I first came up with these Cheddar Corn Potato Bites during a cozy weekend at home when I was craving something cheesy, savory, and just a little crispy on the outside. I had leftover mashed potatoes in the fridge, a handful of corn, and some sharp cheddar cheese—and that’s when the idea struck. I combined those ingredients, shaped them into bite-sized rounds, and baked them until golden and irresistible. These little bites were a huge hit, and I knew immediately they’d become a staple in my kitchen.
You’re going to love this recipe for so many reasons. First of all, it’s perfect for using up leftovers. If you ever have extra mashed potatoes from a previous meal, this is an ideal way to reinvent them. The texture is creamy on the inside with a deliciously crisp exterior. The cheese adds a savory richness, while the sweet corn adds a little pop of flavor in every bite. Plus, they’re incredibly satisfying as a snack, side dish, or even a party appetizer.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve these warm for lunch with a salad, pair them with a dip for game night, or even include them as a unique side for grilled chicken or burgers. If you’re entertaining, they make for an effortless finger food option that disappears fast. Want to make it heartier? You can stir in finely chopped chicken ham or turkey bacon for an extra punch of protein. Want to keep it vegetarian? Just stick with the original, and it’s just as delicious.
Affordability is another major win with this recipe. It’s made with basic, budget-friendly ingredients that are often already on hand—especially if you’re someone who keeps a well-stocked fridge and pantry. There’s no need for fancy tools or gourmet shopping trips. These bites are accessible and easy to whip up, even on a tight schedule.
Here’s what you’ll need to make them:
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Mashed potatoes (fresh or leftover)
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Cheddar cheese, shredded
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Sweet corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
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All-purpose flour
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Green onions (optional, for extra flavor)
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Eggs
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Salt and pepper
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Paprika or garlic powder (optional, for added flavor)
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Oil spray (for baking or air frying)
These simple ingredients come together beautifully in a quick, no-fuss recipe that’s going to become one of your go-to comfort foods.
How to Prepare Cheddar Corn Potato Bites
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
Preparing these Cheddar Corn Potato Bites is truly straightforward and stress-free. Whether you’re making them as a snack for your family, a side for dinner, or an appetizer for guests, you’ll love how quickly they come together. With just a few steps and a short ingredient list, these bites deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
Step 1: Prepare Your Mashed Potatoes
If you’re using leftover mashed potatoes, make sure they’re not overly runny. They should be thick and firm enough to hold shape. If you’re starting from scratch, peel and boil about 3 medium potatoes until fork-tender. Drain, mash them well with a bit of salt, and allow them to cool before mixing in the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of mashed potatoes, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup of sweet corn (well-drained if canned), ¼ cup of chopped green onions (optional), 1 egg, ¼ cup of flour, salt, pepper, and paprika or garlic powder if desired. Use a spatula or clean hands to mix until everything is fully incorporated.
Step 3: Shape the Bites
Using a spoon or small scoop, portion out the mixture and roll into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. If the mixture feels too sticky, you can lightly flour your hands to help shape them. Flatten slightly for more even cooking and a crispier texture on the outside.
Step 4: Chill Before Cooking
Place the shaped bites on a tray and chill in the fridge for about 20–30 minutes. This step helps them firm up and hold together better during cooking.
Step 5: Bake or Air Fry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the bites with oil. For oven baking, place them on a lined baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. For air frying, cook in batches for about 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket gently midway. They should be golden brown and crisp on the outside.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, let the bites cool slightly. They’re best enjoyed warm, but they also reheat well. Serve with sour cream, plain yogurt, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce. They make a delicious, satisfying snack or side dish.
Quick and Easy
This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes of active prep, and even faster if you’re using leftover mashed potatoes. It doesn’t require a lot of cleanup or specialty tools. You can mix everything in one bowl, shape by hand, and cook with your preferred method.
Customizable
You can easily tailor this recipe to suit your preferences. Swap cheddar for another melty cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack. Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. Want it spicier? Toss in a dash of chili flakes or chopped jalapeños. For added protein, stir in bits of turkey bacon or chicken ham.
Popular with Many People
These bites are kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and adult-approved. I’ve served them at parties, potlucks, and quiet nights at home—and they’ve never failed to disappear fast. The crispy exterior, melty cheesy center, and little pops of sweet corn make them universally appealing.
Whether you’re feeding toddlers, teenagers, or adults, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Keep a batch in the freezer and pop them in the oven whenever you need a quick bite—simple, satisfying, and always comforting.
PrintCheddar Corn Potato Bites
These Cheddar Corn Potato Bites are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and packed with flavor. They’re made with mashed potatoes, sweet corn, and sharp cheddar cheese—making them the perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, they’re a hit with both kids and adults.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly prepared)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sweet corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned – drained)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika or garlic powder (optional)
- Oil spray (for baking or air frying)
Instructions
- Peel and boil about three medium potatoes until soft and fork-tender. Drain, mash them thoroughly, and allow them to cool. Skip this step if using leftover mashed potatoes.
- Place the mashed potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Add shredded cheddar cheese, sweet corn kernels, flour, egg, green onions (if using), salt, black pepper, and optional paprika or garlic powder.
- Mix everything together using a spoon or your hands until the mixture is fully combined and smooth enough to shape.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll into small balls. Flatten each ball slightly into a thick disc. Lightly flour your hands if the mixture is too sticky.
- Arrange the shaped bites on a plate or tray. Refrigerate them for 20 to 30 minutes to help them firm up and hold their shape during cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray lightly with oil. Place the chilled bites on the sheet and spray the tops with oil.
- Bake in the oven for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides.
- If using an air fryer instead, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Spray the basket and the bites with oil. Cook in batches for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- Once done, remove the bites and allow them to cool slightly. Serve warm with sour cream, yogurt dip, ketchup, or your favorite sauce.
Notes
You can add finely chopped cooked turkey bacon or chicken ham to the mixture for added flavor.
To make these bites vegetarian, simply omit any meat additions.
Feel free to swap cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different cheese profile.
If using frozen corn, ensure it’s thawed and well-drained before mixing in.
To freeze, place shaped bites on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
FAQs
Can I make these Cheddar Corn Potato Bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can easily prepare these bites in advance. Simply shape them and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking or air frying. For longer storage, freeze them on a baking tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be baked straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal because they mash smoothly and hold their shape well when mixed with other ingredients. If you’re using leftover mashed potatoes, make sure they are not overly creamy or runny, as that will affect the texture of the bites.
Can I use frozen corn instead of canned or fresh?
Absolutely. Frozen corn works just as well as canned or fresh. Make sure to thaw and drain it completely to avoid adding excess moisture to the mixture.
How can I make these bites gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use almond flour. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavor and structure will still be delicious.
Can I pan-fry these instead of baking or air frying?
Yes, you can pan-fry them in a small amount of oil over medium heat. Flatten the bites slightly before placing them in the pan, and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
What dipping sauces pair well with these potato bites?
They pair wonderfully with sour cream, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even spicy ketchup. For a fun twist, try serving them with a tangy yogurt dip flavored with lemon and herbs.
Are these bites kid-friendly?
Definitely! Their small size and mild, cheesy flavor make them especially popular with children. You can even sneak in finely chopped vegetables like carrots or spinach for added nutrition.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any cooked leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results—this helps bring back their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crispness.