Description
These crispy, golden Spinach and Cheese Croquettes are packed with creamy cheese and flavorful spinach, making them a delicious appetizer or snack. With a crunchy exterior and a gooey, cheesy center, they’re perfect for dipping and sharing. Serve them at parties, as a side dish, or enjoy them as a tasty vegetarian treat!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Croquettes:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup mashed potatoes (or 1/2 cup ricotta cheese for a creamier texture)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
For Breading:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
For Frying:
- Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
Cook the Spinach
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Let cool slightly.
Mix the Croquette Filling
- In a bowl, combine the mashed potatoes (or ricotta), mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and the cooked spinach mixture. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
Shape the Croquettes
- Take about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into small oval or round croquettes. Place on a tray and refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up.
Coat the Croquettes
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Roll each croquette in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
Fry Until Crispy
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the croquettes in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot with a side of marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or a simple yogurt dip.
Notes
- For a baked version, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- To air-fry, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croquette
- Calories: ~120 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg