Crisp Cheese Coxinha Croquettes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Brazilian-style fried dough croquettes filled with creamy cheese, perfect as a savory snack or appetizer. This brazilian-inspired snacks ready in about 45 minutes turns chicken broth, all-purpose flour, unsalted butter into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 12, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 12 Brazilian cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large saucepan, bring 2 cups chicken broth, 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to a boil over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and add 2 cups all-purpose flour all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides, about 3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the dough to a bowl and let cool for 10 minutes. Stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup cream cheese until evenly combined.
  4. Step 4: With floured hands (using 1/4 cup flour), shape the dough into small oval croquettes about 3 inches long.
  5. Step 5: Dip each croquette into 2 beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with 2 cups breadcrumbs.
  6. Step 6: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Fry the croquettes in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crisp Cheese Coxinha Croquettes take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crisp Cheese Coxinha Croquettes?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crisp Cheese Coxinha Croquettes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crisp Cheese Coxinha Croquettes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Crisp Cheese Coxinha Croquettes?

Brazilian snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.