Delicious Spinach and Cheese Croquettes Recipe
Spinach and cheese croquettes are the ultimate appetizer that everyone will love. These crispy golden bites are filled with creamy cheese and the fresh flavor of spinach, making them the perfect appetizer, snack, or side dish for parties, family gatherings, or even a cozy night in. In this recipe, you will learn how to make spinach and cheese croquettes from scratch with simple ingredients and easy steps.
Ingredients
- 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 a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chopped spinach until it wilts (about 2-3 minutes).
- Remove from heat, let it cool, and squeeze out any excess moisture.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked spinach, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, mashed potatoes, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the filling holds together.
Shape the Croquettes:
- Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into oval or cylindrical croquettes.
- Repeat until you've used all the filling.
Coat the Croquettes:
- Set up a coating station with three shallow bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for breadcrumbs.
- Roll each croquette in flour, dip it into the beaten eggs, and coat it evenly with breadcrumbs.
Chill the Croquettes:
- Place the coated croquettes on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This helps them hold their shape during frying.
Fry the Croquettes:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the croquettes in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your warm spinach and cheese croquettes with a dipping sauce like marinara, garlic aioli, or spicy mayo.
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.