Name: Spinach and Cheese Croquettes – Crispy, Creamy, and Delicious
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh spinach; 4 oz cream cheese or ricotta; 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup breadcrumbs (for coating); 1/4 cup flour (for dusting); 2 eggs (for dipping); Olive oil (for frying)

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If you’re looking for a savory snack that’s crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and full of flavor, these Spinach and Cheese Croquettes are just what you need! These little golden bites are a perfect way to enjoy spinach and cheese in a fun, finger-food format. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want something easy for dinner, these croquettes will have everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

These croquettes are everything you want in a comfort food: crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor. The creamy, smooth cheese filling is balanced by the fresh spinach, and then everything is perfectly encased in a crispy, golden breadcrumb coating. Plus, they’re really easy to make and a great way to sneak in some extra greens! Whether you’re a vegetarian or just a fan of good food, these croquettes are a hit every time.

You can serve them as an appetizer, snack, or even as a side dish to complement a main course. Trust me, once you make these, you won’t want to stop at just one!

Ingredients

You’ll find the full list of ingredients below, but here are the basics to get you started:

Fresh spinach (about 2 cups)
Cream cheese or ricotta
Mozzarella cheese
Garlic
Onion
Fresh herbs (parsley or basil works well)
Salt and pepper to taste
Breadcrumbs for coating
Flour for dusting
Eggs for dipping

(Full list of ingredients and measurements will be provided at the bottom of the recipe)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

Start by washing the spinach thoroughly. You want to make sure it’s clean and free of any grit. Once cleaned, roughly chop the spinach. Next, heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the spinach until wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Set it aside to cool for a bit before squeezing out the excess water with a paper towel or clean cloth.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach with cream cheese or ricotta. Add the mozzarella cheese, finely chopped garlic, and onion. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs (parsley or basil are great choices). Mix everything together until the filling is smooth and well-combined. If it feels a bit too thick, you can add a small splash of milk to loosen it up. Now, this is the fun part!

Step 3: Form the Croquettes

Take small spoonfuls of the filling and roll them into small logs or balls, about the size of a golf ball. This part can get a little messy, but that’s what makes it so fun! Make sure they’re compact so they hold together well when frying.

Step 4: Coat the Croquettes

Set up a breading station with three shallow plates. In one, add the flour; in another, beat a couple of eggs; and in the third, place the breadcrumbs. First, roll each croquette in the flour to coat it lightly. Then, dip it into the beaten egg, and finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs. This will give them that perfect crispy outer layer once fried.

Step 5: Fry the Croquettes

Heat a good amount of oil in a deep skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test this by dropping a breadcrumb in to see if it sizzles), carefully add the croquettes. Fry them in batches, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown on all sides. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes per batch.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Once the croquettes are crispy and golden, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve them hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t skip the cooling step for spinach: After cooking the spinach, always make sure to let it cool and squeeze out any excess moisture. This will prevent your croquettes from being soggy.
Try using different cheeses: While mozzarella and cream cheese are great, you can also experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, or goat cheese to change up the flavor profile.
Perfect the crispiness: For an even crispier coating, double-dip your croquettes in the egg and breadcrumbs. This will create a thicker, crunchier crust.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Gluten-free option: You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed rice crackers as a coating. For the flour, try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Dairy-free option: Use a non-dairy cream cheese or ricotta alternative and swap the mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese.
Add-ins: If you want to kick up the flavor, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a squeeze of lemon juice, or even a bit of grated nutmeg to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Spinach and Cheese Croquettes pair wonderfully with a fresh side salad, a tangy dipping sauce like tzatziki or marinara, or a simple yogurt dip. You can even serve them as a fun snack for game night or at a dinner party. They also make a great side dish to serve alongside a main course, like grilled chicken, pasta, or even a vegan burger. You’ll definitely impress your guests with these crispy treats!

Storage and Reheating Tips

These croquettes are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, don’t worry! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, it’s best to use a skillet with a little oil to bring back that crispy texture. You can also freeze the uncooked croquettes before frying. Just lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag once solid. When you’re ready, fry them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw!

4 FAQs

Can I make these croquettes in advance?
Yes, you can prep the croquettes ahead of time by forming them and storing them in the fridge or freezer. Just fry them right before serving.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! To bake them, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), arrange the croquettes on a baking sheet, and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, frozen spinach works just as well! Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out as much water as possible before using it.
What can I dip these croquettes in?
These croquettes taste amazing with a variety of dips! Try ranch dressing, aioli, spicy ketchup, or even a simple tomato sauce.

Conclusion

These Spinach and Cheese Croquettes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Crispy, creamy, and bursting with flavor, they’re the ideal snack or appetizer for anyone who loves cheesy comfort food with a little extra greens! Give them a try and see for yourself just how irresistible they are.

Spinach and Cheese Croquettes – Crispy, Creamy, and Delicious

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Fried
Cuisine: Vegetarian, Comfort Food
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and full of flavor, these Spinach and Cheese Croquettes are the perfect savory snack or appetizer. With a golden breadcrumb coating and a smooth cheese filling balanced by fresh spinach, they make for a fun, easy-to-make finger food that everyone will love.

Instructions

Prepare the Spinach: Wash and chop the spinach. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, sauté the spinach for 2-3 minutes until wilted, and set aside to cool. Squeeze out excess moisture.
Make the Filling: Combine cooked spinach with cream cheese or ricotta, mozzarella, garlic, onion, parsley or basil, salt, and pepper. If too thick, add a splash of milk.
Form the Croquettes: Roll the filling into small logs or balls (about the size of a golf ball).
Coat the Croquettes: Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Roll each croquette in flour, dip in egg, and coat in breadcrumbs.
Fry the Croquettes: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry croquettes for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on all sides.
Drain and Serve: Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and serve hot.

Notes

Don’t skip the cooling and squeezing out of the spinach to avoid soggy croquettes.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar, parmesan, or goat cheese.
For extra crispiness, double-dip in egg and breadcrumbs.