Fried Aged Cheese Croquettes with Garlic Aioli
Crisp fried croquettes filled with sharp aged cheese served with a creamy garlic aioli for dipping. This mediterranean-inspired snacks ready in about 30 minutes blends finely shredded aged cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, cold water into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz, finely shredded aged cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- for frying, about 4 cups vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cold water, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth to form a batter.
- Step 2: Fold in 8 oz finely shredded aged cheddar cheese until fully coated by the batter.
- Step 3: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F. Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the cheese batter into the hot oil, frying in batches.
- Step 4: Fry the croquettes for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crisp on the outside, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp paprika in a small bowl to make garlic aioli.
- Step 6: Serve the warm croquettes with the garlic aioli on the side for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Fried Aged Cheese Croquettes with Garlic Aioli take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Fried Aged Cheese Croquettes with Garlic Aioli?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Fried Aged Cheese Croquettes with Garlic Aioli?
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 Fried Aged Cheese Croquettes with Garlic Aioli for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Fried Aged Cheese Croquettes with Garlic Aioli?
Mediterranean 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.
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