Croquette Recipes: Salmon, Chicken, Potato & Japanese Variations

Discover the joy of making croquettes at home — from classic potato to salmon, chicken, and Japanese variations. Perfect as snacks, appetizers, or even a main course.

What Are Croquettes?

Croquettes are small, breaded, and fried rolls filled with ingredients like mashed potatoes, meat, fish, or vegetables. Crispy on the outside and creamy inside, they are a beloved comfort food in many cultures. Croquettes can be baked or fried and adapted to countless flavors.

Croquette meaning: The word “croquette” comes from French croquer, meaning “to crunch,” referring to the crispy coating.

Most Asked Croquette Questions

How to make salmon croquettes?

Mix cooked salmon with mashed potatoes, herbs, and seasonings. Shape into small cylinders or balls, coat in breadcrumbs, and fry until golden. Serve hot for a delicious appetizer or main dish.

How to cook salmon croquettes? Pan-fry in oil until golden brown on all sides, or bake in the oven for a healthier option. Ensure the inside is heated through without overcooking.

What about Croquettes in American Kitchens?

Croquettes traveled to the U.S. through European immigrants—Spanish, French, and Dutch families all brought their own versions. Cuban croquettes, especially ham-filled ones, became staples in Miami bakeries and beyond.

Today, croquettes show up in weeknight dinners, as party appetizers, or even as creative leftover makeovers (mashed potatoes, rotisserie chicken, or Thanksgiving turkey all work). They’re the definition of a crowd-pleaser: crispy, comforting, and endlessly flexible.

Can I use chicken or ham? Yes! Try chicken, ham, tuna, turkey, or crab croquettes.

Are Japanese croquettes different? Yes, Japanese croquettes (korokke) often use mashed potatoes and ground meat, lightly fried with panko breadcrumbs.

Croquettes are trending because of their perfect balance of crispy exterior and creamy interior, making them irresistible finger foods for parties and family meals. Their versatility and global variations keep home cooks experimenting and sharing their favorite twists online.

Salmon Croquettes – Perfect for a light, flavorful meal.
Chicken Croquettes – Crispy and savory, great for kids.
Potato Croquette – Creamy mashed potatoes, simple yet delicious.
Ham Croquettes – Classic Spanish-inspired snack.
Tuna Croquettes – Easy to make and packed with flavor.
Japanese Croquette (Korokke) – Crunchy outside, soft inside, a Japanese comfort food.
Crab Croquettes – Elegant appetizer with rich seafood flavor.
Turkey Croquettes – A lighter twist for festive meals.

Did You Know…?

Croquettes have been enjoyed since the 18th century in France and became popular worldwide. The crispy coating makes them perfect finger food, while the creamy center allows endless flavor variations.