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CHEESE CROQUETTES WITH VELVETY HONEY–LEMON SAUCE

Crispy, golden cheese croquettes with rich graviera flavor, paired with a refreshing honey-lemon sauce that balances creaminess and tang, a refined yet simple appetizer for any occasion.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chill Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 15 croquettes
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Croquettes:
  • 200 g aged graviera cheese, grated
  • 100 g boiled potatoes, mashed
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp sweet paprika
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 tbsp breadcrumbs or panko for extra crispness
  • Olive oil or sunflower oil, for frying
For Breading:
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups breadcrumbs or panko
For the Honey–Lemon Sauce:
  • 4 tbsp quality mayonnaise
  • 1½ tbsp Greek strained yogurt
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp blossom honey
  • 1 pinch sweet paprika
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1-2 tsp water (optional, for smoother texture)

Equipment

  • 2 medium bowls
  • Frying pan or deep fryer
  • Slotted spoon
  • Whisk
  • Paper towels

Method
 

Croquettes:
  1. In a bowl, combine graviera, mashed potatoes, egg, mustard, paprika, nutmeg, and pepper.
  2. Add the flour and breadcrumbs; mix until a firm, moldable dough forms.
  3. Shape into small balls (≈3 cm diameter).
  4. Dredge each ball in flour → egg → breadcrumbs, coating evenly.
  5. Chill for 30 minutes to firm up.
  6. Fry in 170°C (340°F) oil for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
  7. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
Honey–Lemon Sauce:
  1. In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, yogurt, and garlic until smooth.
  2. Add lemon juice, honey, paprika, and salt; mix until creamy.
  3. If desired, add 1–2 tsp water for a silkier texture.
  4. Taste and adjust with more lemon or honey.
Serving:
  1. Serve the croquettes warm with the sauce on the side.
  2. For a gourmet finish, sprinkle with fleur de sel, fresh pepper, and drizzle a drop of olive oil over the sauce before serving.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, use graviera without animal rennet.
  • Croquettes can be shaped ahead and refrigerated up to 1 day before frying.
  • Serve immediately for the best crispness.
  • Calories calculated per 150 g serving (≈3 croquettes + sauce).