Tirokroketes (Greek Cheese Croquettes)

🧂 Ingredients

• 200 g Feta cheese(Crumbled. Use a good quality, firm feta for best results.)
• 100 g Cream cheese(Full-fat, softened at room temperature for easier mixing.)
• 1/2 cup All-purpose flour(For dredging.)
• 2 Large eggs(For the egg wash.)
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs(Panko provides superior crispiness compared to regular breadcrumbs.)
• for drizzling Honey(A good quality, mild honey is recommended.)
• 2 tbsp Sesame seeds(Optional, but adds a nice nutty flavor and visual appeal when mixed with breadcrumbs.)
• 4-6 cups Vegetable oil or other neutral high-heat oil(For deep frying. Enough to reach a depth of at least 3 inches in your pot.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese and softened cream cheese. Mash and mix thoroughly with a fork or your hands until well combined and relatively smooth. The mixture should hold together.

   ⏱️ 10 minutes
2. 2

   Shape the croquettes: Take about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture at a time and roll it between your palms to form small balls, approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Place the formed balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

   ⏱️ 10 minutes
3. 3

   Chill the cheese balls: Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1.5 hours, or until the cheese balls are firm. This step is crucial to prevent them from falling apart during frying.

   ⏱️ 1.5 hours (minimum)
4. 4

   Set up the dredging station: Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first, place the flour. In the second, whisk the eggs until smooth. In the third, combine the panko breadcrumbs and sesame seeds (if using).

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
5. 5

   Coat the croquettes: Working with a few chilled cheese balls at a time, first dredge them lightly in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip them into the whisked egg, ensuring they are fully coated. Finally, roll them in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs. Place the coated croquettes back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.

   ⏱️ 15 minutes
6. 6

   Heat the oil: Pour the vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to a depth of at least 3 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 175°C (350°F). Use a thermometer to ensure accuracy. If you don't have a thermometer, a small piece of bread dropped into the oil should sizzle immediately and turn golden brown in about 30 seconds.

   ⏱️ 10-15 minutes
7. 7

   Fry the croquettes: Carefully lower 4-5 croquettes at a time into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or spider strainer. Do not overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy croquettes. Fry for 2-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are a deep golden brown and crispy. They cook quickly!

   ⏱️ 2-4 minutes per batch
8. 8

   Drain and serve: Remove the fried croquettes from the oil with the slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining croquettes, ensuring the oil returns to 175°C (350°F) between batches.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
9. 9

   Finish and serve: Arrange the hot, crispy tirokroketes on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with honey just before serving. Serve immediately while they are warm and the cheese is slightly melty.

   ⏱️ 2 minutes

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓For the best texture, use full-fat cream cheese and a firm, good-quality feta.
• ✓Ensuring the cheese balls are well-chilled is critical for them to hold their shape during the frying process.
• ✓Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crispier coating than regular breadcrumbs.
• ✓Do not overcrowd the frying pot; fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature.
• ✓The combination of salty feta and sweet honey is a classic Greek pairing. Adjust the amount of honey to your preference.

🔄 Variations

• Add finely chopped toasted walnuts to the cheese mixture for added texture and flavor.
• Experiment with other Greek cheeses like graviera or kefalotyri, mixed with feta, for a different flavor profile.
• Incorporate a pinch of dried oregano or mint into the cheese mixture for an herbaceous note.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving