These Bacon & Cheese Croquettes are dangerously snackable. Pub-style, party-perfect, and absolutely worth it.
🧀🥓 Bacon & Cheese Croquettes (Ultra-Crispy)
What makes these elite
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Creamy béchamel-style center (no dry mashed potato vibes)
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Real bacon flavor in every bite
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Crunchy golden crust that stays crisp
Ingredients (makes ~20 croquettes)
Filling
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6 slices bacon, finely chopped
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2 tbsp butter
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¼ cup all-purpose flour
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1 cup whole milk, warm
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¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar
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½ cup shredded mozzarella (for melt)
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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Pinch smoked paprika or nutmeg (chef move)
Breading
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½ cup flour
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2 eggs, beaten
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1 cup breadcrumbs (panko = extra crunch)
For frying
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Neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
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Cook the bacon
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Fry bacon until crisp
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Remove bacon, leave 2 tbsp fat in pan
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Make the filling
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Add butter to bacon fat
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Stir in flour, cook 1–2 min (no color)
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Slowly whisk in warm milk until thick and smooth
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Remove from heat, stir in cheeses + bacon
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Season well (it should taste slightly salty)
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Chill
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Spread mixture in a shallow dish
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Chill at least 2 hours (overnight = easiest)
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Shape
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Roll into logs or balls (about 1½ tbsp each)
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Bread
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Roll in flour → egg → breadcrumbs
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For extra crunch, repeat egg + crumbs
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Fry
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Heat oil to 350°F / 175°C
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Fry in batches 2–3 min until deep golden
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Drain on paper towels, salt lightly
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Pro Tips
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If filling is too soft to shape → freeze 15 min
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Smoked cheddar or gouda = next-level
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Add chopped chives or green onion for balance
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Air fryer: spray generously, 390°F / 200°C, 8–10 min, flip once
Killer Variations
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Jalapeño Bacon Cheddar 🌶️
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Blue Cheese + Bacon (luxury bar snack)
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Ham & Swiss (croquette cousin)
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Mac-and-Cheese Style (add cooked pasta bits)
Serve with:
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Garlic aioli
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Honey mustard
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Spicy ketchup
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Chipotle mayo
If this is for a party, freezer prep, or you want a potato-based version instead, say the word 😏