Ingredients

For the Croquettes (Makes about 12-15 pieces):

• Sausages: 200 g (choose any variety you like—chicken, pork, or beef)
• Hard Cheese: 200 g (cheddar, gouda, or any meltable cheese)
• Flour: 4 tablespoons (without a heaping spoon)
• Sour Cream: 2 tablespoons
• Egg: 1 large

For the Coating:

• Flour: for dredging
• Egg: 1 large, beaten
• Breadcrumbs (flaky): for coating (homemade breadcrumbs work best for added texture)

Steps to Make Crispy Cheese and Sausage Croquettes

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Grate the Cheese: Start by grating the hard cheese into fine shreds. This will help it melt evenly inside the croquettes.
2. Chop the Sausages: Finely chop the sausages into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the better they will blend with the cheese and other ingredients, giving a more cohesive filling.
3. Combine the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped sausages, grated cheese, 4 tablespoons of flour, 2 tablespoons of sour cream, and 1 egg. Mix everything thoroughly until you achieve a sticky, dough-like consistency. The flour acts as a binder, ensuring the filling holds together during frying.

Step 2: Form the Croquettes

1. Shape the Croquettes: Using your hands, take small portions of the sausage and cheese mixture and shape them into oval or cylindrical croquettes, about the size of a golf ball. Make sure they are compact and evenly shaped to ensure they cook uniformly.
2. Chill the Croquettes: Place the shaped croquettes on a tray and refrigerate them for about 15-20 minutes. This step helps firm up the filling, making them easier to handle during the breading and frying process.

Step 3: Bread the Croquettes

1. Prepare the Coating Station: Set up three shallow bowls—one with flour, one with a beaten egg, and the last with breadcrumbs. If you’re using homemade breadcrumbs, make sure they are flaky for extra crispiness.
2. Coat the Croquettes: Remove the croquettes from the fridge. First, dredge each croquette in flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip them in the beaten egg, ensuring they are fully coated. Finally, roll them in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick.

Step 4: Fry the Croquettes

1. Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan, heat enough vegetable oil to deep-fry the croquettes. The oil should be heated to around 180°C (356°F). You can check if the oil is ready by dropping a small breadcrumb into the oil—if it sizzles and turns golden, the oil is ready for frying.
2. Fry the Croquettes: Carefully lower the breaded croquettes into the hot oil, frying them in batches. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy all over. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy croquettes.
3. Drain the Croquettes: Once fried, remove the croquettes from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the crispy sausage and cheese croquettes hot, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup, mustard, or even a spicy mayo. They make a great appetizer or snack!

Nutrition Facts (Per Croquette)

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 8 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg

These values are approximate and can vary depending on the type of sausage and cheese you use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, feel free to use any type of cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, gouda, or Swiss cheese. A combination of different cheeses can also add complexity to the flavor.

2. Can I bake the croquettes instead of frying them?

Yes, if you prefer a healthier alternative, you can bake the croquettes. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and place the breaded croquettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray or lightly brush them with oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

3. How can I make homemade breadcrumbs?

Homemade breadcrumbs are simple to make. Just take stale bread or toast fresh bread until dry and crisp. Place the bread in a food processor and pulse until you have coarse crumbs. You can season the breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, and herbs for extra flavor.

4. Can I make the croquettes in advance?

Yes, you can make the croquettes ahead of time and refrigerate them before frying. After shaping and breading them, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to fry, take them out and proceed with frying or baking.

5. Can I freeze the croquettes?

Yes, croquettes freeze well. After breading, place them on a tray and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen croquettes to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When ready to cook, fry them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the frying time.

Tips for Making Perfect Croquettes

1. Chill the Croquettes: Chilling the croquettes before frying helps them hold their shape better and makes the breading process easier.
2. Homemade Breadcrumbs: For the crispiest croquettes, try using homemade breadcrumbs. They have more texture and provide a better crunch than store-bought ones.
3. Even Frying: Make sure the oil is at the right temperature for frying—around 180°C (356°F). Too hot, and the croquettes will burn on the outside before cooking through; too cold, and they will absorb too much oil, becoming greasy.
4. Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with the filling. You can add finely chopped herbs, garlic, or even a bit of chili powder for a spicy kick.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover croquettes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
• Freezing: As mentioned earlier, the croquettes can be frozen before frying. Freeze them on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Fry or bake them directly from frozen.

Conclusion

Crispy Cheese and Sausage Croquettes are a fantastic snack that combines the savory goodness of sausages and cheese with a satisfying crunch from the breadcrumb coating. They are easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you choose to fry or bake them, these croquettes will always be a crowd-pleaser. So the next time you’re looking for a tasty appetizer or snack, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!