Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small, shaped mass of minced cooked meat, fish, vegetables, or other ingredients, bound with a thick white sauce (such as béchamel), coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried until crisp.

Usage

• The word "croquette" is used to describe a specific type of prepared food item. It is a count noun (e.g., , ). It is typically served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The restaurant serves delicious potato croquettes as a side dish.
  • She made chicken croquettes from last night's leftovers.
  • We ordered a plate of cod croquettes to share.

Advanced Usage

• "Croquette" as a culinary term: In professional cooking, the term specifies a preparation method where a thick, cooled binding sauce (a ) is essential for shaping the mixture before breading and frying.
  • The chef's secret to perfect croquettes is a properly chilled béchamel base.

Variants and Related Words

• Croquette is the standard term. The preparation style is sometimes referred to as being "croquetted" in older cookbooks, but this is rare in modern usage.
• Related culinary terms: , , . Note: A often has a batter coating rather than breadcrumbs, and a is not necessarily bound with a thick sauce.

Synonyms

• Fried ball (descriptive, not a formal synonym).
• Fritter (a broader term for a fried, battered food item, which can be similar).

Related Phrases

• Salmon croquette: A common specific type made with salmon.
• Potato croquette: A common type where mashed potato is the primary ingredient, often without a meat filling.

Noun

1. minced cooked meats (or vegetables) in thick white sauce; breaded and deep-fried