Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar (or cheese of choice)
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup milk (or buttermilk for tang)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
- Optional: 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Optional toppings: Extra cheese, chopped herbs like parsley or chives
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (or air fryer to 375°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment or spray with oil.
- In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add shredded cheese, then stir in the egg, milk, and melted butter. Mix until just combined—batter will be thick.
- Scoop batter into a piping bag or zip-top bag and pipe thick lines (4–5 inches long), or spread into a square pan and cut after baking.
- Top with panko or additional cheese/herbs if desired.
- Oven: Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and crisp at the edges.
- Air fryer: Cook in batches at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until crisp.
- Cool slightly and serve warm with your favorite dip.
Notes
- Use sharp cheese for best flavor, and don’t overmix the batter.
- Spray with olive oil before baking for ultra-crispy edges.
- These freeze and reheat beautifully—perfect for prep ahead.
- Serve with ranch, tomato soup, or chipotle mayo for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked or Air-Fried
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cheesy corn sticks, cornbread sticks, party snacks, air fryer, easy appetizer