches deep).
5. Scoop chilled corn mixture into 1-inch balls. Toss them lightly in plain flour to coat, helping the batter to stick.
6. Dip each ball into the prepared batter using a fork or toothpick, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
7. Carefully lower the battered nuggets into hot oil in small batches. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, turning as needed for even cooking.
8. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Weekly Meal Planning

Corn nuggets are a flexible and family-friendly addition to any meal plan. Save and schedule this recipe for the week to get automatically consolidated shopping lists and optimize your grocery trips, especially if you’re planning several meals with overlapping ingredients.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across all your recipes
• Organizes your shopping list by grocery aisle for quick in-and-out trips
• Avoids duplicate purchases and missed items
• Makes your meal prep routine more efficient and stress-free

Pro tip: Schedule Corn Nuggets alongside mains and sides to see how staple ingredients (like eggs, flour, and milk) overlap, minimizing food waste and helping you shop smarter.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Enjoy crispy, creamy corn nuggets as your next crowd-pleasing snack!