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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Croquette

A croquette is a small fried food item made from a seasoned filling such as meat, fish, vegetables, or potato, coated in breadcrumbs and typically deep-fried.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A croquette is a small fried food item made from a seasoned filling such as meat, fish, vegetables, or potato, coated in breadcrumbs and typically deep-fried. The dish originated in French cuisine and later spread widely, developing many regional variations, including croquetas and korokke. Croquettes are eaten worldwide as snacks, appetizers, or side dishes.

Definition and ingredients

Croquettes are small portions of food formed from a filling and a binder, then coated and fried. Definitions describe them as containing meat, fish, or vegetables, often with breadcrumbs and egg used in the outer coating. Common fillings include minced or finely chopped ingredients such as meat, seafood, cheese, rice, mushrooms, potatoes, and vegetables, bound together with sauce or another binder.

Origin and etymology

Croquettes are generally traced to French cuisine and entered English cookery in the 18th century. The name is linked to French words associated with crunching or crispness.

Regional variations

The basic idea has spread into many cuisines with local names and ingredients. Examples include croquetas in Spanish-speaking countries and korokke in Japan. Variations may use different fillings, shapes, or cooking methods while retaining the core concept of a breaded and fried filling.

Serving and use

Croquettes may be served as snacks, appetizers, side dishes, or fast food. They are also sometimes made from leftovers, particularly meat or potato mixtures. Sweet versions exist, using pastry cream or fruit-based fillings.

Key facts

  • Croquettes are typically made from minced or finely chopped ingredients bound together, breaded, and deep-fried.
  • Common fillings include meat, seafood, cheese, rice, mushrooms, potatoes, and vegetables.
  • Croquettes have many regional variations, such as Spanish croquetas and Japanese korokke.
  • Sweet versions exist with pastry cream or fruit fillings.
  • Croquettes are often made from leftover cooked foods.
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Canadian context

Croquettes are familiar to Canadian readers through French and international cuisine, and the term overlaps with common Canadian menu items in restaurants, cafés, and frozen food sections.

Frequently asked questions

What is a croquette?
A croquette is a small, breaded and fried food made from ingredients such as meat, fish, vegetables, or potato.
Where did croquettes come from?
Croquettes are generally described as originating in French cuisine, with later spread into many other food traditions.
What does a croquette usually contain?
Common fillings include minced meat, seafood, vegetables, cheese, rice, mushrooms, or mashed potato, often held together with sauce or another binder.
How are croquettes cooked?
They are usually coated in egg and breadcrumbs and deep-fried until crisp and golden.
Are there sweet croquettes?
Yes. Some versions use pastry cream or fruit fillings instead of savory ingredients.
What are some regional names for croquettes?
Spanish-speaking cuisines often use croquetas, and Japanese versions are commonly called korokke.

References

  1. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/croquette
    Supports: Definition as a small mass of minced meat, fish, or vegetables coated with egg and bread crumbs and deep-fried.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croquette
    Supports: Origin in French cuisine, ingredients, cooking method, worldwide spread, and regional variations.
  3. Vocabulary.com — https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/croquette
    Supports: French etymology and broad international variants.
  4. James Beard Foundation — https://www.jamesbeard.org/stories/eat-this-word-croquettes
    Supports: French culinary history, size and shape, breadcrumbs and frying, and common fillings.
  5. Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/croquette
    Supports: Definition as a small rounded mass of food coated in breadcrumbs and fried.
  6. Britannica Dictionary — https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/croquette
    Supports: Definition as a roll or ball of meat, fish, or vegetables covered with egg and bread crumbs and fried.