Cornmeal, Cheese and Sausage Croquettes

🍽️ Delicious Cornmeal Croquettes with Cheese and Sausage – A Flavorful Delight for Any Occasion

These cornmeal croquettes, filled with spicy sausage and gooey cheese, offer a delightful mix of irresistible flavors. Perfect for snacks, appetizers, or a savory treat at any gathering, these croquettes are bound to impress!

🧾 Ingredients

• 1 drizzle of olive oil
• 2 cups (500g) spicy sausage (sausages without casing, finely chopped)
• 1 cup (150g) chopped onion
• 1 tbsp chopped garlic
• 1 chicken bouillon cube dissolved in 2 ½ cups (600ml) of boiling milk
• 1 tsp salt
• Black pepper and chopped fresh parsley to taste
• ¼ cup (40g) instant cornmeal (fubá)
• 1 cup (150g) all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 350g grated mozzarella cheese
• Bread crumbs for coating
• 3 beaten eggs for coating

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Sausage Mixture:
   In a medium saucepan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the spicy sausage, chopped onion, and garlic. Sauté for about 10 minutes until the sausage is browned and the onions are soft.
2. Create the Base:
   Add the chicken bouillon dissolved in hot milk, salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley to the sausage mixture. Stir everything together and cook for 2 more minutes.
3. Incorporate the Cornmeal and Flour:
   Add the instant cornmeal and all-purpose flour to the pan, stirring continuously until the mixture begins to come away from the sides of the pan (about 1 minute). Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool.
4. Add the Final Ingredients:
   Once the mixture has cooled, add 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and the grated mozzarella cheese. Stir everything well until fully incorporated.
5. Shape the Croquettes:
   Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into croquette shapes using your hands. Continue this process until all the mixture has been shaped.
6. Coat the Croquettes:
   Dip each croquette first into bread crumbs, then into the beaten eggs, back into the bread crumbs, and repeat the process for an extra crunchy coating.
7. Fry and Serve:
   Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the croquettes in hot oil until golden and crispy. Once done, place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
8. Serve:
   Serve the croquettes hot, ideally paired with your favorite dipping sauce or as part of a meal.

💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Croquettes:

• Customizing Flavors: You can experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar or a blend of cheeses for unique flavors.
• Spicy Kick: Adjust the level of spice by choosing a milder or spicier sausage, or by adding extra chili flakes.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the croquettes in advance, freeze them before frying, and fry when ready to serve.

✅ Why You’ll Love These Cornmeal Croquettes:

These cornmeal croquettes offer a crunchy, golden exterior and a warm, cheesy, and savory filling that everyone will love. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, a family gathering, or just a quick snack, they are guaranteed to be a hit. The combination of sausage and cheese delivers a comforting flavor, while the cornmeal gives the croquettes a perfect texture. Plus, these croquettes are easy to make and customizable to your taste!

📌 Remember to save this recipe for your next event or as a go-to snack option!