Crispy Cheesy Corn Sticks Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Cheesy Corn Sticks are a delightful vegan snack that combines sweet corn and melty plant-based cheese in a crunchy coating. Perfect as an appetizer or party finger food, these sticks are easy to make and irresistibly tasty.
Ingredients
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup vegan shredded mozzarella or cheddar
- 2 tbsp vegan cream cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp paprika (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup soy or oat milk + 1 tbsp cornstarch, or 2 flax eggs
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp dried parsley or oregano
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Ketchup, vegan spicy mayo, or sweet chili sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine the corn kernels, vegan shredded cheese, vegan cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika if using, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the mixture is sticky and holds together.
- Step 2: Shape the mixture into sticks about 3-4 inches long. Place them on a tray and freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Step 3: Prepare the coating by placing the flour in one bowl, milk mixed with cornstarch or the flax eggs in a second bowl, and the panko breadcrumbs mixed with dried herbs in a third bowl. Dredge each frozen stick first in flour, then dip it in the milk or flax egg mixture, and finally coat it evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated sticks in batches, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Step 5: Remove the sticks and drain on paper towels. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm with your choice of dipping sauces.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to the filling mixture.
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- To bake instead of frying, spray the coated sticks with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Storage
Store leftover corn sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness, about 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crunchy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh, frozen, or canned corn?
Fresh or frozen corn kernels work best for texture and flavor. If using canned corn, drain well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
What can I use instead of vegan cream cheese?
You can substitute vegan cream cheese with silken tofu blended until smooth or mashed avocado for a different flavor and texture.
Print
Crispy Cheesy Corn Sticks Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 corn sticks 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Crispy Cheesy Corn Sticks are a delightful vegan appetizer combining sweet corn and melty vegan cheese, coated in a crunchy panko crust and fried to golden perfection. Perfectly seasoned and served with your favorite vegan dips, they make a great snack or party finger food.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup vegan shredded mozzarella or cheddar
- 2 tbsp vegan cream cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp paprika (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup soy or oat milk + 1 tbsp cornstarch OR 2 flax eggs (as egg substitute)
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp dried parsley or oregano
For Frying
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Optional Garnish & Serving
- Chopped parsley
- Ketchup, vegan spicy mayo, or sweet chili sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix together the corn kernels, vegan shredded mozzarella or cheddar, vegan cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (if using), and salt and pepper until the mixture is sticky and well combined.
- Shape and freeze: Form the mixture into sticks of your desired size. Place them on a tray and freeze for about 30 minutes to firm up, making them easier to coat and fry.
- Coat the sticks: Set up three separate dishes: one with all-purpose flour, one with the milk and cornstarch mixture or flax eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with dried parsley or oregano. Dredge each corn stick first in flour, then dip into the milk mixture or flax eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Fry until golden: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully fry the coated corn sticks in hot oil, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Be sure to not overcrowd the pan.
- Drain, garnish, and serve: Remove the fried sticks and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately with your choice of ketchup, vegan spicy mayo, or sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Freezing the sticks before coating helps maintain their shape during frying.
- You can use either soy or oat milk plus cornstarch or flax eggs as an egg substitute for coating, depending on dietary preference.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) for best frying results.
- To make these gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Vegan, American
Keywords: crispy corn sticks, vegan cheese sticks, fried corn appetizer, vegan snack, panko crusted corn sticks
