Name: Spinach and Cheese Croquettes – Crispy, Creamy, and Delicious
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 2 large potatoes, peeled and boiled; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped; 1/2 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix); 1/2 small onion, finely chopped; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup flour; 2 eggs, beaten; 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness); Oil for frying

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking for the perfect appetizer or snack that’s crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and packed with flavor, these Spinach and Cheese Croquettes are it! They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for parties, brunch, or even a cozy snack at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy and golden outside – Thanks to the perfect breading and frying technique.
Creamy and cheesy inside – Melted cheese and soft potatoes create a dreamy texture.
Great way to eat spinach – Even picky eaters will love these!
Perfect for any occasion – Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Potatoes
Fresh spinach
Cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or your favorite)
Onion
Garlic
Breadcrumbs
Eggs
Flour
Nutmeg
Salt and pepper
Oil for frying
Full list of ingredients with exact measurements is below.

Step-by-Step Directions

Cook and Mash the Potatoes

Peel and boil the potatoes until fork-tender. Drain and mash them until smooth, then let them cool slightly.

Sauté the Spinach and Aromatics

In a pan, heat a bit of oil and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.

Mix the Croquette Filling

Combine the mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach mixture, and shredded cheese in a bowl. Mix until well combined and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to firm up.

Shape and Coat the Croquettes

Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into logs or rounds. Dip each croquette in flour, then beaten egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs for that perfect crispy crust.

Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the croquettes in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serve and Enjoy!

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as garlic aioli, marinara, or a simple yogurt-based dip.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Chill the mixture before shaping – This makes it easier to handle and prevents them from falling apart.
Use panko breadcrumbs – For an extra crispy texture.
Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry in batches to keep them crispy.
Bake or air-fry for a healthier version – Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes or air-fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
Dairy-Free Version – Swap cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
Add extra veggies – Mix in finely grated carrots or zucchini for extra nutrients.
Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the mixture.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These croquettes pair perfectly with a fresh green salad, a light soup, or a dipping sauce like tzatziki, marinara, or honey mustard. Serve them as an appetizer for gatherings or a side dish with grilled meats or fish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze uncooked croquettes on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag for up to 1 month. Fry or bake straight from frozen.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or air-fry for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

FAQs

Can I make these croquettes ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare and coat them, then refrigerate until ready to fry.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Mozzarella for stretchiness, cheddar for sharpness, or a mix of both for balance.

Can I bake instead of frying?

Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, or air-fry at 375°F.

How do I prevent them from falling apart?

Make sure the mixture is well-chilled before shaping, and don’t skip the flour-egg-breadcrumb coating.

The Final Bite

These Spinach and Cheese Croquettes are the perfect combination of crispy, creamy, and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re making them for a party or a snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Try them out and let me know what you think!

Spinach and Cheese Croquettes – Crispy, Creamy, and Delicious

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These Spinach and Cheese Croquettes are the ultimate crispy, creamy snack or appetizer! With a golden, crunchy exterior and a cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth interior, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry them, these croquettes are guaranteed to be a hit.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Frying, Baking, Air-Frying
Cuisine: International
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Cook and Mash the Potatoes
Boil the potatoes until fork-tender, then mash until smooth. Let them cool slightly.
Sauté the Spinach and Aromatics
In a pan, heat a little oil and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Prepare the Croquette Mixture
Mix the mashed potatoes with the spinach mixture and shredded cheese. Stir until well combined, then refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to firm up.
Shape and Coat
Form the mixture into small logs or rounds. Dip each croquette into flour, then beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
Fry Until Golden
Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry croquettes in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Serve and Enjoy!
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Chill the mixture before shaping to prevent falling apart.
For a healthier version, bake at 400°F for 20 minutes or air-fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.