Pan-Fried Manchego and Spinach Croquettes with Aioli
Golden, crispy croquettes filled with creamy Manchego cheese and sautéed spinach, served with a zesty garlic aioli. This spanish-inspired snacks ready in about 40 minutes blends Manchego cheese, grated, fresh spinach leaves, chopped, unsalted butter 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 320 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
- 1 cup Manchego cheese, grated
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg, ground
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium skillet, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 cup chopped fresh spinach leaves and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Stir in 1/3 cup all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Step 2: Slowly whisk in 1 cup whole milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup grated Manchego cheese, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly and let cool for 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Shape the mixture into 16 small oval croquettes (about 2 inches each). Dip each croquette into 2 beaten large eggs, then coat evenly with 1 cup panko breadcrumbs.
- Step 4: Heat 1 cup vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat until shimmering (about 350°F). Fry the croquettes in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 5: For the aioli, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 1 minced garlic clove and 1 tbsp lemon juice until smooth. Serve the croquettes warm with a side of aioli, sprinkled with 1/4 tsp smoked paprika for garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Manchego and Spinach Croquettes with Aioli take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (25 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 Pan-Fried Manchego and Spinach Croquettes with 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 Pan-Fried Manchego and Spinach Croquettes with 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 Pan-Fried Manchego and Spinach Croquettes with 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 Pan-Fried Manchego and Spinach Croquettes with Aioli?
Spanish 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.
