Description
These crispy delights are a savory snack made with a delicious cornmeal and cheese batter, fried to a golden brown. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, they offer a crunchy exterior and a cheesy interior, allowing for customization with various cheeses, spices, or add-ins like bacon and vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until well blended.
- In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Ensure the butter is not too hot to avoid cooking the eggs.
- Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are fine.
- Fold in the grated cheese into the batter. Optionally, add chopped jalapeños or other spices for extra flavor.
- In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about 1 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the crispy delights from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Continue frying the remaining batter, adjusting the heat as necessary to maintain oil temperature.
- Arrange the fried delights on a serving platter and sprinkle with fresh herbs for garnish.
- Serve with your choice of dipping sauces like spicy aioli, ranch dressing, or a tangy barbecue sauce.
- Gather friends and family to enjoy these crispy delights, perfect for any occasion!
Notes
- Maintain the right oil temperature for the best crispy texture. Too hot will burn the outside; too cool will make them greasy.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, spices, or add-ins like cooked bacon or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes