There’s something truly irresistible about these Chorizo, Cheese, and Potato Croquettes. The combination of smoky, crispy chorizo, creamy mashed potatoes, and gooey cheese creates the perfect bite, encased in a golden, crunchy breadcrumb crust. To elevate the flavors even further, a refreshing avocado aioli adds a creamy, tangy contrast that makes these croquettes absolutely addicting.
Perfect for any occasion, these croquettes can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even a hearty breakfast dish. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging in a flavorful treat, these crispy bites are guaranteed to impress. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead and fry fresh for maximum crunch!
Full Recipe:
- 4 Colombian chorizos, diced
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and ground pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups bread crumbs, divided
- 1 cup grated white cheese
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
- Canola or vegetable oil for frying
Avocado Aioli:
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt to taste
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 small avocado
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
Directions:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced chorizo for about 5 minutes until crispy.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, mix the cold mashed potatoes with milk, salt, pepper, 2 beaten eggs, cheese, and 1 cup of bread crumbs.
- Add the cooked chorizo mixture to the potato mixture and combine well.
- Shape the mixture into small balls.
- Dip each ball into the remaining beaten egg, then coat with the remaining bread crumbs.
- Heat about 2 to 3 inches of oil in a heavy pan over medium-high heat to 365°F (185°C).
- Fry the croquettes in batches, turning as needed, until golden brown, about 4 minutes per batch.
- Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- For the avocado aioli, blend all the aioli ingredients until smooth.
- Serve the croquettes hot with avocado aioli on the side.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Chorizo, Cheese, and Potato Croquettes with Avocado Aioli: A Delectable Dish to Savor
Chorizo, Cheese, and Potato Croquettes with Avocado Aioli is a delightful dish that beautifully blends savory flavors with creamy textures, making it a perfect addition to any appetizer spread or snack table. These croquettes bring together the smokiness of chorizo, the richness of melted cheese, and the comfort of mashed potatoes, all wrapped in a crispy golden crust. When paired with the cool, tangy avocado aioli, they become a taste sensation that’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings. Let’s explore this recipe’s background, its irresistible flavor profile, variations, and ideas for serving.
A Taste of Colombian Comfort Food
The chorizo croquette is a popular dish in many Latin American countries, with variations depending on regional ingredients and flavors. In Colombia, chorizo is a staple in many meals, often served alongside arepas, empanadas, or rice dishes. Colombian chorizo is typically seasoned with garlic, cumin, and vinegar, giving it a distinct smoky and slightly spicy flavor. This recipe uses that very chorizo to create a croquette that’s packed with flavor and texture.
Incorporating cheese and mashed potatoes into the croquettes takes this dish to another level, offering a satisfying and creamy filling that contrasts perfectly with the crunchy golden breadcrumb exterior. The richness of the mashed potatoes binds all the ingredients together, while the melted cheese creates pockets of gooey goodness inside each bite.
What Makes This Dish So Special?
The magic of these croquettes lies in their balance of flavors and textures. The crispy crust on the outside offers the perfect crunch when you take a bite, while the interior is creamy, cheesy, and full of savory chorizo. The addition of cumin, salt, and pepper enhances the flavors of the chorizo and potatoes, giving the croquettes a deep, satisfying taste.
However, what truly sets these croquettes apart is the avocado aioli. Traditionally, aioli is made with garlic, oil, and egg yolks, creating a creamy and rich sauce. In this recipe, the avocado is blended into the aioli, adding a smooth texture and a hint of freshness. The lime juice and cilantro elevate the flavors, providing a zesty, bright contrast to the richness of the croquettes. This dip is not only delicious but also gives the dish a modern twist.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Chorizo, Cheese, and Potato Croquettes with Avocado Aioli are versatile and can be served in a variety of settings. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a holiday feast, or simply craving a tasty snack, these croquettes are an excellent choice. They work well as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a light main course. Their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for finger food at gatherings, allowing guests to indulge without the need for utensils.
These croquettes are equally at home in casual settings, such as family dinners or a laid-back weekend snack, and more formal occasions, like holiday parties or special celebrations. The combination of crispy, golden croquettes and a creamy avocado dip is sure to impress anyone who tastes them. Whether you’re serving them at a barbecue, a birthday party, or a gathering of friends, they are bound to be a hit.
A Versatile Recipe with Endless Variations
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its flexibility. While the base ingredients of chorizo, cheese, and potatoes are a winning combination, you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For instance, you can substitute the chorizo for other types of sausage or even use a vegetarian version of chorizo to create a meat-free version of the dish.
If you prefer a different type of cheese, feel free to experiment with various cheeses. A sharp cheddar would add a nice tang, while mozzarella would contribute to a softer, gooey filling. You could even add a bit of spice with pepper jack cheese or incorporate herbs like oregano or thyme to enhance the flavor profile.
For those who are looking for a lighter version of this dish, you can swap out the mashed potatoes for sweet potatoes or cauliflower for a lower-carb alternative. The avocado aioli can also be modified by adding other ingredients, such as roasted garlic or smoked paprika, to create a dip that perfectly complements the croquettes.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
The beauty of these croquettes is that they are versatile enough to be served with a wide range of sides and beverages. You can serve them with a fresh salad, such as a citrusy arugula salad, or pair them with a simple tomato and avocado salsa. For a more substantial meal, consider serving them alongside grilled vegetables or a quinoa salad.
For drinks, these croquettes pair beautifully with a cold beer, particularly a light lager or a pilsner that won’t overpower the dish’s delicate flavors. If you’re serving them as part of a festive meal, consider pairing them with a glass of sangria or a mojito to complement the vibrant, zesty flavors of the avocado aioli. For a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing limeade or a sparkling water with a splash of lemon would be the perfect choice.
The Best Way to Prepare and Serve These Croquettes
While these croquettes can be prepared in advance, the key to achieving that crispy, golden crust is frying them just before serving. To make things easier, you can prepare the croquette mixture and shape the balls ahead of time, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to fry. This will ensure that the croquettes hold their shape and maintain a crispy exterior when cooked.
For frying, be sure to heat the oil to the right temperature—about 365°F (185°C)—so that the croquettes fry evenly and develop that perfect golden brown crust. If the oil is too hot, the croquettes will burn on the outside before cooking through, and if it’s too cold, they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy. A deep-frying thermometer can help ensure that your oil is at the ideal temperature.
Conclusion
Chorizo, Cheese, and Potato Croquettes with Avocado Aioli are a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the smokiness of chorizo, the creaminess of mashed potatoes, and the richness of melted cheese, all wrapped in a crispy golden crust. The addition of avocado aioli takes this dish to the next level, adding a creamy, tangy contrast that elevates the entire experience. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, these croquettes are sure to become a favorite at any gathering.
Their versatility allows for endless variations, so feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, sausage, or even alternative fillings to suit your taste. With their crispy exterior and creamy interior, paired with the refreshing avocado aioli, these croquettes will leave your guests craving more. Give them a try, and you’ll discover why they’re a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style.