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The Best Crispy Cheese Croquettes (Gooey & Golden)

Satisfy your cravings with these amazing Crispy Cheese Croquettes! Featuring a gooey, melty mozzarella center and a perfectly golden crust, they are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you are hosting a sophisticated dinner party, looking for the perfect addition to a spread of irish appetizers, or just needing a late-night savory snack, these irresistible cheese bites will have everyone reaching for seconds.
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Course: Appetizer, Snack, Starter
Cuisine: Belgian, French, Irish
Keyword: cheese balls, Crispy Cheese Croquettes, fried cheese, irish appetizers, mozzarella croquettes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 croquettes
Calories: 145kcal

Ingredients 

Cheese Filling

  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese grated
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Breading & Frying

  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup fine breadcrumbs or panko
  • vegetable oil for frying
  • flaky sea salt to taste

Instructions

  • Melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour until completely combined into a crumbly paste.
  • Stir the milk, egg yolks, grated mozzarella cheese, and salt into the saucepan. Cook while stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
  • Transfer the gooey cheese mixture into a dish or bowl, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours (or overnight) until firm.
  • Scoop and shape the chilled cheese mixture into small croquette balls using your hands, allowing about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons per ball to yield approximately 12 croquettes.
  • Whisk the remaining egg and milk together in a small bowl. Place the flour and fine breadcrumbs into two separate shallow bowls to form an assembly line for breading.
  • Heat approximately 3 to 4 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until ready for frying.
  • Dredge each cheese ball first in the flour, dip thoroughly into the egg wash, and finally coat evenly with the breadcrumbs.
  • Deep fry the breaded croquettes in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes until perfectly golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • Transfer the fried cheese balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt, and serve warm.

Equipment

  • Heavy Saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Slotted spoon

Notes

For a lighter cooking method, you can easily air fry these breaded croquettes at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes instead of deep frying. They pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like garlic aioli, honey mustard, or a sweet berry balsamic reduction.

Nutrition

Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 240mg | Potassium: 55mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 250IU | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 0.8mg