Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of Queso Castellano cheese, grated
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the grated Queso Castellano cheese and crumbled bacon.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown.
3. Gradually add the milk to the saucepan, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add the salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and paprika. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the mixture over the cheese and bacon mixture. Stir until well combined.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture is firm.
6. Preheat the deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot with vegetable oil to 350°F.
7. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, form the cheese and bacon mixture into small balls or croquettes.
8. In a shallow dish, beat the egg. In another shallow dish, add the breadcrumbs.
9. Dip each croquette into the beaten egg, then roll in the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
10. Fry the croquettes in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the croquettes from the oil and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
11. Serve the Queso Castellano and Bacon Croquettes hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Cooking time: 6-8 minutes
Temperature:
Oil temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
Makes about 20 croquettes
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Total fat: 8g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 170mg
Total carbohydrates: 6g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Queso Castellano cheese can be substituted with any hard cheese such as Parmesan or Cheddar.
- Bacon can be substituted with ham or prosciutto.
- Whole milk can be substituted with low-fat milk or almond milk.
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with gluten-free flour.
Variations:
- Add chopped jalapeños or green chilies for a spicy kick.
- Substitute the bacon with cooked chorizo for a Spanish twist.
- Add chopped herbs such as parsley or cilantro for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cheese and bacon mixture is well chilled before forming into croquettes to avoid them falling apart during frying.
- Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form the croquettes for uniform size.
- Fry the croquettes in small batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer or pot.
Storage instructions:
- Store the Queso Castellano and Bacon Croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the croquettes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the croquettes on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces such as aioli, salsa, or honey mustard.
- Garnish with chopped herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for extra color and flavor.
Pairings:
- Serve the Queso Castellano and Bacon Croquettes as an appetizer with a glass of Spanish red wine such as Tempranillo or Garnacha.
Suggested side dishes:
- Spanish-style potato salad
- Grilled vegetables
- Tomato and cucumber salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the croquettes fall apart during frying, the cheese and bacon mixture may not be well chilled. Refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes before forming into croquettes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the oil is heated to the correct temperature to avoid undercooked or overcooked croquettes.
- Use caution when frying to avoid burns from hot oil.
Food history:
- Croquettes originated in France in the 19th century and were traditionally made with leftover meat or fish mixed with béchamel sauce and coated in breadcrumbs before frying.
Flavor profiles:
- The Queso Castellano and Bacon Croquettes have a rich and savory flavor from the cheese and bacon, with a hint of spice from the cayenne pepper and paprika.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the croquettes as an appetizer or snack at a party or gathering.
- Pair with a salad or side dish for a light lunch or dinner.
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Region: Spanish