Corn Cakes

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Corn cakes are crispy, golden-brown treats with a hint of chili powder, perfect for a quick snack or a savory breakfast. Topped with fresh toppings like chili, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream, they appeal to those who enjoy flavorful, comforting bites with a touch of spice.

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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup self-rising flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup water
  • 3/4 cup corn meal
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
  2. Pour 4-inch circles of batter onto a hot griddle.
  3. Cook until golden brown on both sides.
  4. Serve topped with chili, lettuce, tomatoes, grated cheese, sour cream, taco sauce, onions, and black olives.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the batter. If you don't have self-rising flour, you can substitute all-purpose flour with an additional teaspoon of baking powder. Ensure your griddle is well-heated before pouring the batter to achieve a nice golden crust. This recipe is also perfect for using leftover corn from summer barbecues.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these corn cakes as a delightful appetizer or a light meal, topped with your choice of chili, lettuce, and tomatoes. They pair beautifully with Cream Of Potato Soup for a comforting dinner. Consider serving with a side of black beans or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover corn cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until warmed through, or microwave them for 30 seconds to 1 minute. They can also be frozen for up to a month, making them a great make-ahead option.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Corn Cakes contains roughly 93 calories, with 2g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (16% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2136mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).

93 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.3g 5% DV
Total Fat 2.2g 3% DV
Carbs 18.4g 7% DV
Fiber 2.9g 11% DV
Sugar 1.2g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2136.1mg 93% DV
Potassium 245.6mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 38.7mg 13% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 141.8mcg 16% DV
Vitamin C 0.7mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 122.5mg 9% DV
Iron 2mg 11% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these corn cakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before cooking. Alternatively, you can cook the corn cakes ahead of time and reheat them when you're ready to serve.

Can I use frozen corn in this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen corn works well. Just thaw and drain it before mixing into the batter. This provides a sweet burst of flavor and texture. If using canned corn, ensure it's well-drained to avoid excess moisture in your batter.

What can I use instead of egg for a vegan option?

For a vegan alternative, you can substitute the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). This will help bind the ingredients together while keeping the corn cakes moist.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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